a living legacy: how toastmasters started 90 years ago a brief history prepared by paul f. clark,...
TRANSCRIPT
A Living Legacy:How Toastmasters Started
90 Years Ago
A Brief History Prepared by
Paul F. Clark, DTM, PDGIn Cooperation with Toastmasters International
Toastmasters Today
Non-Profit, Educational OrganizationSpeaking and Leadership14,650 clubs313,000 memberships126 countries
A Growing Global Phenomenon for 90 Years
Introducing Ralph C. Smedley Born in Illinois in 1878
YMCA in Bloomington, Illinois 1905
First “Toastmasters Club”
Smedley Moved On, Club Closed
20 Years “In a Suitcase”
1922 Came to Santa Ana, California
Managed New YMCA Complex
First Permanent Toastmasters Club
Fall 1924 – Smedley Promoted Club
October 1924 – Club FoundedSanta Ana Register, October 22: The Beginning Announced
21 Members Attend Meeting
Enjoyed Supper
Heard Educational Speeches
Elected Officers
Launched the Organization
First Permanent Toastmasters Club
YMCA Toastmasters Club – later Smedley No. 1Photo likely taken in December 1924
Anaheim Toastmasters Club No. 2
Original Club Minutes – January 19, 1926
Enjoyed Dinner Smedley Club “Mentor” Created Two Committees –
Constitution & Nominations
Agreed to Meet Regularly Began Growth of Clubs
Toastmasters International
Resolution at Santa Ana for “permanent federated organization” of the Toastmasters Clubs – 1927
Los Angeles Conference forms Toastmasters International Board – 1930• Eight clubs in existence
Articles of Incorporation Filed – 1932• Eleven clubs in existence
The Toastmaster Magazine• First Appeared – 1933
Toastmasters International
Anaheim Toastmasters Club Receives its Charter – 1932Ralph Smedley and First Four Toastmasters International Presidents
Celebrate the 90th anniversary October 2014-2015
Plan a history-themed meeting Schedule an open house for the
communityDocument your club’s history Get FREE resources at
toastmasters.org/90thAnniversary