Dear Howard,
I just wanted you to know that even though I have not been able to be as active in the hobby as I once was when my husband, Cordell Smith, was living, I still read with much interest every page of the CJOW publication. I am still a member and especially love to hear news from the hobby. Our last meeting was in February, 1993, at Jim Overstreet's home. Cordell was diagnosed the next week with brain cancer and died 21 days later. I was able to attend the 4 nationals since his death 13 years ago and hope to make the one in Orlando next year. We attended many nationals before his death. The last national Cordell and I attended was in Orlando. We hosted the Eastern regional the year before and bid on the national that year but it went to Orlando and what a wonderful national it was. I was able to be active in the Atlanta National a few years ago sponsored by the Dixie Jewels Club and am a lifetime member of that club. I still think so very fondly of all the friends we made in the many years we were active; and would like to send my best wishes to the many friends we made in the hobby.                                                     Sally Smith

Howard, 
In the December 2006 issue of Crown Jewels of the Wire, there is shown a circular brown porcelain object, which has some decorative markings and two round penetrating holes, on which is incused the word "CHAUFFEUSE" in large block letters..

I looked up the word "chauffeuse" and there are I, three possible definitions, two of which obviously do not apply:

1: Female driver (ref chauffeur).
2: A low, upholstered chair. 
3: A heater, particularly a water heater.

The third choice seems more reasonable. This could be a part of a (water) heater, through which electrical wires or water / gas pipes would pass.

Hello, I've just moved to Southeastern Arizona. I know little about the area, and no one I've met here knows about insulators or where to find them. Would you know anything about insulator hunting grounds local to my area?

Also, I live close to the Mexican border, and would like to search lines in this part of Mexico, but without being arrested! Do you know any Mexican utility corps who I can make contact with to gain legal permission?

Right now I'm trying to get the town of Bisbee (Mexican border town) & its chamber of commerce to respond to my attempted contacts. In this old mining town is a copper mine with Pyrex CD 331's still in use nearby. There must be 50 or more of them.

David Adams

Dear David,

The Grand Canyon State insulator Club is one of the more active clubs in the Western U-S. If you haven't already made contact with club members, try getting ahold of the club's president, Roger Nagel. His phone number is 623-566-0121.

Or, plan to attend the club's 8th Annual Insulator Show / Tailgater at the Territorial Prison in Yuma on February 3rd. See the coming events listing at the back of this issue for more information.

Howard