The very first NDGA Annual Convention was held at the Mariott in Washington, DC, on July 4, 5 and 6, 1975. The Chairman of the first Convention was Chuck Smith. The Convention was sponsored by the Del-Mar-Va club. Other committee members were R. O. Beadles, Jr., Verlyn and Robert Ernst, Shirley and Austin Hartsock and Madge Klein.
The Annual Meeting of NDGA members was held on Friday afternoon. The election of officers was held by voting of members present and proxy ballots.
There was a Banquet and meeting on Saturday night, with outgoing President Tamara Brooks introducing the newly elected officers:
There were some short speeches, followed by a dinner and dancing. A good time was had by all.
There were five seminars all presented on Saturday. They were:
In addition to the Seminars, there were several guest authors in attendance:
Marguerite McGuire of Pasadena, CA, displayed four complete table settings of glass. Perhaps there were other displays, but we have no information other than what is published here.
There are no photographs that we know of which show the displays at the first NDGA Convention. If anyone has photographs from this event, please send them to the Webmaster.
Here is the list of the dealers who set up to sell glass at the first NDGA Convention. The only dealer from this list that set up at recent Conventions was "Happiness Is" (Kathy & Buddy Stultz), from Richmond, VA (although they now hail from Glen Allen, VA). Perhaps some of our long-time members will recognize some of the dealers on this list.