2009 Kansas City Highlights
 

They said they were goin’ to Kansas City and they did.  They came from all corners of the country and from across the sea.  They came with extra room in their suitcases in anticipation of taking a few items home with them.  They came searching for others of their own kind. They came looking to reunite with old friends and make new friends.  They came to share their albums and see the collections of others.  They came to learn more about the different aspects of their unique hobby.  They are the group of enthusiastic scale collectors that gathered in Kansas City May 14th through May 18th for the 31st ISASC Convention.
 
The convention started off with a Thursday night activity that caught most folks by surprise.  The thought of 200 tons of cargo recovered from the steamboat Arabia that sank in the Missouri River over 100 years ago sounded sort of ho-hum.  Not the case at all.  The evening was a marvelous adventure.  The story of what started out as a dream of just regular guys that turned into the discovery, excavation, recovery and restoration, culminating in the opening of a museum, was captivating.  The variety and quantity of items on display--fine china, French perfume, toys, old tools, shoes, silk fabric, hats, buttons, jars of preserved pickles-- were more than anyone imagined.  Even scales were part of the treasure that was rescued.   Especially interesting was the information from their lab technician on the restoration process of the items that were recovered.  While still at the museum we were treated to a fine feast of Kansas City barbeque before heading back to the hotel.

Friday morning was consumed with seeing three of the four collections promised for this convention.  Local members Pat Kelly and John Schott  opened their collections for their fellow members to enjoy.  No matter how long you having been collecting or how many collections you have seen, there is always that elusive scale or weight you have never seen before.  This day was no exception.  Both collections were nicely displayed with lots of room for everyone to spread out and spend extra time studying the ones particularly interesting to them.  Next it was on to the headquarters of Fairbanks to view their collection of scales they have manufactured over the years.  We were treated with

exceptional hospitality as “Welcome ISASC” signs were prominently posted.  Our host, tour guide and ISASC member, Dave Ehrnschwender, allowed us plenty of freedom and time to examine all the scales to our heart’s content, while staying close to answer any questions.  A group picture was taken and our visit will be featured in their company’s newsletter.  We all left with a goodie bag in hand filled with souvenirs and collector items of Fairbanks Scales.
 

The official convention got underway Friday night with the informal get-together and album sharing.  Most members try to update their albums each year with their newest acquisitions.  There are albums of all shapes and sizes and some are even computerized showing a continuous slide show.  The albums are only a secondary attraction of the evening, as mostly it is time for attendees to get caught up with each other and meet the first timers.  The casual and relaxing evening sets the tone for the entire weekend.

The Saturday morning programs featured two guest speakers.  Bob Whittenberger, retired from the State of Missouri Weights and Measures Department, shared his knowledge of metrology with us.  Dr. Paul Benson, Conservator at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, offered us lots of great information on the how-to’s and the how-not-to’s in the area of conserving our antique treasures.  Kurt Beyreis gave a delightful travelogue on our group’s recent trip to England to visit with our sister chapter.  To finish out the morning Carol Hayden presented a brief overview of the highlights of the ISASC website.  

Saturday afternoon was the traditional Silent Auction and “Let’s Make a Deal”.  As usual there was a varied assortment of scales and weights to bid on.  If you were ever in need of a replacement brass scale pan, this was the time to be at the Silent Auction, as Richard Hoppe was selling off his extensive inventory of these items.  Most left the room with new treasures to be photographed to update the album before next year’s convention. 

The gala reception and banquet closed out the day.  It is the occasion to honor those who have contributed to the betterment of the society.  This year Les Firth was recognized for his tremendous service to the organization.  During his tenure of six years as treasurer, Les kept our financial house in good order and for this we owe him a debt of gratitude.  Les was presented a rare “Gump” grain scale in appreciation of his outstanding service to ISASC.  Heartfelt emotion filled the room as Les thanked the society and promised he was not going away.  At the conclusion of the banquet, many lingered, prolonging the special camaraderie that had been generated throughout the evening.

Show and Tell led off the Sunday morning program.  Several members shared special treasures they had brought home with them from the England trip.  New member Harry Hawley presented a Stimpson scale he recently purchased.  Steve Barnett showed a C-spring scale with some markings he had not seen before and asked for help if anyone had any knowledge of them.  Steve Beare gave us the second installment, continued from last year’s convention, on his project to restore a Sartorious Patent Balance, circa 1875.  Jack Young had one of the more unusual presentations in that you had to go outside to his car if you wanted to see the scale.  Strapped into the front passenger seat was his new acquisition of a Toledo scale with a double pendulum mechanism he recently picked up in Ohio on his way to the convention.   Next was the business meeting allowing for a candid dialogue between the members and the officers.  The official part of the convention was concluded with the farewell luncheon.  
In recent years the optional Monday trips have become very popular with our convention goers.  The reason why is no secret.  Those who stay the extra day have had the privilege of seeing some exceptional collections.  This year was again proof of point.  On the agenda was a tour of the Les Schneiderman Museum.  The assortment and quality of the scales displayed was “beyond boggling”.  In addition to scales, there were extensive collections of apple peelers, ice cream scoops, twine ball holders, typewriters, cherry pitters, pencils sharpeners, tobacco cutters, tape dispensers, boot jacks, coffee grinders and even a few brass cash registers.  When asked what he thought, one member known for his gift of gab said he was “speechless” upon taking it all in.  Impressive just doesn’t do it full justice.  Everywhere you turned someone was exclaiming over what they were seeing.




On the way back the lunch stop at Anthony’s Steak House allowed everyone to digest what they had just seen and revisit the memorable times of the pass few days.  As the bus unloaded at the final stop everyone said their goodbyes with promises to meet again at next year’s convention. 

The 2010 ISASC Convention will be held May 20th through May 24th in Portland, Oregon.  Member Dick Clark is your host and convention chairman.  Initial planning is promising an exciting convention.  President Peter Laycock, and all the board members, invite you to join them.  Long time convention goers and first timers are all welcomed.  So make plans to come to the City of Roses because for you a rose in Portland grows.  See you there!