The 15th annual N.I.A. Convention and Show, also known as TACOMA '84, became a reality July 20, 21 and 22, and was worth waiting for. They just keep getting better! But, none of it just happens -- it takes a lot of planning and hard work by the hosts and their crew. Andy and Violet Brown sure deserve another round of thanks. They lived "Tacoma '84" for a year to turn it into the special show it was. They must have a little influence upstairs, as our weather was on good behavior, and we saw a lot of blue sky. Good thing, too, after telling all our friends across the country about our terrific summer weather and promising them a view of Mt. Rainier.

It was a joy to see all the dedicated insulator collectors from across the United States and Canada. And speaking of dedication, how about that young man that bicycled all the way from Ontario, Canada -- wasn't he the sweetest thing? As always, a lot of insulators changed hands, and most of us went home with a real jewel for our collection. There were many super pieces to tempt us into spending the family inheritance.

Mrs. Milholland had the "Milholland Insulator Museum" open, to the delight of many collectors, who considered visiting it the highlight of their trip. It is always such a pleasure to have her at a show.

I won't go into all the people that were there and the "goings on", as Clarice Gordon does that in such a marvelous way. She is our post show treat, with her "up close and personal" account of the show. Our happy hour, banquet and Hemi 42 awards made Saturday night something to remember. The high point of this year's 42 awards for me was the look on Jerry Turner's face when he turned around and faced a sea of Jerry Turner look alikes. It isn't often we get ahead of Jerry, so it was a moment to treasure.

The displays were beautiful and enjoyed by everyone. We do need to get more people into displaying, so there will be competition in all categories. Dennis Moeller was in charge of the displays and did a fine job. While Dennis was keeping order in the displays, his wife Carole was running the hospitality table, which was a help to many.

So many lovely memories to cherish.

Now a list of the awards:

JUDGES: Jackie Linscott, Dick Bowman, Dennis Weber, Russ Hughes, Tim Wood and Mel Shootman.

Also displaying and receiving Honorable Mention Ribbons were: Steve Watkins, Win Trueblood, Kevin Lawless, Carlos Jordan, Ross Huth and David Gillespie.

The Milholland Educational Plaque went to Paul Ickes. 

The Outstanding Service Award was presented to Jackie and Len Linscott.

Lifetime Membership cards were presented to Phoebe and Bob Adams and Marilyn and Jerry Turner.

The Past President's Plaque was presented by Pat Patocka to Marilyn Albers.

Marilyn Albers presented a beautiful show plaque to Violet and Andy Brown, 1984 show hosts. This plaque shows when and where show was held and hosts of each show beginning with the first one in 1970. The Browns keep this plaque until the 1985 show, when it will go to the next host in St. Charles, Illinois.

See you in St. Charles next June!