Calumet Ben Franklin Club

In November, 1909, five South Chicago printers met to form what we enjoy today as the Calumet Ben Franklin Club, When Will C. Smith, George W. Bolling, A. R. Schultz, J. Miltlespzy, and A. Urbanack formed our association in 1909, it was with the intention that the club would help printers learn more about each other, and their businesses. In 1910, "Starch" was published. "Starch" (for printer's backbones) is now our monthly newsletter The last known issue of "Starch" is dated February 1928.

Because of many dedicated graphic arts people, we are here today to form a worthy organization thoroughly representative of the printing and allied, trades in the Greater Chicago area and communities adjacent thereto. Our purpose is to unite the members in a bond of good-fellowship through friendly relations and mutual helpfulness to one another. This concerted effort is to be for the general good and betterment of the printing and allied trades. We will discuss successful. methods of conducting business and dissemination of information. affecting profitable operation. With pride we state that "we are the oldest graphic arts club in Illinois".

The board of directors with the approval of the general membership at the November 1987 meeting approved the establishment,of an Educational Fund to benefit those pursuing a graphic ads education. The non-for-profit, tax exempt status. of the club will be centered around this purpose and funding will be transferred from our on going activities such as meetings and golf outings and our 50/50 raffles: When the educational fund receives a direct donation monthly. It is hoped this fund will grow and serve a number of member siblings or deserving students of our community.

Printing's Alive! Enjoy a little printer humor.