Heisey 2004 Convention Though the Eyes of HCT’ers

Sixteen folks from Texas made the June Heisey convention in Newark.  We were noticed and others were often heard to say “there’s a lot of people from Texas here!”

    We looked at Heisey.  We visited the museum and marveled at the new pieces on display since the last time we were there. We bought Heisey at both glass shows and Appletree and anywhere we could find it.  Charlie hosted everyone who could come at his family home.  We looked at more Heisey.

We attended dinners and cheered when Rusty, Kay, Linda and Marion took away prizes for being the best costumed.  They dressed as the sheriff, the deputy and the jail birds at the Heisey County Jail.  One of the gang stole pieces of Heisey whenever she had a chance, so no wonder they had her in a ball and chain.  We looked at Heisey.

We met the candidates and voted in a new board of directors. We looked at Heisey and presented our check to the museum.  We got up really early and bought and sold bargains on the square.  We had a great time!  We looked at lots of Heisey and just wait until show ‘n tell to see some of what came back to Texas with us.

    Those who went were Barbara and George McNiel, George Ann and John Powell, Linda and Marion Maddox, Kay and Rusty Kohler, Gloria and Dick Roth, Gloria Snodgrass, Peggy Moseley, Charlie Baird and Ann,  Kim and Donna Hale.  . . . . George Ann

Things that linger in my mind are:

The Museum is awesome.  Not only is a tour educational, there is a great feeling of pride when you see something on display there that is just like the one you have at home.

All of the meals were enjoyable and a wonderful place to meet new friends.

There is nothing comparable to finding and buying something at the show that you didn't know existed.

The fact that local Newark people, as well as others, brought things to the Saturday morning sale around the square and that some of the prices were shear bargains.  And yes, I found something here too that I didn't know existed.  I would rate this as the most improved convention activity.

Pride in Rusty Kolar's deft presentation of HCT's contribution to National  while hiding the pain in his old knee ( I understand he has a new one now). . . . . . George                        

The Sunday before Convention, we went to Marj's to pick up some pecans! We got more than we bargained for, but took them home and made Pecan Sandies for the hospitality suite. We used a Texas shaped cookie cutter, then sprayed the cookies with blue food coloring and added the Diamond H in white icing!  They looked very festive beside the pecan shaped basket with the pecans.

When we arrived on Sunday, we couldn't wait to go to the museum... where we were promptly put to work!! We helped put together the welcome packets. Then on Monday we went back to the museum and helped with some final administrative details. Rusty, Kay, Marion and I hosted the hospitality suite on Thursday. Then on Thursday night we helped with the dinner and benefit auction. Rusty and Marion shared in the auctioneering! We had a great time.

We had another successful time at Appletree, however the four remaining toothpicks we need still allude us. (if you know of anyone or have one, let us know.) We need, Old Queen Ann, Touraine, Greek Key, and Locket on Chain. (we bought two more curio cabinets to house the new purchases!) Our next step will be a bigger house with at least one room dedicated to nothing but Heisey!!

Friday night we attended the annual meeting dinner and presented our check and the computer Marion and I donated to the museum. Saturday morning found us around the square watching the skies! I think the weather chased off some people!

All in all it was a great trip, we met and spent time with some wonderful dear new friends and we are already talking about our trip next year! (we may set up a display!). . . . . Linda

The show was great, as well as the “sale on the square” on Saturday morning.  Although, we missed Charlie!  He took his Heisey and went home early!

            It was nice to run into club members from Texas and to meet strangers at our hotel during breakfast.  Even though none of us were wearing our name tags, it was obvious we were all talking about Heisey….so we did some table-hopping talking about our latest find!

            The former employees were also very interesting. 

            My friend of 40 plus years went with me to the convention.  She is a collector of many types of glass, including Heisey and is a member of the Metroplex Glass Club.  We had only been at the show a few minutes, when she started talking about coming back next year….so I think she liked it!!! . . . . . . Peggy

            THANKS TO ALL THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO MADE THIS 2004 CONVENTION POSSIBLE!