August 27 was a great day at the home of Tim and Joanne Wood in Albany, Oregon. Their annual insulator swap was well attended by collectors from throughout the northwest. They came from as far away as Seattle, Crescent City, and rural Idaho. Those attending included Bob & Arlene Jackson, Howard Banks, Carl & Deborah Scott, Mid Norris (and his dad), Bill Vincent, Bill Winters, Dave Kurns, Nathan Lamkey, Mike Parker, Ernie Carlson, Gary Michener, Dave and Rebecca Campbell, Robin Harrison, Scott Morrell, and Steven Watkins.

Tim & Joanne have a spacious back yard deck that is ideal for displaying insulators. A grassy area surrounded by evergreens provided shade as afternoon temperatures flirted with 90 degrees. When Howard, Gary and I arrived at 11:00 a.m., several folks were already setup and swapping. As Howard began setting up, I visited Bob Jackson's table to admire several EC&Ms he had for sale. Bob had a stunning show and tell piece... a CD 120 CEW in a radiant cornflower blue, the only one known in such good condition!

Bill Winters shopping

Several insulators found new homes that day. After perusing Howard's table for a while, Carl Scott purchased a one of a kind CD 160 (baby signal) California in smoke, with incredible stringers of "steam bubbles" snaking through the glass. Such "defects" are very rare in California insulators (though I personally wish there was more junk in California insulators)! Robin Harrison added a Knowles cable top to his general CD collection, along with a wheelbarrow load of mud. Robin has many shelves in his house where insulators and rare books vie for space. Looks like a few books will be going into boxes!

There was no shortage of rare and desirable insulators for sale... CD 143 Withycombes in purple and light green, CD 130 Cal Electric Works, lots of early Fred M. Locke multiparts, colored signals in most known colors... the list goes on. Bill Vincent is a fairly new JSIC member. But he is wasting no time getting up to speed in the hobby. Bill unveiled his own website to buy and sell insulators. Pieces are for sale now, and he'll list your pieces for a modest flat fee. Check out his site... www.columbiaglasscollectibles.com

Before long Tim fired up the barbeque and grilled burgers and dogs for the hungry horde. There were plenty of side dishes and desserts. Nobody went home hungry.

Host, Tim Wood feeds the hungry hordes

The best thing about these smaller backyard swaps is the fun and camaraderie among the collectors, their families and friends. Tim & JoAnne Wood recognize what makes our hobby so great: the people. Their annual insulator swap offers a great opportunity to relax, reconnect with fellow collectors, swap great glass and mud, and introduce new collectors to the hobby. Don't miss out next year!

Carl Scott's tells his tall round tale to Robin Harrison and Gary Michener