On a beautiful summer day, 14 “Scalies” gathered at the Schoenly home to see, talk and learn about scales and various other antiques. In addition to scales, there was an abundance of lighting devices, pharmacy items, ice cream scoops and all kinds of kitchen gadgets that the Schoenlys have collected over the years.

For “Show and Tell,” Mary Easton brought a measuring tool that was used to make different size “bullets.” Kurt Beyreis brought his recently purchased Dayton Computing Scale. Patent dates for the scale were 1887, 1898 and 1902. It was made of cast iron and brass and computes prices of goods 5 cents to a dollar per pound.

Jan Berning busied herself taking pictures of Don’s unusual scales for her next book. Hurry, Jan, we all want to see and learn more about scales! There also was conversation about a few of the unusual pieces of furniture in the house, i.e., a ship’s wall desk, a ship’s sink and a telephone table that Don and Donna have collected over the years.

By early afternoon everyone was hungry. A delicious lunch was served; the hosts provided ham and turkey and others brought a variety of salads and desserts. Yum, Yum! Bob Jibben brought his usual cookies, but wait – these cookies were anything but usual. This time the cookies were shaped like a scale and the taste was ginger! Pretty unusual and delicious. Thanks, Bob, for all the time it took to make those “scale-shaped cookies.”

A few scales and weights were for sale and several people increased the numbers in their collections. But most of all, everyone seemed to enjoy each other’s company and “talk” about SCALES. Next year the Midwest group will meet in Minnesota or Iowa. Hope to see all of you there and in Pittsburgh for our Annual Convention, May 17th – 21st, 2012.

Donna Schoenly