The seventh annual Prairie Signals Insulator Swap Meet was held Saturday, October 09, 2004 at the Warwick Estates clubhouse in northwest Oklahoma City.

The gray, drizzly skies didn't dampen spirits, however, as the highlight of the event took place on the parking lot and the whole clubhouse emptied to view the sight - an impromptu auction. OKC resident Jim Genzer brought his entire collection, gathered during the 60's and 70's, to sell as one lot. Insulator enthusiasts admired the purple, green and carnival glass, a sapphire signal, and many other items. Prairie Signals President Sandy Ellison rose to the occasion, filling in as auctioneer. After fierce bidding, Signals member Brian Riecker was the winner.

At least 25 people attended the event, including four visitors. The person who traveled the farthest distance was visitor Richard During from Kent, Washington. Nine vendors set up tables around the clubhouse and two vendors displayed glass from pickup beds.

David and Pam Ollie, from Arkansas, had an interesting collection which included vintage "Reddy Kilowatt" coasters, ashtrays, buttons and other items. Kansan Glen Hamilton's table included an unusual 2-bolt, 1 conductor porcelain insulator.

Several insulators hand painted and attractively decorated by Christine Canary's mother Pam were on display. Larry and Marilyn Dorl's table included an old fuse box and sacks of railroad marbles. Arizona resident Bruce Young's collection contained many foreign insulators as well as an EC&M in great condition.

Brian and Melissa Riecker began the auction with their large 2-tier backlit display case and a table. After the auction their sales area tripled, much to the delight of the buyers. Melissa Riecker said she was glad they had come in a van with fold down seats so they could transport their new jewels home to Kansas.

Rick Bentley, of New Mexico, had a nice display of amber, milkglass, blue and rose tint lightening rod balls. Other standouts in his collection were a porcelain cutter in mint condition, and a Porcelain Products Inc. 100 year commemorative insulator. 

Jim Genzer, Brian Riecker discussing auction
 details with David Ollie looking on.

Steve Corfidi's table with Larry Dorl, Vrian Riecker and Glen Hamilton. 

Glen Hamilton, Jim Genzer, Larry Vredenburg, Ric Bentley.

Steve Corfidi showed a large display of porcelain, which included a Jocelyn variable resistor and breakers for old-time series street lighting.. Sandy Ellison displayed several of her favorite aqua/amber swirl pieces on her light box. Larry Vredenburg also had a lighted display box as well as a stair-step display which included a miner's assay cup among the insulators.

Newcomer Mike Shaffer from OKC displayed his collection in the pickup beside Jim Genzer, the seller of the auction items. Mr. Shaffer was selling items individually, however. He and Mr. Genzer are friends who shared an interest in insulator collecting during the 60s and 70s. Neither man had added to his collection since the 70s.

There was a discussion of the report that the collection of long time collector Ron Yuhas had been stolen from his house. Club members said they wanted to help in any way possible.

A silent auction was held late morning to defray expenses for renting the clubhouse and holding the annual event. Much of the bidding appeared to center around an amber signal, a carnival glass power insulator, two strings of suspension insulators, and an insulator painted with a barn scene. This was followed by a pizza lunch and lots of friendly conversation.

The group waiting for the auction to begin.