Even the sporadic rain showers could not dampen the “scalie spirit” of the members that gathered in Portland May 20th through 24th for the 32nd ISASC Convention. The inclement weather was brushed aside as the city’s hospitality bloomed forth in sunshine and roses. Under this umbrella we came together to discuss weighty matters and share our common interests.

The convention started off Thursday night as we learned about the early history of the area at the Museum of the Oregon Territory.  After a delicious gourmet dinner buffet we were treated to a presentation by a “pioneer” in authentic costume sponsored by the local historical association.  We listened as excerpts were read from journals written during the journey which chronicled the daily lives and hardships of the settlers coming across on the Oregon Trail. Afterwards we had time to explore the many artifacts at the museum including several scales.

Friday was a busy day for the group.  The first stop was the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum that houses the “Spruce Goose”, the world’s largest wooden airplane, which was built by Howard Hughes. There were over 150 historic airplanes on display as well.  One of the members really enjoyed seeing the F84 because his father had done drafting work on the fuselage for this plane during WW II.  After lunch the group headed to the Pittock Mansion.  The views of Portland were breathtaking!  The interior was stunning with many of the furnishings original to the house.  In the music room, our resident concert pianist, Bill Jacobson, found an 1887 Steinway Grand, which he proceeded to play to the delight of all the visitors.  As we left for the bus, guess what?  It started to POUR!!!

The traditional get-together and album sharing was Friday night.  Many took this opportunity to meet and get to know the three new members, Roger Bladholm, Don Low and Jaclyn Young, attending their first convention.  There were two added features at this year’s get-together.  Members were introduced to the new ISASC website by having the chance to browse the website on a laptop set up in the room.  Close by were a number of scale catalogs from the Library List which were offered to everyone at no charge just in appreciation for their attendance at the convention.

The Saturday morning program got off to a lively start with an animated narrative by historian Harmony Geiner on the political reasons behind the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  She went on to describe the many devices and tools used by the expeditionary force that were on the cutting edge of technology for their day, including those used for measuring tree heights and distances.  Euro member Jaap Visser informed us about early twentieth century continental rockers. James Reeve led us through an overview of how to sell on eBay.  The final program of the morning was presented by founding member Ruth Willard.  Ruth shared with us her long time interest in Ashanti gold weights including many photos of these weights from her personal collection.

Quality, as well as quantity, ruled Saturday afternoon at the ever-favorite Silent Auction and Let’s Make a Deal.  Everything from the very rare to the very common could be found among the numerous items waiting to be acquired by a new appreciative owner.  In particular egg scale collectors were in their own kind of candy store as one long time member had a plethora of egg scales up for sale.  Some were even offered on a two-for-the-price-of-one basis. As usual one or two items caught the attention of several fervent bidders, but in the end, all were with smiles as they tucked away the new acquisitions to their collection.  The day finished with the Portland Rose Reception and Banquet. The promise of “For you a rose in Portland grows” came true as our hosts, Dick and Peggy Clark, presented everyone with their own red rose.  Then in turn the society presented Dick Clark a Buffalo scale with sincere thanks for all his efforts in putting on such a great convention.  To show appreciation to the members for attending there was a drawing for an ISASC art tile and Ralph Bergmann was the fortunate winner.

Sunday morning offered an unusually interesting Show and Tell with a wide variety of presentations as members shared their scales with the group.  Steve Beare gave us a very informed overview on F. Meyer(s) whose scales were some of the earliest marked American scales.  New member Roger Bladholm jumped right in and showed a scale he had restored.  Kurt Beyreis showed the scale he found at Bosworth Market on the ISASC England trip for weighing falcons and explained why there is the need to weigh these birds.  Dick Clark shared his Jantzen Size-O-Weigh scale that weighs in sizes of clothing.  He was drawn to this scale because his father worked for this company for many years.  The scale for weighing fighting crickets brought by Bill Doniger was a solid hit. Judy Soslau stumped the group on how her Moore’s Moisture Content Scale operates.  Peter Laycock had several rare postal scales and a hem marker scale.  Jack Young shared his second favorite scale from his collection.  No one had seen one before, but most agreed with Jack that it was some type of hunter’s scale. Afterwards, Greg Moss showed how to Google for patents when doing research.  The business meeting followed and then everyone gathered for the farewell luncheon saying goodbye to those who had to leave.

Most were not prepared for what awaited us Monday morning at the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument.  Having seen over the years numerous film clips of the event we did not expect to see much of anything new.  That was definitely not the case!  None of us had truly realized the full scale and scope of the explosion until seeing it up close.  The breathtaking beauty and splendor of snow-capped Mount St Helens and the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains was a sight not to be missed and will be long remembered.  All on the bus that day were glad they had chosen to stay for the optional Monday trip.

It is often stated, by those who attend, that our conventions are a unique experience among gatherings of collector clubs.  Rarely will you find a more cohesive, yet diverse group, all aiming to expand their pleasure in collecting by learning more about their hobby while forging long term friendships.  At the same time, it is not a cliquish group.  First time attendees are often blown away by the friendliness and inclusiveness of this group where many attend the convention every year.  If you have not come before, why not try it for yourself?  The 2011 convention will be held May 19^th through May 23^rd in Denver, Colorado.  President Peter Laycock and all the board members invite first timers and regulars to join them.  Your hosts Cliff and DeVee Lushbough have an exciting weekend planned and are anxious to show off their hometown.  So plan to go the extra mile to come to the Mile High City.  We want to see you there!