While a little bit sleep-deprived, I couldn't wait to get into the office today and update the USAmericana blog with some thoughts that came to me on the drive back from the APIC Western Regional Show & Sale in Reno.
I was reminded time and again this weekend about what makes ours the greatest hobby in America. What makes it so special isn't only the items we collect. The real life of our hobby is in the collectors. It's always a treat to congregate to share our passion for American political history, and to swap stories of the thrill of the hunt for great items. The passion and warmth of the APIC community never ceases to inspire me.
I'd like to thank Adam Gottlieb, Cary Jung, and Tina Jung for making this experience possible. Your efforts certainly paid off in a sizeable number of walk-ins facilitated by the advance publicity. The live auctions and silent auctions were well-organized and kept the excitement rolling for two solid days - no small task.
One of my favorite moments of the show was meeting and talking to a sweet woman named Sheila, who brought in some items from her days as a flight attendant for both the Nixon and John F. Kennedy 1960 campaigns. The items she brought with her included an unknown Nixon Airs brass pin and a personalized John F. Kennedy signature, both of which brought strong bids in the Seattle rules auction ($300 for the Nixon Airs and $900 for the Kennedy signature). More than this, she brought in memories that spoke to a personal connection to an exciting and historic campaign. She told me that she was overwhelmed to encounter a group of people who responded so passionately to, referring to the Nixon Airs pin, "a little thing that had just been in her sewing basket."
I was also thrilled to double the size of my recently started early gay rights pinback collection over the course of a couple days. Finding items at a Regional show is a breeze compared to scouring flea markets and antique shops. And paying for them with my video poker winnings... that didn't hurt either.
To those who attended, thank you. It was great to see you again, and to meet a few of you for the first time. To those of you who were unable to come, when the summer of 2015 rolls around, consider GOING WEST to APIC RENO 2015 - The Classiest Little APIC Show in the Biggest LIttle City in the World! I assure you, you won't regret it.
- Nathan Sims
The Reno APIC convention was a great time. My husband enjoyed it very much. It was all he could do leave to go see his granddaughter. Thank you for posting a picture of him on your website. He was excited. Could you correct his name, please? You have him as James Staley. His name is Dick Staley. Thank you
P.S. I had fun, too!