This article reports on the historical meeting that took place March 23, 1914, with nearly a dozen "Association of Superintendents of Buildings and Grounds" leaders from Central Western Colleges and Universities in Chicago, IL. At that time, the term "superintendent of buildings and grounds" had only been adopted around the turn of the century at many of the member schools. This body of men who were to become APPA's founders convened in recognition of the importance of professional leadership and oversight of their facilities and grounds. APPA's pioneers implemented the technological innovations that were making life easier on campus and off. The men who gathered for the 1914 meeting held valued positions on their campuses. Responsible for much of their institutions' early twentieth century growth, they appreciated that there was much to learn by studying how their peers approached comparable challenges. Since 1914, APPA has continued to bring together these facilities professionals to share expertise, discuss best practices, and take their place as indispensable, forward-thinking campus leaders.