The 1983 National is over according to the calendar. But in our hearts and minds it will go on and on. For those of you that could not attend, the following will try and catch you up in the excitement of it all. For those of us who did attend, it will trigger many happy memories. 

Thursday, July 7, we arrived at the show site and were met by a large group of fellow collectors helping set up the hall. Dick and Evelyn had everything organized to a "TEE". One hundred and thirty tables with white covers were set with bold name plates and informational packets.

Back at the Quality Inn old friends and new were meeting in anticipation of the next three days. The Yankee Pole Cat Insulator Club had a hospitality room welcoming all to the 1983 National.

The evening brought more collectors and more business to be attended to. Board members of the NIA (National Insulator Association) met in President Marilyn Alber's room to discuss pending club matters.

Friday July 8: The early morning set-up brought 90 dealers and 28 exhibitors. Tight security held back the anxious NIA members until the doors officially opened. The day was busy with buying, selling and trading. Insulators, such as an Emmingers, Combination Safety, Crown Cable, Purple Jumbo, Fisher, CD 729 Keeling, CD 719 Cobalt, Cobalt Cal. Electric, and a rainbow of lightning rod balls were ready and waiting on the many sales tables.

A surprise visit was made by the news teams of Channel 8 and Channel 10. They were genuinely interested, spending lots of time and taking many pictures. 

The first show day ended with many smiling faces. At approximately 8:00 P.M. the NIA general membership meeting was brought to order by President Marilyn Albers. In attendance were 125 members and family. The highlight of the meeting was the discussion of the recent changes in the judging rules for exhibits.

Regional Vice-Presidents announced upcoming shows in their regions. The site of the 1984 National was announced -- Tacoma, Washington. Steve Watkins spoke briefly and guaranteed that Mt. Saint Helens would behave itself during show hours!

James Robbins, representing the 1984 Bottle Exposition to be held in Montgomery, Alabama, was a quest at the meeting. He presented the details of the show and urged support by insulator collectors. 

Show and Tell was well supported after the meeting with insulators never before shown. To name a few: U-983 Bennington threadless with fluted sides; a CD 796 Oakman one piece transposition threadless; and a 990 Hemi in Carnival.

Saturday, July 9: The early morning brought a line at the door. Several more sales tables and another display were being set up. The Brag Table brought many interesting items. The one of a kind insulators were:

Yet another TV, Channel 13, arrived, interviewed a few, and the newscaster left with an insulator in her hand. I'm sure that the TV crew was somewhat confused when they met collectors with wild hats and costumes! There was a Bee Catcher chasing a Bee around -- any idea who that was? And a King and Queen, I wonder --. 

Evening arrived. At the Banquet all tables were full, with 193 in attendance. As far as we know, this was a record attendance. A delicious meal was enjoyed by all. 

Dick Bowman took the floor and thanked all of those that helped. A standing ovation was given to Dick and Evelyn for a super job. 

Another standing ovation was given to Rosella Willett in recognition of her 80th birthday. Next came what many had patiently awaited -- the presentation of the awards. 

Special Awards:

• John McDougald presented Pat and Shirley Patocka with the NIA Outstanding Service Award.
• Don Harned presented Life Memberships to Jack and Carolyn Todd and John and Carol McDougald.
• Marilyn Albers presented a long overdue thank you to the founder of our C.D. numbering system, N. R. Woodward.
• Show Awards as follows: 
  NIA Categories: 

• Additional show awards: 

Non-competitive Displays 

• Grant Barnes
• Clarice Gordon
• Ray Klingensmith & Cecil Boos 

Sunday, July 10: Hard to believe the show was coming to an end. Everyone's enthusiasm was still strong, and many last minute deals were starting to culminate. 

As afternoon approached and pack up time neared, friends were already planning next year's National. Hand shakes and hugs were rampant, as was the praise to Dick and Evelyn Bowman for putting on a Super-Super-Great National.

Believe it or not, Monday brought still another day of activity. The Bowmans set up tours to the local insulator factories, which many stayed and took advantage of. In addition, the Bowmans welcomed to their home any "SURVIVORS of the 14th NATIONAL". 

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Pictures follow. The first four are by Dick Bowman, and all the rest are by Princine Petinga.