Much has been said about the early days of Jaycees. Names such as Henry Giessenbier, Jr., Andrew Mungenast and John Armbruster are justly credited for the bold initiatives that started the Jaycees movement. Still, had it not been for one other man in particular, Jaycees would still be a dance club, if anything.

During the 1920s, young men had little credibility because of their inexperience in the business world and in social circles. There were virtually no organizations for young adults when Henry "Hy" Giessenbier originated his idea of an organization for young men.

With these difficulties facing "Hy" and his small group, it was important to have someone to provide a sustaining force to keep their idea alive and growing.

Clarence "Daddy" Howard was an imposing figure in St. Louis. He discouraged smoking, drinking and gambling and he had stern concepts of Americanism and morality.

Clarence H. "Daddy" Howard was a man of vision, principle and firm resolve. Like any father, he spent considerable time, money and influence to ensure that the young organization "under his wing" would get a firm footing to stand and face society with its challenge, "Young men can change the world!"

Howard renowned industrialist, was the owner and president of Commonwealth Steel in St. Louis Missouri. The company fabricated major equipment vital to the rail industry of the day. Significantly, the company was sold for approximately $35 million in the depression era of 1930.

Howard was a visionary who was deeply motivated by the betterment of ambitious young people. He fostered and supported generously the concept and the organization of private, religious higher education: the Boy Scouts of America and the forerunner of today's Jaycees. Howard's primary adopted cause was the Boy Scout movement, which he showered with several hundred thousand dollars and devoted attention

Howard visualized a natural progression for America's future leaders and citizens from the Boy Scouts through the Jaycees to the Chamber of Commerce. No official alliance ever materialized between the Boy Scouts and the jaycees.

There were three major influences that made Clarence Howard the man he was. His background as a Christian Scientist, together with wise advise form his mother, helped to shape his life and directions. One incident in particular is viewed as the major turning point in Howard's life, and the one that shaped his penchant for youth.

While working as a fourteen-year-old apprentice in the railroad yards in North Platte Nebraska, Howard asked an older employee to explain how one of the big engines worked.

The man's reply was, "Kid, it cost me a lot of money to learn that. If you pay me, I will tell you all about it. But, no pay - no information.

This incident became ingrained in howard's conscience and sense of fair play. It lit the fuse of his deep-seated commitment to one day provide on-the-job training for ambitious young men. That resolve never waned.

Howard also had a strong paternalistic streak that carried over into most of his activities.

Howard's 1916 inaugural address as the president of the Business Men's League of St. Louis highlighted the need for a young men's group. After these comments, Giessenbier and Mungenast told Howard about their group and its goals. Howard readily offered his assistance.

During this critical early period, Howard was continually involved. He offered the auditorium on his home grounds for a meeting place; arranged for the beautiful David R. Francis masion and the Memorial Art Museum for headquarters; and generally exerted favorable influence on behalf of the bold, new organization and its leaders.

His extensive philanthropies and capable leadership of Commonwealth Steel had earned him the position of director for the national Chamber of Commerce. It was a position he would use on behalf of the young men's group. This lead to the eventual name change of the fledgling organization to The United States Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Because of the difficulties in securing funding to support the organization, Andrew Mungenast, in his role as secretary of the group, would often approach Howard for assistance.

Clarence H. "Daddy" Howard being the individual he was, was always willing to help out. frequently, he would purchase a full-page advertisement in the organization's first publication, entitled Expansion. However, instead of touting his own company, Howard would often use the space for messages about the benefits of virtuous living. He seemingly always was just around the corner as the spritual and financial "angel" of the movement.

"Daddy" Howard's generosity, sense of fair play and strong conviction to live by the "Golden Rule" led to his development and implementation of "the Fellowship Plan" - a progressive set of fair employment practices he established for Commonwealth Steel.

Mrs. Minne Morey Howard saw the passing of her husband of some 47 years in 1931, when he was 68 year sold. His "paternity" extended beyond his family. It survived him in several organizations that today are dedicated as he was to the development of young people.

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