In 1974, Dick Alumbaugh, who was a porcelain insulator collector, thought it would be nice to have a porcelain commemorative in honor of the National Insulator Association conventions. He consulted several collectors and did a lot of research on how they were made today, who could do it, cost factor, etc.

Dick, armed with lots of materials, approached the hosts of the 6th N.I.A. convention, Addie and Maury Tasem, who advised him to take it before the N.I.A. board (President Ernest Rostock). They met at Oroville, California (Western Regional show -- August 21-23, 1974). where the first N.I.A. approval for the commemorative was granted.

The porcelain commemorative became reality in 1975. The model used was (Jack Tod's) U-390 belonging to Dee Willett. A steel mold was designed, and plaster of Paris casts made from it. Serial numbers were introduced, and they are hand stamped before firing. The production process takes about three to five weeks, depending upon the number of firings required.

Changes occurred because of rising costs to make yearly date changes. We also reduced the number made for two reasons: 

1. Reduce our financial situation from red to black. 
2. Make your collection more VALUABLE. 

We are working yearly so you'll have a special commemorative at cost. We sincerely appreciate your dedication for the past eight years. 

We also hope this answers many questions about why it takes so long, etc. 

Big Thank You 

Addie, Maury & Dick