History of the Woodstock Branch

In the summer of 1992 the Society's bulletin carried this account of the Woodstock Branch, written by Madeleine Mitchell — Woodstock member and the Society's Membership Chairman — for the issue reporting the 43rd Annual Meeting. It is reproduced as printed.

In the mid-1960's a small group of leathercrafters from the Woodstock area attended an International leathercraft meeting in Michigan. During that event they met members of the Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft who convinced them to become members. They travelled to C.S.C.L meetings in London, Ontario for about two years before forming the Woodstock Branch in 1968.

Woodstock's first president was Beula Reynolds, A.C.S.C.L. Other early members were Loreen Manuel, Jean Rachnor, Dorothy Aird, and Carol McLean, F.C.S.C.L.

In 1969 Woodstock entered its first Weston Trophy branch competition. 1971 marked the first Annual Meeting held by Woodstock. Members of the branch taught night school courses and by 1972 membership swelled to 30. During the 70's Woodstock members brought home numerous Salon and Craftsman ribbons and in 1975, the Weston Trophy.

Membership dwindled in the 1980's but the small, eager group continued to participate in workshop exhibitions and to take active part in the C.S.C.L Executive Council. Woodstock members held positions including President, Secretary, Archivist, and Director.

The 90's started with the hosting of C.S.C.L's 40th Annual Meeting and in September, hosted the Leather '90 Biennial Exhibition.

Woodstock membership presently hovers around 12, but members remain enthusiastic, active and dedicated to C.S.C.L.

Written by Madeleine Mitchell and printed in Canadian Leathercraft, Summer 1992.