Pekin Community Betterment Organization

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The following information is documentation taken from "The History of Pekin, Indiana published 1959. Written by the American legion Pekin Post 203 (Pekin, IN) History Committee 

 “The Pekin Community Betterment Organization was organized October 2, 1952. Prior to this date Purdue University and Monon Railroad had organized a Washington County Betterment Council, of which all organizations in the county were asked to become members and of which Glen Sifers was elected director. 

On September 18, Glen Sifers was invited to the regular meeting of Pekin Post 203 American Legion to talk about this organization. So much interest was shown that the entire meeting was given to discussing it and it was decided to call another meeting and invite all organizations in Pekin. At this meeting, held in the Legion Building on October 2, representatives from 20 organizations, clubs, and business concerns were present. Glen Sifers was elected temporary chairman and Herschel Baker as temporary secretary. 

Right from the first this organization was interested in community betterment. An expression of views and opinions were called for at this meeting. Foremost of problems seemed to be better recreation facilities for the children, an adequate water supply for Pekin, improvement of the school buildings, better fire protection and getting another doctor to assist Dr. W.L. Green.

At the next meeting on October 20, Glen Sifers was elected president, Will Ferguson vice president, and Herschel Baker, secretary/treasurer. These officers continued until 1954. 

In March of 1954 it was decided that Gills Grove should be bought for a community picnic and a playground. To own property, it was decided to incorporate. At the meetings of April 19th and 22ndthe reorganization was done and on May 20th incorporated as The Pekin Community Betterment Organization, inc. Jesse O. Hottel was elected president, Glen Sifers vice-president, Mrs. Scobee Fulk secretary, Murray Cauble treasurer, William Ferguson, George Fisher, Forrest Gray, Irvin Naugle and Ray Phillips directors. 

July 4th 1954, the organization asked for funds to buy Gills Grove and almost $3,300 was donated. October 22 the grove was deeded to them. The year of 1955 saw many changes made. Gills Grove was transformed from a grove to a community park and community center with a roadway around it, a 60x30 shelter house, a Memorial Band Speaker stand, a large play court, children’s playground, a softball diamond, a flag pole and a nice rose garden. Each year has seen additions to the park and in 1957 more than 60 gatherings were held in the shelter house and park. 

In addition to the park project PCBO, Inc. has been active in trying to get improvements in the school, especially a school building, and in trying to get a better water supply. 

The 1957-1958 directors were Jesse Hottel, President; George Fisher, vice-president; Mrs. Elna Campbell, secretary; Will Ferguson, treasurer; Kenneth Dennis, Forrest Gray, LEXIE Mills, Irvan Naugle, Mrs. Marjorie Ann Souder. In the 1959-60 directors, George Fisher, and Elna Campbell, have been succeeded by Elmer Martin and Theodore Chastain.” 

Since its inception, the PCBO has continued its mission for decades, with generations of families volunteering their time and raising funds to improve the community of Pekin. Recent improvements include free Wi-Fi access at the community park, a vibrant mural on the shelter house celebrating our history, and the continued tradition of hosting the Oldest Consecutive 4th of July Celebration in the Nation. 

Our predecessors may not have known what Wi-Fi is or how it would one day improve our community, but they laid the groundwork for the projects we are able to complete today. We appreciate their hard work and are committed to continuing the legacy of the PCBO for future generations.