In 1929 the City of Fresno had a population of about 50 to 60 thousand citizens, today it is a bustling city of over 180 thousand and so a convention of the California Division of the International Association of Identification, hosted by William F. Jones, Sheriff in Fresno on May 9 - 10 - 11, 1929 came together. A delegation of men from the San Francisco Bay District, members of the California State Division, International Association for Identification, namely:

W. E. Schoppe, Superintendent, National Auto Theft Bureau

M. L. Britt, Agent, National Auto Theft Bureau

C. M. Christensen, U. S. Postal Inspector

Robert LH. Morse, Office of the U. S. Postal Inspector

Philip E. Geauque, U. S. Secret Service Agent

These gentlemen were a bit chagrined when the found out that the host (Sheriff Jones) had not made any provisions for entertainment during the stay of the convening visitors. However, their persuasiveness soon won over the Sheriff’s sanction and with cooperation of the following local men:

William G. Walker, Fresno Chief of Police

Gerry F. Potts, Natl. Auto Theft Bureau

William “Dusty Rhodes, Sheriff, Madera County

They soon set up a program of fun and frolic……

A large suite was rented at the Fresno Hotel and that became the “Hospitality Room”. Its popularity grew in no time at all, and this, by word of mouth only. One man when asked how he found the suite, said it was simply a matter of following the footprints in the corridor. This incident, no doubt had much to do with the later concoction of the word “Footprinter”. History at this point, becomes a bit vague as to what libation was offered during this era of prohibition, but no doubt the “Purple Foot Gang of Fresno” was operating back then and made ample provisions of nectar.

The Fresno Hotel was a meeting place for entertainers coming to Fresno and so the hotel management provided entertainment for conventioneers also. It was at this point that Bob Morse turned to Phil Geauque and said “We should start an association and call it the International Footprint Association” To Geauque’s inquiry as to how and why he had.

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Come up with that thought. Morse replied, “Because we did such a good job of entertaining at this convention and the Footprinters would represent the fun or entertaining part of the organization.” Morse assured Geauque that he was serious and said, “It is founded as of tonight” Geauque enthusiastically agreed to the plan.

From that night on, the possibilities of a new organization being founded drew great interest and grew with snowballing action. Geauque drew a cartoon, (it was he who drew the first Robinson Crusoe and Friday cartoon) and captioned it “International Footprint Association, Fresno 1929.

A convention held in San Francisco at the Whitcomb Hotel in 1931 drew about 300 members, it was at this gathering the association grew so fast that on January26, 1932 they became incorporated.

At a meeting of the Board of Directors held on June6, 1935 in the City of Los Angeles it was voted on to form the organization into Chapters with each Chapter being subordinate to the Grand Chapter.

In 1984 - 85 Footprinters came home to Fresno once more when the National Convention was held in the “Old Home Town”.

National Convention this year, 2004, will be held in Ogden, Utah at the Ogden Marriott Hotel, 247 - 24th. Street, Ogden - Phone 1.888.825.3163 or 1.891.629.1190 -Fax Number 801.394.6312. Call for reservations. Convention dates are: June 23, 24, 25 and 26, 2004.

Chapter 11 for the past many years has supported Kelso Village, a school for those less fortunate. Over the years we have supplied all appliances, tables, painting, repairs and built them a 30 foot swimming pool for therapeutic purposes. The Chapter stages a Pancake Breakfast to raise money for these clients. We send members to the
Special Olympics and they have done very well.

Our Chapter participates in the Veteran’s Day Parade and other civic functions thus perpetuating the cause of IFA and the Chapter.

Membership is the name of the game, retention is so very important, if anyone knows of a member that at one time was a good “Footprinter” but now has not paid his/her dues and has dropped out, call this “Dropout” and welcome him/her back to the Chapter, invite him/her to the next meeting or dinner to help him/her to get his/her feet wet again, all they want is for someone to call them and invite them, they will do the rest. It works.

John Parker's email: papaparker@juno.com Ph 292.2742