Those of you who have followed Ye Ed's comments through the present volume of "Scanner" will realize that the Toronto Marine Historical Society is now celebrating its tenth anniversary. This may not seem like anything particularly special in view of the fact that there are many eminent marine historical societies which are much older than ours. But we feel that this anniversary is something special for a small group such as ours and we are most anxious that all our members realize our pride and sense of accomplishment on the attainment of such an auspicious milestone.

T.M.H.S. began back in the early sixties, not as an organized society but rather as a small group of Toronto shipping observers who met regularly in each others' homes for evenings of enjoyable talk and "steamboating". The group grew in numbers until in early 1968 it was thought that we should form a more solid basis for our operations. Under the guidance of the late Fred Sankoff, our first president, the Toronto Marine Historical Society was brought into being and, with Fred as Editor, "Scanner" first appeared in April 1968 as a newsletter for our members.

The first volume of "Scanner" consisted of ten issues and ran from April 1968 to May 1969. Fred retired as Editor after the completion of the first volume of our publication, whereupon Yours Truly stepped in and has been pegged in the job ever since. We have enjoyed bringing "Scanner" to you each month and hope that the publication has grown into the kind of journal that our readers may find both interesting and informative.

We have chosen May as our Tenth Anniversary simply because it is the month of our Annual Dinner Meeting and provides a good opportunity for us to bring a special commemorative issue your way. Readers will notice our special cover for this issue which has been provided as a part of our celebrations. Its colours are indeed special and are being used for this issue only, so no one need fear that "Scanner" is losing its usual, distinctive appearance .

In addition, those present at our May Dinner Meeting will receive a special bonus, namely a complimentary copy of the now-rare "Hall Corporation Shipping Limited 1927-1977" fiftieth anniversary booklet, a fine publication graphically describing in words and photos the operations of the Hall fleet since its formation. These booklets have been provided through the courtesy of Mr. Richard E. McAllaster of The Augsbury Corporation of Ogdensburg, New York.

We have insufficient space in these pages to thank formally all those who have contributed over the years to the success of our Society but we must not forget all those members who have helped in our drive to recruit those enthusiasts who have swelled our membership rolls. We also thank those who have volunteered to serve on the Executive Committee and who have given so freely of their time and effort to promote the development of T.M.H.S.

But we would be remiss if at this point we did not propose a special vote of thanks to Mr. Alan Howard and to the Toronto Historical Board which has so graciously permitted us the use of the Marine Museum of Upper Canada for our regular meetings during the past decade. Without the assistance of the Board, T.M.H.S. would probably still be meeting in members' homes and would not be the respected organization that it is now considered to be.

Ye Ed, along with all of the members of the Executive Committee of the Toronto Marine Historical Society, would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our members and friends for their support over the last ten years. With your help and guidance, we hope to keep T.M.H.S. and its publication, the "Scanner", in the vanguard of Great Lakes marine organizations, a voice of authority and integrity in the shipping world.

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