In May 1950, 11 women who had enjoyed membership in the Association of Junior Leagues of America and who saw possibilities for a similar service organization within Calgary formed the Junior Service League. The desire to provide service to Calgary was a shared goal as 108 members attended the first Annual Meeting of the Junior Service League.  The commitment has remained strong as the Junior League of Calgary has celebrated 75 years of commitment to Calgary and the community.

Today, the JLC is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, an organization of more than 125,000 women in 298 Junior Leagues in Canada, Mexico, Kenya, the United Kingdom and the United States. These 298 Leagues and their members make a difference in their communities though their volunteer efforts.

JLC in the 1950s

In 1950 the City of Calgary, population of 127,001 celebrated 75 years since its founding. At this time, it wasn’t really a volunteer city, but that was about to change.

In May 1950, 11 women who had been members of the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA the precursor to AJLI) saw the opportunity to establish and promote volunteer service in Calgary and the Junior Service League was born. This decade saw growth, development and expansion of the League. The Next-to-New Thrift Shop, staffed and supported by members, was established to raise funds and the first House was purchased in 1951. This same year saw the first Stampede Stir-Up Cabaret on July 7 – the first biennial community and fundraising tradition that was retired in 1993. The mid-1950s focused on concerted efforts to qualify for AJLA membership with several visits from their representatives to prove we were dependable volunteers. Meanwhile, members operated the successful Thrift Shop and volunteered in the community focusing on serving the arts, welfare and education.

In 1956 only six years after inception and following countless hours to develop our constitution, policies and practices we were accepted as a member of AJLA – the Junior League of Calgary was born! During these early years, members worked concurrently to build an understanding of community needs and to acquaint Calgary with the Junior League. By the end of the decade focus shifted to involvement in cultural activities.