How it all began

On February 19,1913, a small group of dedicated "out-of-doors showmen" met at the Saratoga Hotel, in Chicago, Ill. Those present agreed that the time had come for an international organization that would cater to the needs and wishes of carnival people everywhere, through good times and bad. Thus, The Showmen's League of America was born.

U. J. "Sport" Hermann chaired this historic meeting. Under his stewardship, committees were formed and a slate of officers plus a Board of Governors acted upon. Subsequently, Colonel William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, famed "Wild West" figure and showmen in his own right, was elected the groups first president.

From its very beginning, The Showmen's League of America promoted friendship and good fellowship among its members. but there were other, more lofty aims, as well. Its charter members pledged to care for their industry's needy ... those who were ill, destitute, or without family support. and those who would require proper burial, when the time came and their families could not afford it.

At their first meeting, the showmen present contributed some $1,385.00 - an impressive sum in those days - to get their program underway. They also selected the elephant as the symbol of their League, describing their choice thusly:

"The elephant in rampant, with uplifted trunk, exemplifying in every particular the characteristics of the showman, not only alert and sagacious, but victorious as well"

March 15, 1913, saw the League's first banquet, since an annual tradition. At the initial banquet, the group's bylaws were framed.

The Showmen's League of America has survived and prospered over the ensuing years through the spirit, goodwill and determination established by its 40 charter members and the able and dedicated leaders who followed them. Our founders' legacy is our precious treasure ... and their enduring monument.

Over The Years, The S.L.A. Entertains Between 500And 800 Mentally And Physically Challenged Children Each Year At The League's Annual Christmas Party

These And Numerous Other Unheralded Acts, all trace their Beginnings To That Small Group Of Showmen's meeting In Chicago In 1913. Generation After Generation Of Showmen's League Officers And Members Have Kept Their Hopes And Dreams Alive

The Showmen's League Of America, Recognized And Called "The Mother Club" Of The Amusement World, Begins Its 87Th Year In Celebration Of Its Birthday Feb 19,1999.. At That Time The Over 3,000 Members Of The S.L.A. Within It's Chapters And Ladies Auxiliary, Have Valid Reasons To Say, " We Are Doing A Good job"