Follow the beeline this time to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where we're all set to interview Timothy S. Sternke. We've known Tim for probably 20 years, and he's a nice person and a good friend. So I thought that the readers of Crown Jewels of the Wire might like to learn more about him. 

Tim began collecting insulators in 1968 when he was 8 years old. So he's been a collector now for 26 years. He started by picking up common pieces in his neighborhood, and was intrigued by the rarity and the assortment; rubber to glass, big and small, clear to amber, and one company to the next.

As far as what he collects, Tim says, "I, along with probably 90% of our hobby, collect Hemingray Glass and related items. I have over 500 insulators in my collection. However, I have other hobbies, which include science fiction in general, and Star Trek specifically. Other items which interest me are; antiques, depression glass, toys, comics, and lunch boxes."

When asked if he always collected what he does now in insulators, he says, "No, I started displaying at local shows back in the early 70s. Around the time of the first Denver national [1979], I noticed that Hemingray had the largest variety of color and shades of color, styles, etc. Thus I decided to specialize in all Hemingray. Since I couldn't have everything, I sold off all of my power, and just specialize now in the popular smaller CDs. Nonetheless, my primary interest is in Hemingray.

"My favorite insulators are; a small collection of black glass pieces including CD 221, CD 168, and CD 230. All of these are rare Hemingray dump pieces. Others include; CD 132 in yellow green, CD 125 in yellow olive, CD 134 in olive, CD 145 in red amber, CD 162 smooth base in peacock, CD 168 in opal-swirled vaseline, etc. It is hard to choose a favorite, since the collection as a whole has many years' worth of memories and emotional value. An example of this would be the CD 162 smooth base H. G. CO. in vivid green, given to me by a person whose collection I went to look at, but did not buy. I instead, invited them to my show to sell their collection. 

As a reward for their sales that day, they gave it to me as a gift. Needless to say, it made me ecstatic. Of all the insulators I would like to have, my main 'wants' are; CD 112.4 Hemingray #8 in amber, CD 114 Hemingray #11 in amber, CD 145 H. G. CO. in royal purple, CD 151 H. G. CO. in any exotic colors, etc." 

Tim was born on February 9, 1960, in a Milwaukee hospital, and he has lived in Milwaukee all of his life. In 1983 he met Janet Marie and they started dating. They had known each other since they were children, and had simply lost touch over the years. Tim says that he used to check her out through the window of a drug store where she worked, and that led to their meeting again. They were rnarried on July 19, 1986. Janet shares Tim's enthusiasm for insulators and enjoys the pretty colors only. Last year he acquired a collection of Bell commemoratives, which was an anniversary gift to her. Although she likes the colors in insulators, she's more at home at a craft fair. Recently Tim got Janet interested in colorful bottles, which led to their building a bay window. It now displays a colorful array of E. C. Booze house bottles, Bell commemoratives, and other interestingly shaped bottles.

Left to right: Tim, John McDougald, and Chuck Dittmar, 
at the Hoosier show in May of 1992.

Tim is a lithographer by trade, which is an occupation in the printing industry. Tim elaborated on this subject, saying, "I am a Macintosh computer operator, and I am in the process of learning graphic-oriented software currently used throughout the litho trade. A goal for the future is to be able to use my computer readily. Due to the rapid spread of electronics within the lithographic industry, computers will be used more and more exclusively. Therefore I will need to know what computers are capable of in order to do my job."

Tim at the national in Cedar Rapids, IA, in July of 1991.

Among Tim's achievements is a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology. He is also an Eagle Scout, and has the Hornaday Award for conservation work. As for efforts in behalf of our hobby, Tim has 10 years' worth of display ribbons received at local shows such as Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. In 1992 and 1993 he hosted his own show called "Spectrum". It was at his first show that he sported his slogan, "SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHOWS" (which was elaborated on in Crown Jewels of the Wire.) Also during the years 1992 and 1993 he purchased two collections. Both of these events have made it possible to promote our hobby in the Wisconsin area.

As for goals, hopes, or opinions about our hobby, Tim offers, "I've started an appraisal service for collectors interested in selling their collection. It is a service which will help others determine value, as well as give them an outlet to sell their collection. I am excited with my newest venture because it has already stirred up a few collections. The type of business I wish to conduct is founded on honesty which is what people want to see. In addition, I hope to see a continued interest sparked among younger people to become involved in our hobby and to see it flourish through the years. I also want to include the fact that throughout my years of collecting, I've enjoyed meeting and talking with so many unique and interesting insulator collectors and listening to their stories. Thanks for selecting me for your interview, and for giving me the opportunity to talk about myself and our hobby."

Well, Tim, with enthusiastic collectors like you in this hobby, it is certain to flourish for many more years!

DON AND DORA HARNED'S
50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY PARTY

by H. G. "Bea" Hyve

September 5, 1994, was the 50th wedding anniversary of Don and Dora Harned of Chico, CA. These two people are special for many reasons, but they are significant to our hobby because they were early insulator collectors, as well as having originated Crown Jewels magazine. (For more details on the Harneds please see CJ 3-89-8.) 

Dora and Don In San Francisco, c.1944

Don and Dora were married in Reno, NV, on September 5, 1944. Their children honored that event by throwing them a super party at Woodson Bridge Park a few miles from Chico. The setting was beautiful, with the Sacramento River running nearby, and the weather cooperated by being warm but endurable. The decorations were lovely, done in yellow, gold, and white. There were two gorgeous cakes, pies, salads and side dishes, delicious barbecued chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs with all the trimmin' s, along with a huge bucket of cold drinks, and more. 

Don and Dora's children are Doreen, Tom, and Don, Jr. Doreen is married to Wes Conrad and their son Greg has two daughters, Alisha and Sara. Tom is married to Cindy and their son Todd has two sons, T. J. and Treavor. Don, Jr. has two daughters, B. J. and Kellie. Everyone pitched in to make this the best party we've been to in a long time.

Some of the guests were friends the Harneds had known before they were married, and some they hadn't seen for 30 years. Included in the special happenings for Don and Dora were a money tree, a guest book (which got more than 70 signatures), over 150 cards (!), a lovely corsage to Dora from Doreen, two large bouquets (one from the NIA in gold tones, and one from Carol McDougald, Marilyn Albers, Elton Gish, and Yorz Troolie in purple and pink tones), a 50th anniversary plate, plaque, trophy, a large card signed by over 250 people at the August Auburn show, a bell, champagne glasses, cake knife, and other gifts that I have forgotten.

Dora and Don, their children and grandchildren. 
Back row, left to right: Tom, Kellie, Greg, Todd, B.J., Doreen, and Don.

When asked what the secret was to staying together for 50 years, Don said, "I couldn't get rid of her ... she wouldn't leave!" Dora said, "We were both too stubborn to give up, I guess." Later she was overheard saying (in that wonderful dry humor of hers), "Somebody count the money on the money tree. Is there enough on it to divorce him?" 

I could write ten pages about the party, because we all had such a good time. It was a special occasion for two of the very nicest people we know, and here's wishing them many more years together. The second 50 should be easier!