The Toledo Craftsman's Guild was started in 1972 with a nucleus of 13 people. Our first show was at Crosby Park in connection with their May Flower Show Sale. There were 22 participants. Our first Christmas Show was at a now non-existent hall on Sylvania Ave. near Talmadge Rd. There were 44 crafts people in it. The Guild grew steadily. Shows were put on all over town...at Wildwood, Promenade Park, Gladieux, Adrian, Franklin Park Mall and Southwyck Mall, Lucas County Recreation Center and Lourdes College.

    The Guild was incorporated in 1975 with a formal constitution and by-laws. There were certain policies added as various situations called for a rule to cover the problem. Jurying started at this time in order to keep up the quality of the crafts. Our numbers rose to 350 which was our cut-off so everyone could be served at a show.

    Joan Shea and the original 13 founded this organization. Joan and Judy Schaarschmidt are the only two originals remaining in the Guild. Toledo received the group with great appreciation. Joan remained as President for four or more years and chairman. She met with different churches to help them organize their bazaars. She also helped with the Sylvania Art Show and the Apple butter Fest in Grand Rapids, Ohio besides the regular Guild shows.

    The Guild logo was suggested by George Telinius and refined by Dennis Shea. It depicts the working hands of a craftsman with T for Toledo at the top with C and G inside standing for the Toledo Craftsman's Guild.