The Western Neurosurgical Society was formed 50 or more years ago and its formation is being celebrated at this annual meeting.

The first consideration of such an organization occurred in 1948, resulting in the first formal meeting at the Del Monte Lodge, Pebble Beach in February 1955. The first president was David Reeves, MD, vice president John Raaf, MD, with H.G. Crockett, MD, being the first secretary treasurer.

The first regular meeting was at the Biltmore Hotel, Santa Barbara on November 25, 1955. Thirty-five neurological surgeons are recognized as the founding fathers of the organization and they are always listed and honored in the annual program and will not be additionally listed here, but many are familiar to members of the organization and fondly remembered.

This personal memory will not be forever, and the preservation of our history becomes ever more important.