The STC Makes History - 50 Years and Still Counting

by Carol Lawless, Chapter Treasurer

It's our Golden Anniversary! Fifty years ago, two groups of technical writers and editors, on the US east coast, formed associations dedicated to improving the growing field of technical communication. A year later, a third was founded on the west coast. These three - The Society of Technical Writers (STW), the Association of Technical Writers and Editors (TWE) and the Technical Publishing Society (TPS) - eventually merged to form what was renamed, in 1971, the Society for Technical Communication (STC).

Fifty years ago technical documentation was written predominately by engineers and technicians; IBM just released its first mainframe computer; the Polio vaccine was on the verge of development; and "Silicon Valley" was soon to create a new generation of transistors using silicon.

This year we're celebrating fifty years of making the technology revolution accessible to its users. Whether we communicate for the software, medical, financial services, or mechanical industry, we're still united in our goal to write it right!

The Southwestern Ontario Chapter isn't 50 years old - yet - but we're still proud of our history and traditions. Fourteen years ago, Jack McFadden, our founding president, wrote in The Goose (yes–The Quill was briefly named the Goose) that the chapter was "in a growth year, not just in membership but in the potential growth of each member". Membership sat at a whopping 37 (just three shy of the 40 writers and editors who formed the TWE in 1953), with as many on the "may be interested in becoming a member" list. Today we're over 150 members with a solid tradition of excellence and innovation.

Half a century of international growth; fifteen years of local growth. Yes - that's something to celebrate.

Source: www.stc.org/STC@50/history.asp

Editor's Note:
It's not until you remember where you've been that you realize how far you have come. Why not take this opportunity to share some of those memories so that everyone can appreciate how our field has changed over the years? Submit your ideas and stories to quill@stc-org.ca.