Chicago Rocks and Minerals Society (CRMS) was founded in 1946. The charter members were all in a lapidary class at a Chicago Park District field house. They discovered that they enjoyed each other's company and began sharing information and various collecting locations and techniques. This led to their unanimous decision to form a club that would provide them a chance to give lectures about their specialties and have guests from outside the club give talks about the hobby they enjoyed. Once organized, they searched for like-minded people in other clubs. They found them in the Chicagoland area. They also came upon the Midwest Federation (MWF). They joined the MWF and sponsored a successful convention one year later. A newsletter was created, but there were little funds in the treasury. When the editor presented them with finished, duplicated copies, the members would meet to assemble the newsletter. In 1950, CRMS joined the American Federation (AMF) and was instrumental in the development of the Chicagoland Gems and Minerals Association (CGMA). To this day, our members work with each other and the above organizations to promote the hobby we enjoy.

Our award-winning newsletter, The PICK and DOP STICK, is sent out 10 months of the year (we do not meet in July and August in order to give time for members to go on trips and build their collections). The PICK and DOP STICK's purpose is to keep members abreast of current events and to provide current information about our hobby. Our newsletter also goes out across the country on an exchange basis in order to keep other clubs aware of what is happening, and to inform our club members of activities elsewhere. The PICK and DOP STICK is always interesting and filled with original award-winning articles, news from the MWF, AMF, and CGMA, plus events of neighboring clubs that share our interests. Our newsletter has achieved numerous awards from both the American Federation and the Midwest Federation. Our current editor, as our previous one, have both received the coveted New Editor award, as well as being awarded one of the ten best newsletters. Our club takes great pride in the PICK and DOP STICK.

CRMS has matured in its fifty-five years of existence into a solid association of members who have interests in geology, paleontology, mineralogy, and the lapidary arts. Membership includes beginners, knowledgeable hobbyists, and professionals who are devoted to the collection and understanding of fossils, minerals, gems, and rocks. In fact, it is with pride that we call ourselves "ROCKHOUNDS".

In February, we celebrate our Birthday-Anniversary Party, where members can show off and explain a part of their collections. In March, CRMS has its famous Silent Auction, at which specimens are sold in order to raise funding for the club. The Annual Banquet is held in April. There may even be a swap in April of 2003. Most other months we entertain and enlighten ourselves with excellent speakers on a wide variety of subjects. Three times a year club members can participate and promote our hobby at the International Gem and Jewelry Show in Rosemont, and we also participate in displays and demonstrations at the annual CGMA Show in Wheaton.

Meetings are held at 7:30 P.M. on the second Saturday of each month (except for July and August). The meeting location is the Salvation Army Corps building at 4056 N. Pulaski Avenue (near Irving Park Road) in Chicago. There is a parking lot in the rear, as well as on-street parking. Visitors are encouraged to come join us and check us out. Don't be surprised when you join up!