A History of Show Directories from NIA Conventions

Reprinted from "Crown Jewels of the Wire", September 2001, page 46

Display by:
Kevin Lawless
(with anecdotes from the shows!)
3363 Guilderland Avenue, Apt. 3
Schenectady, NY 12306-1820
518-357-2333
kflbostons@aol.com

For all but three of our insulator nationals, a show directory of some sort or another has been produced and distributed to the dealers, exhibitors and, at least some of the time, the attending walk-through. While the directories aren't the most important part of the show (by a stretch), they have helped preserve those shows for future insulator collectors to enjoy and relive.

This display and the accompanying handout from "Mr. Insulator Trivia" himself makes great reading, and you will learn with which shows the following quotations are synonymous: "Sixth floor, everybody out!" -- "Trade you my Jumbo for that air conditioner" -- "Have you ever seen so many threadless?" -- "Quick, Ev, get Klingensmith out of here!" --"Aunty Em! Aunty Em! It's a Twister!" -- "I now pronounce you. . ." -- "Hi Mickey!" -- "Let's Go to Kennedy's. . . it's TWO lobsters for $12.95!" -- "Where did all that water come from?" -- "Take 20 steps past the construction pit. . ." -- "Ya'll come down to Georgia!"

A History of Show Directories from NIA Conventions 
by Kevin Lawless 
(with anecdotes from the shows!)

(Information compiled by Kevin Lawless for display handout.)