Toledo Press Club Records

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSS-315

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Toledo Press Club collection is divided into three series: Artifacts, Photographic Materials, and Print Materials.

Included in Artifacts are plaques commemorating area sponsors of the Toledo Press Club as well as past leaders of the organization, a wooden Toledo Press Club sign, a trophy for the Press Club Riverfront Regatta from 1976 to 1990, and a glass mug with the Toledo Press Club logo printed on it.

Photographic Materials are comprised of headshot photos of previous presidents of the Toledo Press Club from 1972 to 1993.

Print Materials contain publications of the Toledo Press Club’s satirical newspaper, The Bleed, from 1973-1992. Moreover, there are several posters advertising events such as Ribs and Roast and the Touchstone Awards.

Dates

Creation: 1973-1992

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Materials may be accessed by request at the Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections on the fifth floor of the William S. Carlson Library on the main campus of the University of Toledo. Materials do not circulate.

Conditions Governing Use

In most cases, the Canaday Center does not own the copyright and literary rights to items in its collections; it is the responsibility of the researcher to adhere to U.S. Copyright and Fair Use laws, including seeking permission from the copyright holder and payment of any royalty fees, in the reproduction and use of archival materials.

Providing copies or scans does not constitute a license to publish or reproduce images in print or electronic form.

Biographical / Historical

The Toledo Press Club has operated within the Toledo area for more than 40 years since its founding in 1972, and was one of many press clubs affiliated with the National Press Club. Its members comprise of local newsmakers and journalists, and their participation in the Toledo Press Club provides them an opportunity to participate in professional networking activities to expand their contacts and insider knowledge of the local scene.

Originally housed in the Willard Hotel, the club is known for its annual events, such as Ribs and Roast, where community leaders are roasted and served chili dinners. The club has its own menu, with items such as “The Broadcaster” sandwich. Another annual event includes the club-sponsored Touchstone Awards: receptions and award ceremonies recognizing local journalism and community contributions.

The Toledo Press Club also published a satirical newspaper The Bleed, which spoofed the local Toledo news publication, The Blade. Some benefits the Toledo Press Club offers include after-hours networking where members engage in social activities at area restaurants, forum discussions and debates addressing hot-topic issues such as media coverage over the gun control debate, and access to the National Press Club in Washington D.C.

Many local press clubs over the years have closed; however, the Toledo Press Club continues to operate promoting ethical journalism and providing an inside look at issues shaping discourse amongst broadcasters and journalists.