1. A Living Legacy: How Toastmasters Started 90 Years Ago
A Brief History Prepared by
Paul F. Clark, DTM, PDG
In Cooperation with Toastmasters International

2. Toastmasters Today
Non-Profit, Educational Organization Speaking and Leadership
14,650 clubs
313,000 memberships
126 countries
A Growing Global Phenomenon for 90 Years

3. 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

4. First Permanent Toastmasters Club
Fall 1924 – Smedley Promoted Club
October 1924 – Club Founded Santa Ana Register, October 22: The Beginning Announced
21 Members Attend Meeting
Enjoyed Supper
Heard Educational Speeches
Elected Officers
Launched the Organization

5. First Permanent Toastmasters Club
YMCA Toastmasters Club – later Smedley No. 1
Photo likely taken in December 1925

6. 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

7. 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

8. Toastmasters International
Anaheim Toastmasters Club Receives its Charter – 1932
Ralph Smedley and First Four Toastmasters International Presidents

9. Celebrate the 90th anniversary October 2014-2015
Plan a history-themed meeting
Schedule an open house for the community
Document your club’s history
Get FREE resources at toastmasters.org/90thAnniversary