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Buried Treasure. . .
It Began in Bloomington
Harvey Schowe, DTM—
District 7 Toastmasters Historian
The following article is one of the interesting stories I've uncovered while
researching District 7 Toastmasters' history. Like mining for treasure, hours of work goes into uncovering
the riches buried in the annals of time.
Did you know that Ralph Smedley’s father, Thomas, joined the Union Army in 1861 and
served as a musician for the 14th Illinois Infantry Regiment Company I? He was captured
by the Confederate Army on October 4, 1864 in Georgia and was
incarcerated at Andersonville prison until the war ended in
April1865. He suffered scurvy and remained in poor health the rest
of his life.
His son Ralph Smedley had musical talent and sang in a quartet Ralph Smedley, 1903
while a student at Illinois Wesleyan University. In 1901, he became
the literary editor for the student newspaper Argus where he
wrote articles about American literature humor. Ralph and other
students organized Smith Debating Club on October 24, 1901.
Ralph served as secretary.
After graduating from the university, Ralph's first job was as a reporter for a
Bloomington, Illinois newspaper. He soon joined the YMCA in Bloomington as the
education director. He saw a need for the men of the community to learn how to speak,
conduct meetings, plan programs and work on committees.
The first Toastmasters meeting was held on March 24, 1905 in Bloomington, Illinois. It
started with a dinner prepared by the participants, followed by several 5-6 minute
speeches. The speakers, just like today, chose their own topics. Evaluations were given by
the older members of the audience followed by a round robin by all members. Meeting
roles rotated at each meeting similar to the format still used today. The outcome? A
noticeable improvement in the communication and leadership skills of the members.
Harvey Schowe joined Toastmasters in 1980, and is a member of Blue Ox Toastmasters where he serves as
sergeant at arms. Harvey also serves as the District 7 Historian.
[This is the first of a series of monthly articles written about District 7 Toastmasters history—Ed.}
12
It Began in Bloomington
Harvey Schowe, DTM—
District 7 Toastmasters Historian
The following article is one of the interesting stories I've uncovered while
researching District 7 Toastmasters' history. Like mining for treasure, hours of work goes into uncovering
the riches buried in the annals of time.
Did you know that Ralph Smedley’s father, Thomas, joined the Union Army in 1861 and
served as a musician for the 14th Illinois Infantry Regiment Company I? He was captured
by the Confederate Army on October 4, 1864 in Georgia and was
incarcerated at Andersonville prison until the war ended in
April1865. He suffered scurvy and remained in poor health the rest
of his life.
His son Ralph Smedley had musical talent and sang in a quartet Ralph Smedley, 1903
while a student at Illinois Wesleyan University. In 1901, he became
the literary editor for the student newspaper Argus where he
wrote articles about American literature humor. Ralph and other
students organized Smith Debating Club on October 24, 1901.
Ralph served as secretary.
After graduating from the university, Ralph's first job was as a reporter for a
Bloomington, Illinois newspaper. He soon joined the YMCA in Bloomington as the
education director. He saw a need for the men of the community to learn how to speak,
conduct meetings, plan programs and work on committees.
The first Toastmasters meeting was held on March 24, 1905 in Bloomington, Illinois. It
started with a dinner prepared by the participants, followed by several 5-6 minute
speeches. The speakers, just like today, chose their own topics. Evaluations were given by
the older members of the audience followed by a round robin by all members. Meeting
roles rotated at each meeting similar to the format still used today. The outcome? A
noticeable improvement in the communication and leadership skills of the members.
Harvey Schowe joined Toastmasters in 1980, and is a member of Blue Ox Toastmasters where he serves as
sergeant at arms. Harvey also serves as the District 7 Historian.
[This is the first of a series of monthly articles written about District 7 Toastmasters history—Ed.}
12
