Well, where do I begin? I guess the best way to start would be to give a great big THANK YOU to the hosts of the show, Andy and Vi Brown of Redmond, WA. If Purple Hearts could be awarded to show hosts for bravery and for service above and beyond the call of duty, Andy and Vi would both be wearing Purple Hearts. We can never thank you properly, but every one of us who was there appreciates the work you did so that we could enjoy a super show.

The 15th Annual NIA Convention Show and Sale was held in Tacoma, WA, July 20-22, l984. And it was a real thriller. In the first place, the setting was magnificent. Tacoma is nestled on hillsides overlooking Commencement Bay in Puget Sound. And standing guard, you might say, over the city to the southeast is the majestic snow-capped peak of Mt. Ranier, rising over 14,000 feet above sea level. It creates a lovely background scene for Tacoma, and is so large that it is hard to believe it is real; it looks as though someone just painted it on the horizon.

So it was to a setting like this that we all came, to enjoy one of the best nationals ever. The show actually began as early as Thursday, where so many of us met at the home of Mrs. Evelyn Milholland. She graciously opened her home and museum to all show delegates and patiently answered all of our questions, let us view and handle her thousands of lovely insulators, and put up with her place being transformed into a miniature Grand Central Station for the days prior to, and following the show. For this we thank you, Mrs. Milholland. It was delightful seeing you again and seeing your magnificent collection of insulators and go-withs.

Both Wednesday and Thursday nights there was the usual (and much looked-forward to) pre-show gathering out in the lot beside the show site. We talked until the late hours, and were full of anticipation, eagerly awaiting the thrilling three days ahead of us.

Thursday evening I got a sneak preview of the room in the Bicentennial Pavilion after the tables had been set up, and all that did was add fuel to my pre-show insomnia, for the facilities were very nice. Seeing all of those tables with their neat little covers already in place, and knowing what was ahead for the next three days...well, I didn't exactly sleep like a log Thursday night!

Friday finally dawned, and the weather couldn't have been better. In fact, the weather was perfect for the entire show. We dashed in and began setting up. As it turned out, there were 90 sales tables, 20 displays, 69 dealers, and 15 states represented, along with those from Canada. (More on Friday in a moment).

Before I go any further, let me try to list those people who attended the show. A special thanks goes to all of you Easterners, Southerners, and Mid-westerners who came West. Your support was outstanding, and you added so much to the show just by being there. Plus, we Westerners and Pacific North-westerners were so happy to see you all once again.

I think the honor for determination to get to this national has to go to Robert Lloyd of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He spent eight days getting to Tacoma, which isn't all that unusual. But his methods of transportation certainly were. He pedaled his bicycle, hitch-hiked, and hopped freight trains, all the way from Windsor. I think such dedication deserves special mention, and it was super having you with us, Robert! Other Canadians who made it to Tacoma include Margaret and Wilf Secord, Jim McLeod, Eric Halpin, Don and Randy Logan, and Brian Battaglia.

I'm going to begin with the great state of FLORIDA this time in listing those who attended from this country, because I want to start out with mentioning Ruth Kidder. Speaking of special mention for determination, this amazing lady drove all the way from Florida to Tacoma in her van, with just her two doggies for company. what dedication! And it was a real pleasure having you at the show, Ruth! Other Floridians who delighted us with their presence (and their stories) were Phoebe and Bob Adams. What terrific people you are! Florida was well represented, as we had Jackie and Len Linscott there too (hosts of the l977 National show in Lakeland, Fl). All of you were super people to come "kitty-corner" across the USA to Tacoma.

Starting alphabetically by states now, ALABAMA'S Larry Richards came a long way to be with us. ALASKA sent Cindy and Fritz Kettenburg, the Griffiths, and Madeline and Bernard Warren.

CALIFORNIA was pretty well represented, so I'll list us "Prune Pickers" next. Carol and Rex Vaughn and family, Ross Huth, who came with Bill Greene, Rosella and Dee Willett, Chris Prokop, our sweet Crown Jewels lady Dora Harned and hubby, Don, Ray Howe, Margie and Bruce Young and Margie's sister, Sylvia Hunt, Kevin Meehan, Gloria and Marvin Collins, Bart Magoffin, Carlos Jordan, who came with Joe Delurgio, Becky and Mike Guthrie (who rode a motorcycle to the show!), Ray Thompson, Pearl and B. Glasscock, Doris and Norman James, Marie and Bruce Turley, Shirley and Pat Patocka, Evelyn and Don Gaylord, Gene Calman, Helen and Carl Wilson, Norma and John Giudici, Noreen and Dave Allsbrook, Jane and Tim Curtis and Tammy, Dorothy and Glenn Yows, Thelma and Frank Feher, Suzanne and Dave Potts and family, Dave Cross, Don Bayes and wife, Allene Bloom, and of course, Clarice and Wes Gordon (who are THEY anyway?)

COLORADO was also generous in sending insulator buffs. We had among us Roberta and W. Dennis McHenry, Bob Alexander (who authors beautiful books), Sandra and Mel Shootman, Mike Swanson, Mike Green, Linda and Russ Hughes, and Mike Bliss (co-host of the 1979 National Show in Denver, CO).

From ILLINOIS came my beehive collecting buddy, Paul Rosenberger and his daughter, Paula, who came all the way out on Amtrak. Also from ILLINOIS, Eileen and Mike Sovereign, and our traditional banquet buddies, Ramona and Bob Cheeseman. From IOWA, Carol and Paul Ickes, and Cecil Boos. From KANSAS, Glenn Sidebottom (who also came out on Amtrak), and Mary and Al Leslie (who must have had the most colorful table there). Princine Petinga and Mike Bruner (our new President) came out from MICHIGAN, as did Alden Burley. The "Show Me" state of MISSOURI let loose the following delegates long enough for the show; Chris Hedges, and Jeanne and Dennis Weber. (I guess squirrels were quarantined this year). I forgot to mention IDAHO in it alphabetically correct place...from that state came Harland Reed. 

The population of MONTANA dwindled by several, as we saw Marci and Jack Riesselman and Christina, Vicki and Marvin Miller, Robert and James, and Ron Yuhas. (Was there anyone left in Montana that weekend, guys?) Now for NEW YORK. Kevin Lawless was there, and we enjoyed getting to know you better! And how good it was to see Dick Bowman (co-host of the 1983 National Show in Rochester, NY). Ray Klingensmith and sister, Debbie represented OHIO, as did our matchless Hemingray 42 Award presenter, Jerry Turner, and his wife, Marilyn, and their grandson, Jerry Turner the Third. Jerry the First, you're a legend in your own time. Thanks for all you do to make our banquets so special. Also from OHIO, Mary Jane and Vern Russell.

OREGON comes next, and as you might expect, there were a lot of Oregonians present. John Thurston, Bill Hungate, Don Berke, Barbara and Chuck Irwin, Joanne and Tim Wood, Pearl and James Dennis, my "chubby" beehive buddy and good friend, Steve Watkins (who worked very hard for this show), Ladena and Ray Gollihugh, Connie Greagor, and Shirley and Bob Crowe. Jeanne and Ora Beary traveled all the way from PENNSYLVANIA. The Lone Star State of TEXAS temporarily gave up 7 residents that I counted; Phillip Gillham (who makes and sells beautiful wind chimes with an insulator on them), Elton Gish (who will be writing about porcelain insulators for Crown Jewels from now on), John Crawley, Larene and Charles Wohlcke, and our former and first ever lady President, Marilyn Albers, and her husband, Bill Albers, who did such a great job as Treasurer. Thank you both for the absolutely "top drawer" jobs you each did for the NIA.

And last, only because it falls there alphabetically, comes the beautiful state of WASHINGTON, which was host to this year's National. First of all, Andy and Vi Brown...thanks aren't enough for all you did. How we appreciate everything! Also from WASHINGTON, Louise and Wayne Wallace, Bill Reid, David Benko, Jack Garris, Julia and Patty, Jeanne and Joe Bridges (who also worked very hard for this show), Carole and Dennis Moeller, display coordinators, Theodore Hedges, Jim "Porcelain Power Sign" Cunningham, Jimi and Dave Gillespie, Kathy and Win Trueblood, Carol and Stephen Miller and Keys, Mrs. Evelyn Milholland (co-author of the insulator collector's "Bible", and a real sweetie), Evelyn's sister, Alice Miller, her daughter Patty, and Evelyn's granddaughter, Carla Walsh, who took her to the banquet. Evelyn's grandson, Dale Severson, kept the museum open during show hours. Still from WA, Dave Moffett, Delores and Hank Durnil, Inez and Paul Keating (who does the Price Guide), Helen and Larrin Wanechek, James Xiggores, Ed Sellberg, Linda and Tim Drumhiller, Jim Bloxom, J. Clark Duncan, Dan Sponton, Pat and Ken Graybeal, Wayne Eberhart, Eric Lenius, Dick Beck, Tammy and Mark Heitman, and John Lahti.

Well, I hope I didn't leave YOU out. If I did, you have my permission to write me a nasty letter. I tried to list everyone, but you can imagine how difficult that is. In fact, if I write any more "Bee's-Eye View" articles on the nationals, I may skip trying to list everyone. As you can see, it takes up a lot of space, and it is totally impossible to remember so many people.

Now back to Friday, as promised earlier. Friday was terrific. Everyone was getting their stuff out, and the looking and dealing began. I deserted poor Mr. Hyve at our tables while I spied out the territory for goodies. There were literally tons of insulators there...and I was in "hog heaven". Friday just flew by, and I couldn't believe it when five o'clock came. The show was one-third over, but I hadn't started to get depressed yet; I still had two days of show left. Friday night after the meeting, many of us stood outside and yakked again. This was such a friendly show that nobody seemed to want to sleep. We all wanted to stay together and talk. I figured I could catch up on my sleep later!

I made an observation at this show, which I've also seen at other shows. There is no "generation gap" in our hobby. And that is something of which we can be proud. I know of no other hobby-oriented organization where this is as true as it is for us. I see young people talking with older ones, young couples talking with older couples, and any combination of age and circumstance you can think of, all getting along and having fun together. Age just doesn't seem to matter to insulator collectors. And I think that is commendable.

Saturday arrived right on schedule. But before I go on, I must tell a short story here. Sometime early on Friday, a white plastic goose appeared seemingly out of nowhere, right in the middle of one of the aisles. But what was so bizarre was that no one seemed to pay any particular attention to it, nor was anyone curious as to where it came from. Everyone just walked around it instead of moving it. And it was a full-sized goose. Later on that day, as I made another round, I noticed that a little yellow baby goose had appeared behind the mama. I questioned a few of the nearby dealers, but no one knew anything. By Saturday morning there was a second little gosling behind Mama, but Mama was over on her side. Saturday afternoon Mama was back on her feet, and a third gosling was trailing behind the rest. So naturally all day Sunday I kept expecting to see more goslings appear, but none did.

That gaggle of geese was out in the middle of that aisle during the entire rest of the show, and everyone walked around or over them, and never once questioned their presence. (Mr. Hyve informs me that those geese actually made their debut out in the parking lot sometime Thursday evening). Whose were they? Why were they there? I have run up against a brick wall in my attempts to find out. It was a wild and crazy side-light in an otherwise "sane" show!

On with Saturday. It was a busy day...busy as a beehive. Phoebe and Bob Adams arrived, and as I hugged Phoebe, I admired her luscious perfume. Later in the day she gave it to me, all wrapped up nicely -- that's the kind of sweet person Phoebe is! (Thanks for the little alligator too, Phoebe). Incidentally, those of you who don't belong to the Central Florida Insulator Club ought to join, if only to receive the Adam's club newsletter...it is adorable! I look forward to it al- most as much as I do Crown Jewels.

Saturday went like wildfire too, and before we knew it, it was banquet time. But before the Hemingray 42 Awards had time to get off the ground, Steve Watkins finally managed to "get" Jerry Turner. And it was a goodie. Earlier that day at the show, Steve had passed out sacks to about 36 of us, containing Groucho Marx glasses, nose, and mustache, and a cigar. All of this was done when Jerry wasn't looking (which wasn't easy, was it, Steve?) Well, Steve called Jerry up to the mike and had him put a bag over his (Jerry's) head. We all put on our disguises, and came forward to the dais. At that point, Steve told Jerry he'd run a Jerry Turner look-a-like contest, and these were the participants. Jerry was asked to remove the bag from his head. I don't know what he must have thought, seeing 36 Jerry Turners all at once, but I've never seen Jerry laugh so hard. I think Steve can be congratulated for being the one who really "got" Jerry Turner. Incidentally, I'm so proud to say that I was the winner of the Jerry Turner look-a-like contest! (It was a surprise to me too, Jerry. It did wonders for MY ego, but I worry about what it did for YOURS!)

Despite such an insult, Jerry was still able to proceed with his wonderful Hemingray 42 Awards, and they were the best ever. If he had studied all of his life for this one role, he couldn't be any better at it. But we love you ANYWAY, Jerry. (I used that disgusting rubber snake I won to scare mice out of our trailer a few days later).

A proud moment for me

Even after the awards and all, a lot of us stood outside and talked for an hour or more. I guess we didn't want to see it end. By the way, the other awards given at the banquet will be covered in the official show report. But I will say that each and every one was well deserved by all who were honored.

Well, here comes Sunday. The saddest (for me) of all three days. The geese were still waddling (in place). Everything still LOOKED like Saturday, but we all KNEW it was Sunday. People were a little quieter (except for Mike Guthrie, who never seems to wind down), but still happy. Suddenly it was three o'clock and time to pack up. I won't go into the details of that this time, because any of you who have ever attended a national know how THAT feels. And although we packed up a lot fewer insulators than we'd carried in, it was still a low time emotionally. After we'd said our goodbyes, there was only one thing that kept my Post-National Depression Syndrome at bay for a while -- dinner at the Spaghetti Factory with a few friends. There was Ross Huth, Becky and Mike Guthrie, Ruth Kidder, Bill Greene, Kevin Lawless, and Mr. Hyve. Kevin, thank you for your great stories and cheerful personality -- we enjoyed being with you, and you helped stave off our depression for awhile! 

Well, the 15th National is history now. But it was truly a thriller, and the only bad thing I can find to say about it was that it just ended too soon. But I can "take heart", and so can you. The 16th National is coming up June 7-9, 1985, hosted by Mike Sovereign, Larry Veneziano, and Jim Crandall. The place will be St. Charles, Illinois. And do you know what? At this writing it is only 257 days away. Yippee! See you there!