Dear Collectors,

I think it appropriate at this time to write you a letter of acquaintance to introduce myself to you. Those of you who couldn't make the 4th Nat'l may like to know of your regional officers, and enjoy the aspect of friendliness in this hobby. To those who were at 4th Nat'l, I surely would like to thank all present at the banquet for their interests in the insulator hobby. Having attended all four Nat'l shows, I would make an assumption that it has become a type of family get together. It is a welcome part of the year to meet those old friends and to have added new ones from more areas of our U. S. I have enjoyed this part of collecting almost more than an addition of another insulator. I will ask all those who can offer ideas which can add to our hobby and the Nat'l Insulator Association, to write and help your officers in your region. I invite your interest. An organization consists of its membership, and the membership are the collectors and friends. We need your help and participation.

Getting back to acquainting you with your representative. My name is Dick Augustyn. I'm married, and my wife's name is Marie, whom I thank for her patience of a saint, especially when we pursue insulators and attend shows. We have four boys in the family. Our home is in Addison, Illinois, which is approximately 35 miles west of Chicago. My occupation is that of an Industrial Cement Mason (finisher), and I've been at this for 23 years. One would believe that only linemen collect insulators, but just the reverse is true.

Our start in collecting began when our two boys brought home two porcelain insulators from an adjacent railroad track near here. They then asked me if I would find them more. We frequented flea markets and line trucks to find different pieces. It had blossomed into duplicates and what to do with these. In 1966 the magazines were not available, and a small directory was available from Calif. Thus began the letter writing and trading of insulators. I began to replace my boys' interests and was totally involved myself. I have collected for seven years now and changed types and habits, also.

In the early stages, before substantial lists were available, trades were made for the sake of a different insulator to add to the shelf. Much of the information in the books today has been contributed by the dedicated collectors of the early years in our hobby.

As to my special interests in the hobby, I enjoy all glass insulators and those with special profiles, such as ears, holes, color, and odd shapes. The invincible tea pot, which I may never own, is of great interest to me. I am still hoping, and set it as a goal, as other collectors set their goals. Other reflected hobbies due to insulators are the lightning rod globes and paraphernalia. All is entirely due to my attending insulator shows. The 1st Nat'l show in New Castle, Indiana, started me off in collecting lightning rod globes. So you may too start a collecting habit while at an insulator show. Undoubtedly you will collect friends and acquaintances.

I will take this opportunity to Invite you to the future Jumbo Show in St. Charles, Illinois. I am a Co-Host of the Jumbo Show and welcome you to attend. Our show was well attended last year and a success. We were well complimented and told to have the show again this year.

I hope that by this letter you will have a little knowledge of your Central Regional Vice-President and that you will feel free to write to me of your ideas and concern in the National Insulator Association. I certainly appreciate the fine work of our officers in the past year and the formation of the National Association.

Join us. Join up. Keep collecting!

Sincerely,
Dick Augustyn