Since 1914, The Junior League of St. Louis (JLSL) has been improving the metropolitan area with long-lasting, innovative projects. Our focus is strengthening our families, with the following areas of concentration:

• Protecting and empowering our children
• Women's health and well-being

1910s: JLSL was founded under the guidance of Mrs. Harry January, the "Grandmother of the Junior League." First projects included the Occupational Therapy Project (OTP), hot lunch program for school children and the suffrage movement.

1920s: JLSL moved into the first official Clubrooms in the Central West End, sold handmade items from the OTP in the Open Door Shop, published the first TOPICS magazine and produced the first "Follies" fundraiser.

1930s: JLSL welcomed the first professional members, formed the Children's Theatre Group, raised funds with 85 cent lunches in the Clubrooms and created the Service Bureau.

1940s: JLSL actively supported war efforts with 350+ League members active in the Red Cross overseas and at home. The Hospitality Committee extended courtesies to soldiers transferring in and out of St. Louis, and JLSL members sold more than $2 million in war bonds.

1950s: JLSL presented educational luncheons about home, community, Communism, civil defense, education and other timely topics. Members hosted 40 UN delegates and their wives (including Communist Russia) for a glimpse of life in the Midwest.

1960s: JLSL formed the Arts and Education Council for Greater St. Louis and started Junior Kindergarten (forerunner of the nationwide Head Start Program).

1970s: JLSL began to move away from "white glove" reputation and focused energies on "work gloves." Created the Council of Community Organizations.

1980s: More than half of JLSL members were employed outside the home. Community projects included Teen Outreach, Girls Club of Soulard (Girls, Inc. of St. Louis), St. Louis Crisis Nursery and St. Louis Family Theatre Series. Fundraisers included Challenge Cup and Treasure Trunk Sale.

1990s: JLSL focused on St. Louis Child Health Initiative, Adopt-A-Student Arts Partners, the Children's Advocacy Center, Edgewood Therapeutic Foster Care, Our Little Haven, Teen Opportunities to Achieve in Life, Back to Sleep, Parenting for Success and the Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure®, which is now one of the largest races in the country.

2000s: Fundraising has included the Holiday and Spring Marts, St. Louis Benefit Polo Match, Junior League of St. Louis Cinnamon Rolls® and cookbook sales. Proceeds have supported Glass Slipper, Arty Gras, Little Wishes, League Larks, Nightingales, St. Louis Family Theatre Series, Done-in-a-day/Miniprojects and V.O.I.C.E.S.

Click here to see a list of past presidents of the Junior League of St. Louis.