2008 Chattanooga Highlights


The 2008 ISASC convention held in Chattanooga May 15th through May 19th was a resounding success by any measure.  All the ingredients that make a memorable convention were present—scale collections, great location, interesting programs, fun activities and a group of people wanting to share their passion in a common interest.  Mixed together the only possible outcome was a memorable weekend enjoyed by everyone who made the trip.
 

The weekend got off to a splashing start Thursday night.  We had exclusive access to the Tennessee Aquarium with plenty of time to explore and enjoy the exhibits at a leisurely pace.  After taking the self-guided tour it was easy to understand why this aquarium is so highly acclaimed.  For several in the group the Weedy and Leafy Sea Dragons were the stars of the night.  In the lobby people gathered around tables to visit and get reacquainted while enjoying a delicious “sticky fingers” barbeque complete with all the trimmings.
 

Friday morning was everything that was promised, starting with the visit to the Wehman Collection.  George Anna and Phil collected more than a thousand scales of all types and makes, over a 35 year period. You know it is a first rate collection when even veteran scale collectors find things they had never seen before.  After seeing the collection, the question had to be asked, jokingly, of course, is having three jockey scales considered “hoarding”?



Then it was on to the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum.  Admittedly, there was some initial skepticism about this stop.  That quickly dissipated as we were introduced to the towing industry and the contributions and sacrifices of towers around the world for the safety of others.  The antique tow trucks on display were beautifully restored and the stories that went with the individual towers were inspiring.  Everyone came away with a new respect for the people, who we don’t always think about, but put their lives on the line each and everyday.

 
This convention offered a new alternative that proved to be very popular.  Friday afternoon everyone had a choice of activities.  One tour rode the Incline Railroad to the top of Lookout Mountain and visited Point Park, the site of one of several fierce battles in the Battle for Chattanooga in the Civil War.  Another group went to Ruby Falls.  A third group visited Houston Museum. The other option was free time on your own. This approach allowed people to go in the direction of their own interests.
Friday night was the official kick off of the convention with the Collector’s Get Together and Album Sharing.  It was a great evening to meet the first timers and catch up with your “comrades in scales”.  It was a designated “scale talk zone” and judging by the conversations overheard it was just that, as many shared albums pointing out the new additions to their collection.
 
Saturday morning had a full line-up of programs.  Guest speaker, Jim Millwood, gave us an informed overview of the workings of the Incline Railroad and its role in the history and development of the area.  John Cheeseman, a member of our Euro sister society, gave a lively presentation on his theory of the use of the wool weight in England.  It was very informative, even understanding there is not much information about this type of weight. Thaddeus Fairbanks, a.k.a. member Brooke Paige, led us through a history of the early Fairbanks Company.  He explained how Thaddeus Fairbanks’ view of the scale, as not only an implement for accurate weighing, but also as a symbol of just and honorable dealings, both in one’s relationship with men and with his Lord, was an integral part of the philosophy of the company.

Saturday afternoon was the always favorite Silent Auction and “Let’s Make a Deal”.  Very few people left the room without having added to their collection. In addition to an opportunity to acquire new scales, it is also a great way to realize the present value of a scale already in your collection.
 

The grand celebration of the weekend was the gala reception and banquet Saturday night.  President Peter Laycock took this time to thank Phil Wehman and his convention committee of Jan and Bill Berning, Tom Van Natta and Willie Edens for the outstanding job they did putting on the Chattanooga convention.  Peter presented Phil on
behalf of the entire society a digital picture frame loaded with hundreds of pictures from the convention as a token of our appreciation for giving his time and opening his home and city for our enjoyment.
 
The program continued on Sunday morning with Show and Tell.  Don Schoenly shared a scale he purchased in Aruba proving scale collectors are always on the lookout for scales no matter where their travels take them.  Ben Smith and Robert Foster shared scales they purchased, but don’t know much about, asking for any information anyone might have on them.  Steve Beare gave us Part 1 of his journey to becoming a scale restorer.  Next year he plans on following up with Part 2 with a report on his progress.  Judging from the scale he has chosen as his first project, it will indeed be a challenge.  New member George Chase brought a Chatillon dynamometer and told about how his interest in Chatillon scales arose from a family connection to this scale company.  Kurt Beyreis shared “Treasures From the Mall” showing that sometimes one can find rare items in antique malls.  Bob Jibben showed three rare counterfeit coin detectors.  The business meeting followed with the directors updating the members on their area of responsibility. The official convention concluded with the farewell luncheon giving everyone a chance to say goodbye to those who were leaving.
 
For those who stayed over, the Monday trip was a true treat for any scale collector.  The bus headed up the road to Nashville.  In the vicinity of Lynchburg, we detoured off the highway and found ourselves at the Jack Daniel’s Old Time Distillery.  Our guide made the tour interesting and fun with humorous stories and jokes about the whiskey and the workers told with an “authentic” Tennessee accent.  Then it was on to Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House, a landmark dating back to 1866.  We were indulged with a delicious meal of southern home style cooking served with plenty of good ol’ Southern hospitality.
 
Back on the highway and we headed for what proved to be a very special “ingredient” of this convention.  We were invited into the home of member Willie Edens to see his collection.  Awesome!—to sum it up in a nutshell.  The collection spread out into every room of the house including the basement.  It was displayed in a way to show it off at its best.  Not willy-nilly on a shelf, but in a manner that you
 could appreciate each scale in and of itself, despite the fact that there were a countless number of scales.  Willie made the day even more special, as he had gone to the trouble of having mouse pads made, showing one of his prized scales, for every member who came to see his collection.  These are the kind of days that make these conventions so memorable.
 

The 2009 ISASC Convention will be held May 14th through May 18th in Kansas City.  Hosted by Members Pat Kelly and John Schott, plans are well under way to offer an exciting convention.  President Peter Laycock and all the board members extend a personal invitation to join them.  Long time convention goers and first timers are all welcomed.  So mark your calendars and make your plans.  Tell all your family and friends that “I’m goin’ to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come…”