Initiated by Arthur F. Williams, the Educational Director of the Indianapolis YMCA

During his summer vacation in 1933, Arthur F Williams, Eduation Director of the Indianapolis YMCA, first learned of the Toastmasters organization through some YMCA literature. As the founder of Toastmasters in Southern California, Ralph C. Smedley, was a YMCA Secretary and a leader in “Y” work, it was only natural for the “Y” to be quick to realize the value of such groups as a YMCA activity.who had shown great value in Toastmasters Clubs in conjunction with the YMCA activity.

Being interested in speech and speech training himself, “Art” quickly corresponded with Mr. Smedley concerning the method of operation and requirements to organize a club. “Art” presented the idea to a group of Indianapolis men who held their first Toastmaster meeting on December 14, 1933. The Group was officially chartered on February 15, 1934 as charter ##17.

The first president of the group was G.V. Carrier, the business manager of the Arthur Jordan Foundation of Indianapolis.

The Charter bears the name of A.H. Johnson, International President and Jean Bordeaux, International Secretary. This was the first charter presented by a club east of the continental divide of the United States. While the charter carries the name of “The Indiana Y.M.C.A. Club”, the club has been known from the very beginning as the Pioneer Club of Indiana. It is still in operation today.

More Early Clubs Chartered 

Archived Newsletters

Are you a history buff?  Do you like seeing where the District has progressed over the years?  Well look no further, we have archived newsletters about District 11.  These amazing stories being told by our past District officers and Toastmasters are here for you.

Click on the link below and relive great moments of history for District 11.

Read Archived Newsletters

Most Recent District Governors/Directors

2022-2032
2022-2023
2024-2025
2012-2022
2012-2013
Debra A. Bunch, DTM
2017-2018
2013-2014
2018-2019
2014-2015
2019-2020
2015-2016
Lucy Nicksin, DTM
2020-2021
2002-2012
2002-2003
2007-2008
Ron Kirchgessner, DTM
2003-2004
Tom Daugherty, DTM
2008-2009
2004-2005
Wil Hyde, DTM
2009-2010
John Frederick, DTM
2005-2006
Pat Moore, DTM
2010-2011
Alan Shaner, DTM
2006-2007
Carol Cassady Wandrei, DTM
2011-2012
Walter A. Wolfe, Sr. DTM
1992-2002
1992-1993
Frank Pagano, DTM
1997-1998
Loretta Miller, DTM
1993-1994
Darrell Grimes, DTM
1998-1999
Monte Coate, DTM
1994-1995
Cathy A. Campbell, DTM
1999-2000
Nila J. Miller, DTM
1995-1996
Melody S. Deal, DTM
2000-2001
Kathleen Blackham, DTM
1996-1997
Robert C. McDonald, DTM
2001-2002
Tamara Miller, DTM
1982-1992
1982-1983
1983-1984
1984-1985
1986-1987
1985-1986
Joe Grytko
Patricia VanNoy, DTM
Dr. Sheldon J. Rikke, DTM
Leo Katner, DTM
George L. Morley, DTM
1987-1988
1988-1989
1989-1990
1990-1991
1991-1992
Michael E. Marlin, DTM
Keith N. Hood, DTM
Donald A. Campbell, DTM
Jenny K Pagano, DTM
Peggy W. Richardson, DTM
1972-1982
1972-1973
1973-1974
1974-1975
1975-1976
1976-1977
Wayne L. Henderson
Floyd O. Swathwood
Floyd O. Kreider
Steve Land
Russel L. Collins
1977-1978
1978-1979
1979-1980
1980-1981
1981-1982
Harold E. Corbin
Lowell H. Spalding
Frank Talbert
Tom Richardson
Ed Baum
1962-1972
1962-1963
1963-1964
1964-1965
1965-1966
1966-1967
Loring D. Dalton
O. Franklin Beumer
Robert W. Leiman
Ray H. Hopfner
Arthur T. Ottman
1967-1968
1968-1969
1969-1970
1970-1971
1971-1972
Robert H. Witchey
Robert B. Millikan
Gilbert W. Smith
Carl E. Nickles
C.C. Grove
1952-1962
1952-1953
1953-1954
1954-1955
1955-1956
1956-1957
John Bartholomew
Andrew M. Hite
Lowel P. Kemper
Arthur M. Diamond
Vern P. Whitten
1957-1958
1958-1959
1959-1960
1960-1961
1961-1962
Joseph D. Ellis
Leslie Thomsett
Kerele G. Keller
Vincent A. Miller
Russell N. Carey
1942-1952
1942-1943
1943-1944
1944-1945
1945-1946
1946-1947
Robert F. McGinnis
Ralph L. Swingley
Homer A. Eichacker
Harry Wheeler
D. Joe Hendrickson
1947-1948
1948-1949
1949-1950
1950-1951
1951-1952
Harris O. Johnson
Reginald Dryer
Ira J. Martz
Homer H. Peters
John M. Lamparter