If you think that forming your own decentralized zone or association might be difficult, think of T.J. (Tommy) Simpson, tonight’s inductee, who was the first president of the Canadian Bowling Association in 1927.

The organization was the brainchild of three wealthy Toronto businessmen, namely C.L. Burton, president of Simpsons, Les Harrington, general manager of Woolworth’s, and Harry McGee, vice-president and general manager of Eaton’s. Also, the involvement of this threesome and their companies gives us a look at the strong influence of the industrial or work league in the history of five pin bowling.

The first executive, with Tommy Simpson as president, also included Hal of Famers Brock Bailey and Bob Woods, along with F. Brady, George Grinyer, H. Ford, S. Schliman, Bill Hoare, B. Carl and J. Kennedy.

Headquartered in Toronto, the CBA mandate was to take league membership, compile record scores bowled during the season and, at year’s end, conduct an annual tournament for its members. Several trophies were introduced, one named after C.L. Burton for the high aggregate at the annual event, and a second named in honour of Harry McGee for the singles title.

By 1931, its fifth year of existence, the CBA produced its first yearbook. At this time Tommy Simpson had been president for four of these first five years.

Tom was a salesman, working in the clothing business for W.R. Johnston. “Salesmen always travelled in those days,” recalled Hal of Famer Roly Glandfield, “and Tommy went door-to-door with his supplies.” Roly also recalled that Tommy was an excellent bowler and played with the best bowlers of the day. Unfortunatley, we were not able to contact any relatives of Mr. Simpson tonight, but with this Hall of Fame induction, we recognize his efforts as a true pioneer of organized bowling.