April 30th 2005. It was a gorgeous spring day. I was driving south on Hwy 75 on my way to the Bedford Metroplex Insulator Show. Arriving a little early at Wade Howard's house, I spy the two show hosts looking at insulators. (what else, of course) Wade had found a scarce CD 121 embossed Hemingray both on the front and on the back with some amber swirling, and he's just tickled to add it to his collection. Ross had recently bought a collection and had some of it on tables in the backyard. The biggest change for the get-together was that Wade had built a new privacy fence with two insulator display shelves and two windows from old house all built into the fence! What a great way to show off your collection! 

Left: Ken Roberts, Ross Baird, & Jim Fielding swapping stories.
Right: Bob Berry and Chris Sistrunk

People started showing up and soon all were well fed, having drinks, swapping stories, and just plain catching up. Jim Fielding had some really nice glass at very reasonable prices and did some tailgate swapping and selling. I ended up trading him a dated Hemingray 9 in yellow green for a weird French Guy Wire Strain and some dough. Tom Katonak and Mike Gay both got some nice pieces from Jim as well. After things settled down, some of the guys headed over to the show hall and set up tables. It really is amazing how quickly 6-8 guys can stack up 100 chairs and rearrange 23 tables. Thanks to all who helped.

Mike Gay, Jim Fielding, Mike Lyell, & Jack Roach having fun.

The next morning all was ready, the dealers got set up and the fun began. I immediately bought an Ice Aqua Johnny Ball from Elton Gish that fits in nicely with my strain collection. Chris Sistrunk brought his wife Shannon and his 2 year old CeCe. She had a blast and got her first purple insulator. Dealers included: N.R. Woodard, Ross Baird, Jack Roach, Randal Wickersham, John Wise, Brian Riecker, Ken Roberts, Mike Gay, Tom Katonak, Bob Berry, Jim Bates, Gary Fine, John Hall, Mike Texter, Frank Shiels, Elton Gish, Wade Howard, Jim Fielding, Bill & Marilyn Albers, and Glenn Hamilton -- hope I didn't miss anyone. 

Jim Bates and Marilyn Albers chatting.

Some of the better items to find homes were: CD 136 Brookfield in Deep Apple Green, CD 140.5 Cobalt Blob, CD 162 Yellow HG signal, CD 206.5 Harloe, CD 145 Purple Brookfield, CD 257 Mickey Mouse in Emerald Green, and a CD 145 B in Brown Amber! Breakfast and Lunch were available from the American Legion Ladies and it really hit the spot! After lunch, three dealers had 50% off fire sales. If you didn't get to their table fast, you missed out. Tables were literally cleaned out in minutes.

Bedford, Texas Insulator Show.

One gentleman brought a bunch of insulators to sell. Most were very common, but he did have one box with some nicer pieces. They include: CD 164 Jade HG, CD 162 Ft Wayne, CD 134 K.C.G.W., CD 162.3 blue Star, etc. Collectors attending the show included: George Freeman, Chris Sistrunk, Chris Renaudo, Judd Moody, Dean Moody, Mark Baland, Mike Lyell, Pat Gilkey (please forgive me if I missed anyone).

Jack Roach made an announcement that Jimmy Burns is stable, but still in poor health after a massive stroke left his right side paralyzed, and everyone was invited to put a donation in the hat to help with his medical bills. Give Jack a call if you would like to help.

By 3 P.M. it was a wrap to another successful Bedford show. Hope to see you next year.

Box of better pieces.