HISTORY

The first organizational meeting was held in January 1962. We met in the homes and garages of the founding members. Later, we met at the Toledo Zoo and then in the United Auto Workers Union Hall. We were incorporated as a not for profit organization in 1966 for the purpose of promoting interest and increasing knowledge in the fields of Mineralogy, Geology and the Lapidary Arts. We are members of both the MidWestern Federation and the American Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies. We moved to our current location, The Toledo Botanical Gardens (although at the time it was known as Crosby Gardens) in May 1974. The building we were given was a chicken coop. As you can see the original members donated a great deal of sweat equity in finishing that structure. They poured concrete floors, wired the building, added a new roof and added a new area to one side.

The Craft Center as it is now called serves several purposes. The Virginia Osborne Memorial, Gemcrafters Workshop, and a well equipped gem cutting shop that makes learning to cut gems a happy occasion. The Center also houses the Dan Damm Metalcrafters Workshop. What the shop lacks in space and equipment is well made up for by an atmosphere that allows progress at your own speed and respect for your particular style. The Beaders group also meets in the Gemcrafters shop. The Board of Directors have their quarterly meetings at the center. The club is governed by an elected President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and a Sergeant At Arms. There are three elected directors, plus the past president, the editor of the Rocky Reader (the club newsletter) and the chairperson of the Show Committee. The Toledo Gem and Rockhound Club by establishing scholarship trust funds at both the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University award several scholarships each year. These scholarships are decided by the head of departments at the universities and are usually used to defray expenses for the students summer field trips. Today we are a family of about 150 members. The dues are $16.09 for single memberships and $21.45 for families. (sales tax included)