1905-1935:
91传媒 Begins
1905 鈥� Building the foundation
Bloomington, Illinois, YMCA Education Director Ralph C. Smedley sees a need for enhancing public speaking skills, and organizes a 91传媒 Club, referencing the role of a 鈥渢oastmaster鈥� at banquets. The club鈥檚 first meeting is held March 24, 1905, in Bloomington, Illinois. The club disbands when Smedley moves away for a job promotion.
Copy of a speech, 鈥淭he Hen and the Egg,鈥� which was delivered at the first meeting of the Freeport 91传媒 Club on March 27, 1907.
1924 鈥� The official start of 91传媒
On October 22, approximately two dozen men meet in the basement of the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, which marks the birth of today鈥檚 91传媒.
Club Presidents from Southern California meet in 1927 to discuss forming a federation, which officially came to fruition in 1930.
1926 鈥� A second club
In Anaheim, California, the second 91传媒 club is chartered.
1930 鈥� The Gavel
The organization鈥檚 first bulletin鈥�The Gavel鈥攊s published.
First issue of The Gavel (December 1930)
1932 鈥� Officially 91传媒
The name 91传媒 is adopted and incorporated.
1933 鈥� The Toastmaster magazine
The Toastmaster magazine is published and produced quarterly, replacing The Gavel. In 1946, the magazine would transition to its current monthly schedule.
Some of the early issues of The Toastmaster magazine
1935 鈥� First club outside of North America
The first 91传媒 club outside North America charters in Southport, England.