About TTOD - History

Our Founder

The first tall club, of what would become Tall Clubs International® (TCI), was founded in early 1938 by Kae Sumner after she wrote an article for the Los Angeles Times about tall people. Shortly thereafter, several people met at her home and subsequently formed a group that became known as the California Tip Toppers Club--the first tall club known to exist. (At the time, Kae was working for Walt Disney -- drawing Dwarfs.)

The development of furnishings for tall people became a primary goal of the group, which eventually resulted in the standardization of the "king size" mattress. Lowering cost and raising availability of clothing for tall people remains a central issue with TCI.

Life magazine highlighted the club on June 24, 1940 with a story entitled, "Life Goes to a Tip Toppers Party". The exposure resulted in an appearance on Robert Ripley's Believe it or Not program on November 8th.

Tall Clubs International began as the American Affiliation of Tall Clubs after the first convention of Tall Clubs in 1947. As the affiliation continued to grow and receive national attention, the name was updated to Tall Clubs International in 1966. It became incorporated in 1967.

The Tall Texans are Born

In 1946 the Dallas Tip Toppers was formed, and was eventually renamed to the current Tall Texans of Dallas. Some of today's members remember learning about the club from their parents. The club is well known within local singles organizations and charities, making appearances in the State Fair parade, local festivals, radio shows, and charity events.

Marfan Syndrome

In 1987, the National Marfan Foundation (which has branches in the United States and Canada) became the official charity of TCI. The disease, Marfan Syndrome, is classified as an inheritable disorder of the connective tissues, primarily in the bones, skeletal ligaments, eyes, and heart systems. The disease primarily affects tall people and is currently incurable; but, it has been slowed down appreciably with the advance of medicine. TCI is the major contributor to this foundation.

The Scholarship Award

The Kae Sumner-Einfeldt Scholarship Award was established in 1986 for college-bound high school students meeting the height requirements of TCI.

Where We Are Now

To date, more than 200 tall clubs have been in operation in North America, though not simultaneously. TCI currently consists of 58 affiliated clubs, as well as a dozen starter clubs in their early stages. There are tall clubs in Austria, Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, France, Poland, Sweden, The Czech Republic, Switzerland, Scottland, Norway, and Great Britian. Due to differences in height requirements, the European clubs are not TCI affiliates; however, these clubs are based on the same principles as TCI and remain close in spirit. The annual European convention is held the last week of May.

TCI holds an annual convention in the United States during the week of July fourth. At this convention, Miss Tall International® is chosen from the reigning queens of each particapating local tall club. The first queen was chosen in 1947 as Miss Tip Topper. The title Miss Tall International® has been used since 1974, and became a registered trademark in 1978.

The History Files

Over 20 years of history has been compiled for the members of Tall Texans of Dallas by Walt Lounsbery. The material from newsletters and other historic material was compiled in a set of two computer-readable CDs entitled "Reflections - Millennium Edition" in 2001. A copy of the collection was acquired by TCI for its archives. Those interested in the history of the club, or contributing to our archives, are encouraged to contact a current officer of the club.