Ohio's organization of tool collectors, historians,

craftspeople, educators, preservationists.

Since, 1973, 2025 = 53 years.

Ohio Tool Collectors Association (OTCA) is a regional organization to Ohio and the surrounding states, currently with nationwide & international membership. The group was founded in 1974, with the concept having been tabled in 1973.

 Its purpose is the preservation, study and understanding of early American industry tools, implements, and devices of the farm, home industry and shops of the pioneers. Also including the study of the crafts in which these objects were used and the craftsman who used them. And to share the knowledge and understanding with others, especially where it benefits restorations, museums  like institutions and fellow enthusiast and collectors.

OTCA meetings are held four times each year at various locations throughout the state of Ohio. The meetings are often held at a historical sites, local or state museums having tools & artifacts of interest to collectors. During these meetings, members can attend presentations and increase their understanding about early American trades, tools and techniques. Also members will put together displays or presentations featuring a special portion of their own collections, often rivaling museum displays. These are the highlights of the meetings and allows personal interaction of members to gain and further their knowledge of these tools. 

All members are encouraged to participate in these meetings, presentations, displays, or drafting article for the fine Ohio Tool Box quarterly newsletter. All members are encouraged to bring trade & sale items and tools for barter, exchange or just for showing off.

OTCA traces its roots to late 1973 during the oil embargo crisis. The scarce availability of gasoline and skyrocketing prices & inflation prompted the idea of developing a local club for the tool collectors of the state. The first meeting was held on Sunday, January 6th, 1974 at the County Health Building in Spingfield, OH. With the tradition of Sunday meetings still being held to this day.

For a better understanding of the issues surrounding the Oil Embargo of 1973-74, you are encouraged to refresh your memory or learn some of the issues from this time by visiting:

1973 Oil Crisis

&

People's History 1973