BELLEVUE, Wash. When a social club held its annual membership luncheon at Azteca in Bellevue, it was difficult to see the tie that bound them all together because everyone was seated.
But once they stood up, it was quite clear: this was a very tall group of people.
All of them were members of the Seattle Tip Toppers, a club for men who are at least 6 2 tall and women who are at least 5 10 . Many in the group tower over those minimum requirements.
I love being tall, said Debbie Almstedt, who was testing out the tall club for the first time. I won t lie I think tall men are extremely attractive.
Club president Jerry Phillips, who comes in at 6 6 , currently takes care of the Tip Toppers official measuring stick. All potential members must be measured with their shoes off.
But if the stuck is missing, they can just stand next to treasurer Ken Johnson, who is the shortest tall guy at 6 2 .
I used to be the standard of measure, Johnson said. They d say, Go stand next to Ken. If you re taller than him, you can get into the club.
The first tall club was formed in California nearly 75 years ago by Kae Sumner Einfeldt, a 6 2 woman who was frustrated with a life of little leg room.
After putting something in the local paper, her club started to take shape, bringing together a group of tall people to commiserate about short beds, ill-fitting clothes, small shoes and awkward moments.
I can remember trick-or-treating and having senior citizens ask me, Aren t you a little bit tall to be trick-or-treating? recalled Cynthia Harrison, who is six feet tall.
Much has changed in the decades that followed. King-size beds are more common and big-and-tall clothes are more accessible.
But growing up tall can still be difficult, especially for women. Many get teased, prompting them to slouch. And finding a dance partner is always challenging.
When you dance with a man who s 6 6 or 6 7 , it s the first time in many women s life that they feel like they re feminine and they feel like girls, said Francine Siverts, who spent much of her life in a California tall club before moving to Seattle a couple years ago.
Tall clubs have sprouted up across the country, and each year, Tall Clubs International (TCI), the umbrella organization for the local branches, holds an annual convention. Last year s convention took place in Seattle, bringing in members from at least 40 different clubs across the continent.
This is my extended family, said TCI president Nancy Jacoby, who calls Florida home. This is where I get to feel normal.
In addition to the obvious activities, like volleyball, the convention hosts a pageant with contestants from various cities.
Miss Tall Seattle, Casey Jackson, is nearly 6 2 . Her mother was Miss Tall Seattle in 1983.
Last year s pageant winner was Talisha Tolliver, of Diamond Valley Lake, Calif.
I am the tall ambassador, she said with a smile and wave. I am a proud tall person.
Tolliver, an algebra teacher, hopes to spread tall pride to others, especially young girls who might be ashamed of their height.
I tell them, Stand up, hold your head up, keep your back straight, be proud, Tolliver said.
After all, life is short even if they are not.
