It is not by chance that we are coming back to Chicago for our 2016 convention.  Chicago has a special place in our history and there is a reason it is “our kind of town”.  It is where it all began in 1976.  That’s right, forty years ago ISASC came into existence when founders Michael and Diana Crawforth and Bob Stein brought known scale collectors together and formed the Society.  Since it was Bob Stein’s hometown, Chicago became our headquarters.  So it is only fitting that we return here to celebrate our forty years of association.  We will gather May 12th through May 16th to commemorate this momentous achievement. (Click photos for larger images.)

We will meet at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel & Conference Center in Rosemont.  Breakfast with made-to-order omelets is included in the room rate.  The hotel offers complimentary twenty-four hour airport shuttle, free high speed wireless internet and discounted self-parking.  Just across the street is the Fashion Outlets of Chicago with premier shopping.  Located a few blocks away is the huge entertainment and dining complex The Park at Rosemont.  The hotel is conveniently situated near Chicago’s rapid transit system.  For those who want to spend time in the city, jump on the Blue Line and in just under an hour you will be enjoying the downtown area.

Not every city can boast having some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers overlooking sandy beaches and sparkling lakefront.  Stroll along the Magnificent Mile of Michigan Avenue, visit world-renowned museums, take in a show in the theater district or dine in some of the country’s finest restaurants.  Whatever your interest, Chicago has something to offer above the norm. 

The convention gets started Thursday evening with an exceptional treat.  We are going to the Victorian Palace also known as the “Place de la Musique”.  We will be visiting the private estate of Jasper Sanfilippo which houses a magnificent collection of beautifully restored antique music machines, phonographs, arcade and gambling machines, chandeliers, art glass and more.  It is home of the world’s largest restored Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ.  Here you will also find the most complete example of a European salon carousel in existence.  Built in 1890, it is more than just an amusement ride, it is a self-contained entertainment palace.  If this isn’t enough to capture your interest, the estate also displays street and tower clocks, steam engines and other functional mechanical antiques.  This is a private museum, and it is indeed a rare opportunity to see as it is not open to the public.  We will spend the evening enjoying the different displays while sampling the delights of an on-site catered buffet.

Friday will be a fun-packed day filled with scales and more.  First we will visit with Dick and Sammye Axelrood to see his extensive collection showcasing mostly letter scales of ornate design.  Then it is off to spend time with the Schoenlys.  Over the years Don and Donna have accumulated many antiques from a variety of unusual and interesting categories.  Besides scales they have a passion for historical lighting devices.  With all their collections you will have no problem finding something that will attract your interest.  That evening we will meet for the get-together and album sharing which officially opens the convention.  The dinner spread will be a special indulgence featuring a culinary delight specifically associated with Chicago.

Featured Saturday morning will be programs designed to increase your knowledge and broaden your interest in scales, weights and measures.  The afternoon provides an incredible opportunity to add “the one that got away” to your collection with the Silent Auction and Let’s Make a Deal.  A gala reception and banquet Saturday night is the grand celebration of the weekend.  Sunday morning the program continues with the ever favorite Show and Tell allowing members to share their treasures from their collection.  The business meeting for all members finishes out the morning.  The afternoon is free to explore the area on your own.

Monday will be another scale collector’s fantasy come true as we head to the home of Bill and Jan Berning.  They were both already scale collectors in their own right when they met at the Chicago convention in 1991.  Soon after, they were married and thereby brought two collections together.  Over the years Bill and Jan continued to collect and now co-own what can only be described as a “mega-collection” as it contains over 2000 scales of all types and sizes.  Most will recognize Jan as our Equilibrium editor and Bill operates his own scale business.  We will spend the day browsing and relishing this extraordinary collection.  There is no doubt that everyone will find at least one scale they have never heard of before, much less seen.  This is a special opportunity to see such a comprehensive collection, so don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance.

Each ISASC convention is special in its own unique way.  However, this convention will have the added distinction of celebrating a significant milestone in our history.  Every time Scalies meet it reinforces the bond that holds us together.  For forty years this bond has held strong and allowed us to enjoy our common hobby within a supportive environment.  Your hosts Jan and Bill Berning, Allan and Aviva Rodin, Donna and Don Schoenly and Dick and Sammye Axelrood have been hard at work ensuring a standout weekend for all.  They, along with President Bob Hayden and all the board members, invite you to join them in Chicago to celebrate our incredible forty years of friendship and collecting.

       Photos courtesy of Choose Chicago