1905-1935:
Toastmasters Begins

1905 – 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 “toastmaster” at banquets. The club’s first meeting is held March 24, 1905, in Bloomington, Illinois. The club disbands when Smedley moves away for a job promotion.

Handwritten speech from 1907

Copy of a speech, “The Hen and the Egg,” which was delivered at the first meeting of the Freeport Toastmasters Club on March 27, 1907.

1924 – 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’s Toastmasters.

Black and white image of a man leading a meeting with five other men

Ralph C. Smedley leading a club meeting in 1925.

1926 – A second club

In Anaheim, California, the second Toastmasters club is chartered.

1930 – The Gavel

The organization’s first bulletin—The Gavel—is published.

Historical newsletter The Gavel with typed copy and illustration

First issue of The Gavel (December 1930)

1932 – Officially Toastmasters International

The name Toastmasters International is adopted and incorporated.

1933 – 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.

Black and white image of magazines on a table

Some of the early issues of The Toastmaster magazine

1935 – First club outside of North America

The first Toastmasters club outside North America charters in Southport, England.