 Jaycee Penny is one of America's largest retailers and would you believe that it got its start right here in Wyoming? Behind me you will see the first store that opened in April of 1902. James Cash Penny, the founder of Jaycee Penny's stores, grew up in Missouri. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis so was forced to move to the drier climate of Denver. There he worked for a dry good store called Golden Rule. The owners liked him so much that they encouraged him to join the partnership and start a new Golden Rule store in Kemmer. This store was unique because they accepted Cash only, no credit. James opened several stores in other locations. His challenge to each of his store managers was to find another honest, hardworking man to train to be manager of a new store. After only 10 years there were 34 stores and sales surpassed $2 million. The stores began as Golden Rule stores but the name was changed to Jaycee Penny in 1913. The Jaycee Penny company morphed from a small store in Kemmer, Wyoming to a chain of thousands of stores with the headquarters moving to Salt Lake City and eventually New York City. With a motto of honor, confidence, service and cooperation, it's no wonder that the first Jaycee Penny store is still open after over 110 years. Come and check it out next time you're through Kemmer. From the University of Wyoming Extension, I'm Mae Smith, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming.