Ohio Tool Collectors Association

OHIO TOOL COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION

Ohio's organization of tool collectors, historians,

craftspeople, educators, preservationists.

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 tis time by visiting:

1973 Oil Crisis

People's History 1973

Meeting Notices

Locations: Noted below for each quarter

Time: All meetings start at 8:00 am

(No Set-up or sales until 8:00 am)
Tables: Are provided free of charge, with registration

Please bring your own table coverings.

Snack:       Donuts, coffee, tea & orange Juice will be available
Tools:         Please bring tools for show, sale or trade
Meeting:     A short meeting follows around 10:30
Registration: $10.00 for each family unit, including spouse
                  and young children. Guests pay the same.

Entry fee for sellers/dealers is $15.00.

Please call a neighboring member or bring a friend.
Dues: $20.00 per year, these can be paid at the meeting

Meeting Locations:

Feb 25, 2018 (Winter Meeting)

Location: Little Bear Golf Club

940 Little Bear Loop

                  Lewis Center, OH 43085
    Co-Hosts: Richard Lawton 614.262.7445
          George Elsass 614.888.0591

May 20, 2018 (Spring Meeting)

Location: A. B. Graham Memorial Center
8025 E US Rt 36

Conover, OH 45317

Host: Doug Gaier 937.570.8468

Aug 5, 2018 (Summer Meeting)