Click here to see all our pictures from this convention.

The 2008 convention was held at the Marriott West in St. Louis. It was great being greeted and helped by Gary and Nicki Purdy (Iowa). They were in the lobby helping members get unloaded, holding doors open, and giving directions.

The convention was really nice. There were seven color seminars (we didn’t think you could pull this one off, Brian, but you  did), two with breakfast. It was a really good breakfast, too.

There was a luncheon at which we awarded the first Frank Fenton Memorial Award. This was a surprise, as it was awarded to two wonderful Carnival Glass people--Reg and Linda Dunham. We still don’t know how that family pulled off the surprise. While Reg just put on that neat smile of his, Linda had tears in her eyes (while holding her great-grandson). It was a great event with Roger and Cathy showing a powerpoint program of some of the special events in Reg’s and Linda’s lives. The luncheon food was good and was followed by another seminar and the annual business meeting.

There were breakfast seminars, afternoon seminars, evening seminars, and a banquet seminar. There are lots of people to thank for making all of this happen. First of all, Brian Pitman for the idea and the fortitude to pull it off. Bob and Sherry Cyza did the yeoman’s job of getting members to bring the glass for the seminars. The presenters were:

Bob Grissom - White
Roger and Cathy Dunham - Blue
Sharon Mizell - Peach Opal
Judy Maxwell - Green
Joan Doty - Smoke
Ingrid Spurrier - Purple
Marie Capps - Ice Green and Ice Blue

Each presentation was as unique as the glass that was presented to support the color topic. Each presenter spoke from his/her perspective about the color. Some of their jokes were colorful, too. The presentations were interesting, educational, and beautiful. A BIG THANKS is sent to all of those who worked to make it happen including those who brought the glass for display--fifty plus pieces for each color.

Now let’s talk about the Hospitality Room. Ann McMorris did her usual wonderful job of keeping a steady supply of food ready for our consumption. She had help from different ones, but it was Shirley Patterson who took around the donation box and got people to put in money to help pay the room’s expenses. Good job, Ann and Shirley!

The good times do not end here, however. Some of the feelings of the first conventions were present because of the “late night get-togethers.” Three nights in a row several members gathered in our room or the Hospitality Room and had good, old-fashioned, gab sessions. Lots of things were discussed and members got to know each other much better. Each session--totally unscheduled and unrehearsed--lasted until the wee hours. If you were kept awake, you should have joined us!

What’s left? Yes, the banquet. It was nice not having to hurry to the banquet room to search for a seat as we had signed up previously for the table of our choice. Again we were privileged to see a beautiful display of Carnival Glass. One side of the room had colors of Ice Green, while the other side had colors of Ice Blue. Marie Capps did a very nice job talking about these colors.

The banquet ended with room awards being presented by Lee Markley; Eunice Booker installed the officers; and Brian Pitman sent us on our way. We returned to our rooms with visions of the auction glass dancing in our heads. We had spent several hours viewing the glass in the afternoon before the banquet. Marie Capps and Marie McGee had furnished the glass for the auction. There is a price report in the newsletter listing all items that sold above $500. For a complete auction report you can click here.

Thank you to all the members who had a hand in helping make this a wonderful convention. It takes more than a few to make it happen. Again, thanks.

Click here for a comprehensive list of ICGA Conventions from the beginning.