ROBERT FLOYD ADAMS

Reprinted from "Crown Jewels of the Wire", July 1999, page 3

1923-1999

Once again our hearts are saddened by the loss of a pioneer collector, hobby enthusiast, and very good friend. Bob Adams of Miami, Florida, passed away on 17 May. On 2 February he suffered a stroke, and then had a heart attack a few days later. He had several surgeries, including one to remove a blood clot from the carotid artery, and to put in a feeding tube. He'd been hospitalized since the stroke on 2 February. Bob died of cardiorespiratory failure. He was 76 years old. 

Phoebe, his wife of 50 years, visited him faithfully three times a day for all of the months he was hospitalized. I have known these two wonderful people for over 20 years, and although they had been married over 50 years, they were still in love with each other. The love and respect they showed toward one another was beautiful to see. 

Bob was born on 5 May 1923 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He spent 30 months in Calcutta, India, in World War II, as a member of a the 251st Port Battalion Company. He graduated from Miami U. at Oxford, Ohio, with a B.S. Degree in Education. He received a Directors Degree and Masters Degree at Indiana U., and had also taken more advanced work at the U. of Miami, Florida, and worked toward a Doctors Degree in Education. He retired in December 1993 at age 70 after 43 years as administrator for the Comprehensive Health Programs in the entire Miami-Dade County school system. Bob and Phoebe met at Miami U. at Oxford in 1946, and were married on 21 August 1948. Phoebe often said that they were going to stick with their marriage until they got it right, but it was obvious that from the very start they had it right. Bob would add to Phoebe's statement that they had to "practice, practice, practice." Before the insulator-collecting bug bit them, they taught dancing for years at many of the Miami Beach hotels. (If you would like to read more about the Adams', please see CJ 4-86-3.)

Bob and Phoebe started collecting insulators in 1971, and Bob also collected lightning rod balls and related go-withs. It would be hard to find a couple who worked as much for our hobby for so many years as these two did. They went to several shows each year and displayed for many years. Their generosity is legendary. They have given very expensive insulators to friends just because they knew that person wanted it and could not afford to buy it, so out of their collection it came. Also, since 1979 Bob has edited the Central Florida Insulator Club newsletter, the C.F.I.C. Newsnotes, a great little publication full of news and cheerful enthusiasm. The Adams' were awarded lifetime memberships in the NIA in 1984 and received NIA's Outstanding Service Award in 1991. They also have lifetime memberships in the Federation of Historical Bottle Clubs and the National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa, New York. Bob held many offices in several organizations devoted to collecting.

In July of 1977 they established the BOB AND PHOEBE ADAMS SHOWMANSHIP AWARD, another mark of their generosity and love for the hobby. It is awarded to the most creative display regardless of category, division, or age of the displayer. This award has been presented at every national for 22 years. Bob was also known for his dry sense of humor. Many of us can recall their hilarious comedy routines at the national awards banquets. They kept us laughing with their perfect sense of timing. Laurel and Hardy could have learned a thing or two from Bob and Phoebe.

Bob is survived by his wife Phoebe, 73, a son Robin, 49, a daughter Roberta, 47, and a son Tim, 45, and five grandchildren. Personally, I will miss Bob for his humor, his intelligence, and his loyal friendship. My heart goes out to Phoebe and their three children, and they have my most sincere sympathy and love.

Clarice Gordon