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Toastmasters International President Radhi Spear in red jacket smiling on magazine cover
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Toastmasters International President Radhi Spear in red jacket smiling on magazine cover

September 2024
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Looking Back: 60 Years Ago

By Toastmaster Magazine Staff


Man speaking to crowd of people

On October 27, 1962, hundreds of Toastmasters and their families and friends listened to a 38-piece band play while awaiting the dedication of Toastmasters’ first World Headquarters building in Santa Ana, California. In celebration of Toastmasters International’s 98th anniversary, take a look back at this historic day and explore the December 1962 issue of the Toastmasterthe dedication issue!


Students raising American flag

The American flag, a gift from the World Headquarters staff, was raised by Smedley Junior High School students. Students carried the flags of Canada, Britain, Ethiopia, and Cuba—some of the countries where Toastmasters had spread at that point.



Man speaking to crowd of people

The crowd listened as Dr. Ralph C. Smedley spoke at the dedication ceremony.



“Visitors

Visitors lined up to see the new building during an afternoon open house.



Receptionist working in lobby

Receptionist Joan Seay awaited visitors to the building in the lower lobby. The door on the left led to the Board of Directors room.



Toastmasters sunlit atrium

The building featured a sunlit atrium.


Speech balloon graphics with copy on top

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