Some History of the PAST Organization

The club was originally formed as EAIA-West, the western branch of the Early American Industries Association  (see the Links page) in 1968. Arnold Gordon and Matt Matheson invited potential members from a list compiled by John Fryberg of Los Angeles, as well as from EAIA sources. The first meeting was held June 2nd, 1968, at Arnold Gordon's home. Others who could not attend either phoned or wrote in of their interest in forming a West Coast branch.

Before the discussion began, Arnold showed the group his elaborate collection of old hand tools, which he displayed in his garage and den. He then opened the discussion by giving an account of how he became interested in the collection of old tools and how he felt that others with a similar interest could get together and enjoy this interest in common.

All in attendance agreed to the formation of just such a group to be called EAIA-West. Permission to form the organization was given over the phone by EAIA president Joe Link. Arnold Gordon was unanimously elected the first president of the newly-formed organization.

In 1987, EAIA-West declared its independence from the parent organization. Members were still encouraged to join EAIA but now it was an option rather than a requirement.

At the bottom of this page you will find links to a number of other web pages that contain photographs from the early years of the organization. In the near future, we will be adding photographs from additional years.

As the above table becomes more populated (thirty-five plus years of history!) it will become more difficult to use for navigation purposes. At some point, it will probably be replaced with a drop-down menu system as shown below. We can have both systems in place, or only one. I would be interested in hearing of your preferences: mailto:toolroom@pasttools.org

This page was last updated on 03/26/09.