April 17, 1945
April 17, 1945
2022

Founded by Helen Bundschu, Natalie Wallace, Mary Bostian and Amie Hatten, under the advisorship of Margaret Woodson. Annual dues were $3.00, $3.50 and $5.00, depending on your membership status. (Natalie Wallace (right) with members of the Wallace family, outside the family home.)

1946
2022

Hosted first fundraiser by selling 5000 tickets at $.35 each to bring Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra to Independence School District children.

1955
2022

Purchased first Clubhouse at 211 S. Pearl Independence, MO 64050.

1959
1959
2022

Organized 1859 Historical Jail sit-in to stop the proposed demolishment of the historical building. President Harry S. Truman on the phone to Joyce “J.C.” Hall who pledged the first $1,000 for the kick off the campaign for the restoration of the 1859 Jail Museum in Independence. Also shown are Phil K. Weeks, Mrs. Fred W. Hinks, and C. Phil Davis.

1957
Building a Legacy
2022

Establish an educational program for 4th Graders to tour the library, which was in place for 30 years. Members also produced a booklet titled “The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Historic Independence”, created to enhance the value of visits to the library and city of Independence.

1958
2022

Purchased a new Clubhouse at 3122 S Crysler Independence, MO 64052.

1963
2022

Funded the creation of Parents as Teachers in Independence.

1967-1968
2022

Sold first JSL cook books as a fundraiser and net proceeds in the second year raised $1300.

1968-1973
2022

Hosted Spook House Fundraisers with the inaugural year raising over $3,500.

1975
2022

Funded CAPA with a $10,000 grant for a professional director and provided organization volunteers.

1975-1976
2022

Hosted Bicentennial Ball at the Truman Presidential Library.

1973
2022

Published inaugural edition of “If you Can’t Stand the Heat, Get out the Kitchen” JSL cookbook.

1979
2022

Contributed $10,000 to the Bingham-Waggoner fund, a gift that helped with the purchase and preservation of the estate.

1983
2022

Published Truman Centennial edition of “If you Can’t Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Kitchen” cook book.

1983
2022

Financially supported the establishment of Hope House and volunteered as the original Hope House Hotline for a year.

1986
2022

Donated $6,000 to CAPA for operational funds.

1990
2022

Hosted the dedication and unveiling reception for the Pioneer Woman Statue.

1990
2022

Recognized former Mayor Barbara Potts for outstanding service to the community and granted her an honorary JSL membership.

1990
2022

Presented first Bess Wallace Truman Award to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

1994
2022

Established Frances Hink Endowment Fund in honor of charter member Frances Hink.

1995
1995
2022

Celebrated JSL’s 50th anniversary with a major contribution to the restoration of the Truman Depot.

1993
2022

Debuted “The Bess Collection” cook book.

1999
2022

Debuted “If You Can’t Stand the Heat, Get out the Kitchen” cook book, Vol II.

2000
2022

Established Bess Wallace Truman $1,000 Scholarship. Increased award to $2,000 in 2002 with an annual renewal of $1,000 for three additional years.

2005
2022

Celebrated JSL’s 60 Years with a celebration at the JSL Clubhouse.

2008
2022

Established Marjorie Martin Trust Fund with $200,000 donation from charter member Marjorie Martin.

2010
2022

Established Mary Mildred DeWitt Community Preservation Patch for Girls Scouts of America.

2013
2022

Hosted a “Take Defense” class for young women at the Independence Event Center.

2017
2022

Hosted inaugural Bingo, Brunch and Bubbly fundraiser, raising over $50,000 for the Community Trust Fund since it’s creation.

2020
2022

Celebrated 75 Years of Service to our community by raising $25,000 for the Truman Library Exhibit Renovation.

2006
2022

Executed a $250,000 club house renovation

2005
2022

Recognized by Truman Heartland Community Trust Foundation as Humanitarian of the Year