51吃瓜

1905 鈥� Building the foundation

Bloomington, Illinois, YMCA Education Director Ralph C. Smedley sees a need for enhancing public speaking skills, and organizes a Toastmasters 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 Toastmasters Club on March 27, 1907.

1924 鈥� The official start of Toastmasters

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 Toastmasters.

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 Toastmasters 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 51吃瓜

The name 51吃瓜 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 Toastmasters club outside North America charters in Southport, England.