An Overview

The Transportation Club of St. Louis (TCSTL) operates as a local chapter of the Logistics and Transportation Association of North America (LTNA). Since 1907, TCSTL has provided a philanthropic platform  to build a strong network of associations and partners dedicated to providing engaging, interactive, and non-competitive social relationships for our Members.

More adventurous folks are known for taking the less traveled paths and going a little further into the networking and personal relationships that sets them apart.  It also fits well with our philosophy of incorporating conservation and educational initiatives with our local programs.

Our History

During the year 1907 the Industrial Traffic Managers of the Business Men’s League discussed the question of instituting a Traffic Club, and Mr. Coyle, Traffic Commissioner, suggested that Mr. Wm. S. Crilly draw a resolution requesting the railroads to appoint a committee to meet with a committee of Industrial Traffic Managers, the object being the formation of a Traffic Club whose principles would be the unification of all men engaged in traffic work. Mr. Crilly drafted and submitted the resolution that was adopted.

The Traffic Club of St. Louis became an institution on November 15th, 1907, at a meeting of the Committee on Organization, held at the Planters Hotel in St. Louis. Members of this committee were Mr. P.W. Coyle, Traffic Commissioner of the Business Men’s League; Mr. J.C. Lincoln, Manager of the Traffic Bureau of the Merchants Exchange; Mr. W. Gray, General Freight Agent, Chicago, Burlington & Quincy R.R.; Mr. P.M. Hanson, Traffic Manager, National Enameling and Stamping Co.; Mr. Walter Nichols, Division Freight Agent of the Big Four Railroad; and with Mr. A.F. Versen as Secretary.

The first president was Mr. George W. Simmons, of the Simmons Hardware Co. Through his leadership and energetic work his administration successfully directed its efforts to the advancement, both socially and materially, of the members. His plan was broad and original, always adhering to the high principles expressed in a poem by Waterman adopted by the Club as its motto.

MEMBERSHIP: At the end of 1908, 219 representatives of industry and transportation, mostly railroad, were on the Club’s Roster. In the 1920’s, great strides in the transportation field were made in the next decade – car loading companies, air lines, and bus lines became an integral part of transportation, viewing with the railroads were barge lines, steamship and river packets for passenger and freight traffic, resulting a 1928 club membership of 779 resident members, 46 non-resident members, and 2 honorary members, one of whom was Col. Charles A. Lindbergh, the distinguished aviator. The next addition to transportation was the motor carriers, the Club membership increased in 1945 to 956 resident, 64 non-resident, and 26 honorary members. In 1957, the Golden Anniversary Year, the roles showed a total membership of 1588. Since then an era of mergers in industry and transportation has negatively affected the Club’s membership, continuing to today.

The Traffic Club has and will continue to offer its members the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and share themselves with each other and our community. Today ever too quickly becomes yesterday, and part of the Club’s History.