National Depression Glass Association
Preserving America's Glass Manufacturing Heritage
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NDGA Convention 2003 - Claremore, OK
The twenty-ninth annual NDGA
Convention and Glass Show was held July 11 through 13, and was
sponsored by the "Greater Tulsa Depression Era Glass Club", a
very active organization in the Tulsa area. By Acclamation at the
Annual Meeting of NDGA members, the 2003 Convention was dedicated
to J. R. Johnston, President of the Greater Tulsa Depression Era
Glass Club, and also the current Treasurer of the NDGA. The
Convention Chairperson was Ed Lodes. The location of the
Convention for 2003 was the Claremore Expo Center, shown at
right. Claremore is located north and east of Tulsa, OK, just off
Interstate 44.
At the start of the Show on Sunday, President Washburn announced that a piece of glass was purchased for the National Glass Collection in honor of Mr. Lodes. Here is a photograph of the presentation of the Federal Glass Company cobalt 8½" "Heritage" bowl. It is anticipated that in future years, each show Chairman will be similarly honored. Our thanks go to Ed for an outstanding job.
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of NDGA members was held on Friday night, prior to the Show Preview. This year's meeting was particularly meaningful, as there was a parade of members coming forward to make presentations of glass to the National Glass Collection. Donations were made in memory of a number of members who passed away since the last Convention, and in memory and in honor of loved ones of NDGA members.
Nick Ochs presented a check to the "Pam Ochs Endowment Fund" whose purpose is to purchase glass for our National Glass Collection. The Ochs fund was created by friends of Nick's late wife. Kent Washburn announced that his mother was initiating the "Kent Washburn Endowment Fund" for the purpose of maintaining the National Glass Collection (this covers mundane matters such as storage rental, etc. - not glamorous but very necessary).
Saturday Evening Banquet with Entertainment
There was a wonderful Banquet with entertainment on Saturday night at the Rogers State University, a short distance from the Convention site. The entertainment featured a locally developed comedy show entitled "The Witty World of Will Rogers" by Gene McFall (with the assistance of the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts). Quite an appropriate piece of entertainment in the home town of the noted humorist, and Gene's material, all taken from Will Rogers' original comedy was still very relevant and very funny, even though it is nearly 70 years since Will Rogers died. We also had "Big Band Era" music from the Jim Tanner Big Band. The food was good, too !
Seminars and Speakers
There were two very interesting seminars presented in Claremore:
- Milbra Long - "Preservation Coming to the Midwest"
- William Walker - "Flowers & Candy: The Romantic Side of Paden City"
In addition to the above formal seminars, Jackie Wendt had a wonderful display of "Reproduction Depression Glass", and she put on what amounted to a continuous "seminar" for anyone who stopped by her display and wanted to learn more. Reproductions are an increasing problem for collectors of depression glass (they're getting better and harder to identify!) and Jackie's presentation was well received by those who attended the Convention.
Guest Authors
There were three guest authors at the Convention. These folks have spent a great deal of time putting together information that helps us all know more about the glass that we love.
- Myrna & Bob Garrison - Cape Cod, Candlewick and other Imperial Glass.
- Milbra Long & Emily Seate - Fostoria Glass.
- William Walker - Paden City Glass.
National Glass Organizations
There were tables set up for three National Organizations this year: the Fostoria Glass Society, the Old Morgantown Glass Collectors Guild and the National Cambridge Collectors. We encourage all of the National Glass Organizations to participate in the NDGA Convention, and we provide a table, on a space available basis, for any of the National Glass Organizations who wish to attend and staff a table to promote their group.
Glass and Pottery Displays
There were 26 tables of glass and pottery, plus the glass that was donated to the National Collection, on display at the Convention. Lots of goodies to see, shared with us by fellow NDGA members. Thanks to Scott Smith for coordinating this year's displays. The table below lists many of the displays. Click on the "thumbnail" photograph to see a larger version.
List of Participating Dealers
Here is the list of the dealers who brought their best glass to Claremore. These dealers come from all over the country and many of these folks have been doing the NDGA Convention for years and years. There are a few new faces as well, and we appreciated their efforts on behalf of the NDGA membership.