The Society's history, 1959–1975 — typescript for the twenty-fifth anniversary

What changed between this typescript and print

These six sheets were retyped for the Spring 1975 issue of Canadian Leathercraft, where they are pages 6 to 11, and edited on the way. Read against the printed pages, these are the changes of substance — a sentence added or dropped, a name, a title, a date or a figure. Typing slips on either side, and changes of wording that alter nothing, are not listed. The printed text is the one the Society published; the typescript is its draft.

1. Fred Brown's third year, 1959 (printed page 6). The printed text adds a sentence the typescript does not have: “The Fellow, Associate and Weston Trophy articles have always been judged at the Muma residence.”
2. The winner of the Best Canadian Design award at the C.N.E. is “Endel Rouberg” in the typescript and “Endel Ruberg” in print (page 6).
3. Fred Brown “has taught evening classes on leathercraft” in the typescript; print says only that he “has taught leathercraft classes” (page 6).
4. Fred Brown's offices: the typescript says he “has served the society as President, and most recently has been chairman of the library committee”; print adds a post, “President, Chairman of the Council of Fellows and Chairman of the Library Committee” (page 6).
5. The seventh Christmas sale, in Harold Wilson's year, was held at the “Canadian Craft Guild” in the typescript and the “Canadian Handicrafts Guild” in print; the eighth, in Viola Harris's year, at “the C.C.G. sales shop” in the typescript and “the C.G.C. sales shop” in print (page 6).
6. Gel Brigden's chairmanship at the C.N.E. is of “the hobby show” in the typescript and “the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies show” in print; and in 1966 “the Hobby show at the C.N.E. became a sale” in the typescript but “became an exhibition and sale” in print (page 7).
7. The $1,500 grant for the travelling exhibition “Leather Today” came from “the Board of Education Community Programs” in the typescript and from “the Dept. of Education Community Programs” in print (page 7).
8. Woodstock: the typescript says the branch “was formed in 1968 with Beula Reynolds as their first President”. Print drops Beula Reynolds and puts a different sentence in its place: “Clara Cavanagh was elected Chairman and Anne Hook became Secretary of the Council of Fellows” (page 8).
9. Reta Larmour: print adds that she was “the first Chairman of Council of Fellows” as well as the first secretary (page 9).
10. Reta Larmour's death is dated October 1974 in the typescript and June 1974 in print (page 9).
11. The special table of Fellows' work from former years was shown “this year … at the annual” in the typescript; print dates it, “At the 1971 Annual” (page 9).
12. The $25 grants for branch workshops: the typescript says only that they were later cancelled; print gives the reason, “due to C.S.C.L. operating at a slight deficit” (page 9).
13. Irva Ford: print adds a sentence the typescript does not have, “Irva was a chartered member and first President of the Hamilton Leather Guild which was founded in 1956” (page 9).
14. Creative leathercraft “has been recognized as something worthwhile” in the typescript; in print it is Creative Leathercraft that “has been recognized as a worthwhile society”, and the credit goes to “Helen Wheaton” by full name (page 10).
15. The Society's affiliations: the typescript names “the Ontario Craft Council and Canadian Guild of Crafts and Canadian Craft Association”; print names “the Ontario Craft Foundation and Canadian Guild of Crafts and Canadian Craftsmen's Association” (page 10).
16. The three auction sales of the Larmour tools were made by “The Larmour Memorial Library” in the typescript and by “The Larmour Memorial Library Committee” in print (page 11).
17. The vote of thanks for that work names seven people in the typescript; print adds an eighth, Jean Hunter (page 11).
18. Print adds a paragraph the typescript does not have: “Anne Hook was elected Chairman of the Council of Fellows in 1974, with Jessie Little appointed as Secretary” (page 11).
19. The 1975 Annual at Geneva Park is set for “April 19th, 1975” in the typescript and “April 18, 19, 20th” in print, which also adds that it would show leather articles made during the past 25 years, and antique leather items (page 11).

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During Fred Brown's third year as President in 1959, a scholarship to study book binding was awarded by the Women's Committee of the Canadian Handicrafts Guild to Bob Muma. Since this time, Bob has devoted his full time to book binding and operates his own studio in Toronto. In the beginning Bob passed his knowledge along through leathercraft classes and was the author of several books on tooling and colouring, but as his fame spread, his time was taken up more completely with the binding of books. Through the years Bob has been most willing to assist anyone who asked for help in any phase of leathercraft and has given much time and devotion to the affairs of C.S.C.L.. He has been our archivist and the keeper of standards of teaching.

Endel Rouberg of Montreal won the Best Canadian Design award at the C.N.E., this was the first time that this award was given to a leathercraftsman.

Fred Brown has always been one of our most capable workers, putting in many hours on demonstrations of various leather techniques such as 3 dimensional work, turned edges, moulding and colouring, and has taught evening classes on leathercraft, many of his pupils having joined C.S.C.L.. He has served the society as President, and most recently has been chairman of the library committee. Fred Brown is one person who has a profound belief in C.S.C.L. and has pointed out just recently that when you have people who will travel 30 to 130 miles to executive council meetings there must be something there. He has maintained a constant level of support to the executive and the society as a whole. When someone is needed to do some hard work, Fred is always willing to help. It was during the fourth year of Fred Brown's presidency, that the Constitution and By-laws were printed by the courtesy of Mr. Harold Frost of Wallaceburg, Ontario and circulated to the members.

Harold Wilson of Hamilton was the President during our 12th year, and we held our seventh annual Christmas sale at Canadian Craft Guild. Harold was a fine leathercraftsman; his specialty was masks. He and Mrs. Wilson also provided excellent demonstrations on different types of braided belts. Unfortunately his term as President was cut short by ill health.

Viola Harris became the next President and during this very active year, we participated in the Stratford Shakespearian Festival, and the eighth Christmas sale was held at the C.C.G. sales shop. Viola Harris was another good craftsman, but after retiring from work has become deeply involved with the Canadian Guild of Crafts and through her position there has kept C.S.C.L. informed of current happenings in the craft field in Canada and

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throughout the world. She was made an Honorary Fellow in 1970.

Cecil Roebuck was presented with an Honorary Associate membership in 1963 for his faithful and willing service.

We received an invitation to exhibit at the Canadian Handicraft Guild Annual meeting and workshop in New Brunswick. Twenty-five articles were sent to this. Also 11 articles from six members were selected and displayed at the Stratford Shakespearian Festival. We again held a Christmas sale.

Next, we participated in the Pacific National Exhibition and 48 articles were sent and the Bedford Cup Trophy was won by one of our members. Thirty-seven pieces of Leathercraft were sent to Albertacraft 1964 Exhibition, these were sent for display only, but three were selected to go in the Alberta travelling Craft Exhibition. We also had a display at the Bell Telephone Bldg., University Ave., Toronto, Hobby show at the C.N.E., Christmas sale at the Guild shop and at the Algonquin Pioneer Exhibit, as well as the 10th International Assembly of Leathercraftsmen. This meant that our Exhibition chairman, Mrs. Clara Cavanagh had a very busy year for which we express our heartfelt thanks.

At the 15th Annual meeting, Belleville joined as a branch with Dorothy Harwood as charter President. Reta Larmour was awarded an Honorary Life Fellow membership. Margaret McFarlane retired as editor of the Canadian Leathercraft and Gerry Mills took over the job. Dorothy Muma was President at this time. This was the first year that the articles for C.N.E. exhibit were screened by the Fellows. Gel Brigden was chairman of the hobby show at the C.N.E.. The 11th annual Xmas sale at the Canadian Handicrafts Guild was held.

In 1966 the Hobby show at the C.N.E. became a sale and the booth was manned by the members from different branches each day. Work was accepted from three craftsmen for part of a Canadian Craft Exhibition held at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, U.S.A.. We also contributed articles for the Community Programs travelling craft exhibition. The annual Xmas sale was held for the twelfth year at the Guild shop.

In Dorothy Muma's third year as President, Dorothy Read was given an Honorary Associate membership for her service in connection with the C.N.E.. A grant of $1500 was received from the Board of Education Community Programs to purchase and set up a travelling exhibition. Forty-one pieces were purchased and exhibited in four showcases. The exhibition, named "Leather Today" was toured by the Art Institute of Ontario. Janis Zalitis

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donated a sterling silver pin to the associate with the highest mark commencing in 1967. Robert Muma was commissioned to produce an handmade volume intended to keep a permanent record of each year's winner of the Salon Award of the International Assembly of Leathercraftsmen.

1968-69, the annual Xmas sale was discontinued this year, so the only opportunity for sales was the Arts, Crafts and Hobby show at the C.N.E.. A change in the Constitution, Article Vlll was made to change our name from Canadian Society of Creative Leathercraft to Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft. Woodstock Branch was formed in 1968 with Beula Reynolds as their first President.

Dorothy Muma served six years as editor of Canadian Leathercraft, four years as a very capable President, and has continued to have an active interest in the society along with holding down a full time job. Dorothy has also worked with her husband, Bob, in giving classes of instruction in leathercraft. She also produced Canadian designs for handbags.

Irva Ford of Hamilton became our President in 1969. The first Prestige Show was held at City Hall, Toronto. Sixty-three articles, made by 26 craftsmen were chosen to be put on display to the general public. The Arts, Crafts and Hobby sale at the C.N.E. was held and 74 members assisted. Upon request, we gave a $35 prize to be awarded by the Canadian Guild of Crafts in their competition at the C.N.E.. Also there was a "Craft Dimension" Canada Exhibition held at the Royal Ontario Museum in the fall of 1969, with only one piece of leatherwork being accepted; Nan Astley's reversible handbag. At the C.N.E. Women's Division, 13 Leathercraftsmen received prizes and Gladys Riddell won the Chatelaine Award. Dr. Ralph Larmour was awarded an Honorary Fellow Life membership at the annual meeting in 1970. Dr. Ralph Larmour served as our second President for two years. He was the originator of the Garnett line of dyes, being by profession, a chemist. He loved to work with the dyes on leather and gave many interesting demonstrations of the use of Garnett dyes. He contributed several very informative articles in past Canadian Leathercraft issues. He was greatly missed by all those that knew him when he passed away in October 1970. Dr. Larmour gave a great deal of time and energy to the developement of C.S.C.L..

In 1970 the 20th Annual meeting of C.S.C.L. combined with the 16th International Assembly of Leathercraftsmen was held. This was the final meeting of the International Assembly of Leathercraftsmen, as there was no invitation forthcoming from the

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U.S.A.. Nine Salon ribbons were awarded by three judges, five judges awarded 34 craftsmen with ribbon awards for their craftsmanship.

In the Canadian Guild of Crafts competition, three members received awards. In the C.N.E. Women's Division 16 prizes were awarded, 11 were won by C.S.C.L. members with the Chatelaine award being won by Clara Cavanagh. We again participated in the C.N.E. Arts, Crafts & Hobby exhibition and sale of work. Forty pieces were shown at a window exhibition of leathercraft in Toronto, together with a brief history of the society by Mrs. Nora Huyck. Reta Larmour was named Honorary President of the Society in 1971. Reta Larmour was our first secretary of C.S.C.L. and there is no way to describe the amount of work that she did in this position in the formative years of C.S.C.L.. She was instrumental, with the help of Mrs. Lorna Brigden, in hammering out the constitution of the Society -- again a monumental job. She was a charter member and one of the original fellows. She taught leathercraft and was herself an exquisite leather carver. It was for her use that the Doctor formulated the Garnett Dyes and anyone who has seen her work can testify that she put these to good use. In later years she became crippled with arthritis and couldn't continue with her leathercraft as in the past. One of her many generous acts was to donate the tools, leather and craft books which she and Dr. Larmour had used to C.S.C.L.. Again we have lost a staunch supporter of leathercraft in her death in October 1974.

This year we had a special table at the annual to show the works of the Fellows from former years. The Chatelaine award was won by Anne Hook in the C.N.E. Women's Division competition. The Leathercraft Standards were set out and published in Canadian Leathercraft Summer 1971. The slides of the Salon Awards were made available to the branches at this time. This was the first year, $25 grants were made available for branch workshops and later was cancelled.

The 22nd Annual meeting brought to a close the presidency of Irva Ford after three years of intense activity and very enthusiastic leadership. Irva has been involved in leathercraft for many years and has taught for several. Her competitive drive has embarked us on our first three biennial exhibitions with a fourth one coming up in 1976. She has won many well deserved awards herself and as exhibition chairman has encouraged others to compete. Quite a few of our members received their basic training through her classes.

Helen Wheaton of London became our President in 1972. She

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was a charter member of the London Leathercarvers Guild which was formed just before C.S.C.L. started in 1950. She has put in many hours for C.S.C.L., giving demonstrations on many facets of leatherwork such as carving, saddle stitching, dying, glove making, etc.. Helen has given unstintingly of her time representing C.S.C.L. as a liason with Ontario Craft Foundation and Canadian Guild of Crafts. Helen has served executive council for many years and everyone agrees it is a joy to work with someone with such unfailing good humour. Her husband, Harold, has been indespensible as her morale builder, chauffeur and a general hard worker for C.S.C.L..

Creative leathercraft has been recognized as something worthwhile in the last few years and we can thank Helen for a large part of this.

The Michigan Leather Artisans award was established at the last meeting of I.A.L.C. to be awarded to a C.S.C.L. member whose work has displayed the highest level of achievement in creative design. We became affiliated with the Ontario Craft Council and Canadian Guild of Crafts and Canadian Craft Association. The second juried show was held at Woodstock Art Gallery, 29 craftsmen contributed 64 articles. Mrs. Irva Ford received the Best Leather Entry in Show award in the Canadian Guild of Crafts competition. At this time a draw was held for the first time at the Weston Annual meeting. Back numbers of Canadian Leathercraft were made ready for sale at this time, these had been sorted by Cecil and Sadie Roebuck and Gel Brigden stored them at his home. The sale was handled by Beula Reynolds and Harold Wheaton with receipts of $116.27. An editorial committee was set up to edit material to be supplied by the branches, the branches acting as reporters.

Cecil Roebuck, because of his wife, Sadie being interested in leathercraft became deeply involved with C.S.C.L. and served as treasurer for a number of years. He was always there when anyone needed a helping hand. His unfailing good humour added much to the pleasure of attending executive council meetings. He and Sadie opened their house on many occasions to hold the meetings. We all felt a great loss at his passing in 1973.

During 1974, we held the third biennial Exhibition at the Learning Centre, Toronto and for the first time cash awards were given. Itsuko Yasui won the Canadian Guild of Crafts (Ontario) award for the best Leather article. Later, sections of the exhibit were shown at Pointe Claire, Quebec and Thorncliffe Library upon their request. During the month of June, the Woodstock Branch had an exhibit at the Woodstock Art Gallery.

In 1973, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism conducted

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regional competitions to acquaint craftsmen with design, technology and sound business practice. EEDEE Awards were presented to the winners, Irva Ford was one of the top four winners. She received a beautiful trophy for the belt which she submitted.

At the 24th Annual meeting in Belleville, it was voted on and carried to revise the fees upwards to $5.00 per year. The membership had by this time reached over 200 members. The Larmour Memorial Library made two giant steps by holding three auction sales of the Larmour tools and leather supplies which realized over $1000 for this purpose. We owe a big vote of thanks to Fred and Phyllis Brown, Sadie Roebuck, Jessie Little, Anne Hook, Mary Zatyko and Olivia Smith for the many hours of work which they have put in on this.

Gel Brigden was awarded an Honorary Associate membership for his many years of cheerful support of C.S.C.L..

World Crafts Council was held in Toronto during June '74. Ten of our C.S.C.L. members attended the Conference, Daphne Lingwood gave a demonstration in leather.

The Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce and the National Design Council jointly sponsored a 'Design Canada' Craft Award 1974 program. Four pieces only of Leathercraft were selected as follows:

Irva Ford - Cuir Bouille Jug - Honourable Mention
Louise Pomminville - Decorative Leather Bird
David Trotter - Leather Bracelet
Rex Lingwood - Leather Belt - Honourable Mention

A gentle and lovable Barrie couple, Eleanor Coutts (who passed away in the fall of 1973) and her husband Sandy (who passed away in 1974) are deeply missed by all members. Eleanor was an excellent craftswoman; won several awards and gave freely of her time on executive council. Sandy served us in many ways, one which most of us remember was his demonstrations on design adjusting, enlarging and reducing patterns. He also served on the executive council.

The 1975 Annual will be our 25th, and we are having a weekend meeting at Geneva Park Conference Centre, on Lake Couchiching, April 19th, 1975.

The words above are the document’s own, as the paper prints them. Spelling and spacing are left as they stand.

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