Past Activities

The McLean County United Nations Association has been instrumental in a variety of activities. During the early 1970's the UNA of McLean County sponsored an exhibition at Eastland Mall on foreign trade as it related to the local area businesses. Many companies such as Firestone, Catherine Bech, and Eureka set up booths in support of the informational seminar. The UNA worked on encouraging businesses to increase their foreign trade, hence bringing more economic resources into the local economy.

Elizabeth "Buffie" Ives at a McLean County UNA-USA tea in 1967.

(Photo courtesy of The Pantagraph)

The local chapter also sponsored the sale of unique articles from all over the world through its gift center beginning in the 1960s. Sales were offered in several locales in Bloomington-Normal, such as at the Corn Belt Bank Building in Bloomington (1963), at 216 West Washington Street (1964), and at American State, Corn Belt, National and McLean County Banks in Bloomington, and at First National and Normal State Banks in Normal (1966). The gift shop was open seasonally in October preceding the holidays and in conjunction with UN Day on October 24. This business closed after several years of operation, but its mission is now served by Crossroads-Global Handcrafts, a not-for-profit store located in historic downtown Bloomington since 1990. It specializes in international retail, selling items from around the world, including UNICEF cards that are designed by recipients of UNICEF funds. Mary Rozum, a member of the McLean County UNA, has served as a founding member of the board of Crossroads-Global Handcrafts.

Mary Rozum and Dr. Jenie Leatherman at the McLean County booth at the "Not in our town" rally.

Maxine Bassi and Dr. Janie Leatherman fielding questions at the McLean County UNA-USA table at the 2001 "Not in our Town" rally.

(Photo courtesy of Jim Nelson)

The McLean County UNA has also sponsored essay contests for high school students; the winner of the contest is eligible to compete at the National level in New York.

In remembrance of Adlai Stevenson and his contributions to the United States, the McLean County UNA holds a graveside memorial each year in conjunction with United Nation's Day, October 24. This event has been organized for many years by local Chapter member Hodge Fuller, who was initially appointed to this task in the early 1970s by Buffie Ives.

Among the children who first participated in this event was Thomas F. Leh, the son of Robert G. Leh, former local Chapter president and head of the Illinois Wesleyan University Model UN program for more than thirty years.

Visitors reviewing UN materials at the McLean County UNA-USA booth for the 2002 International Fair.