California Federation of Mineralogical Societies/El Dorado Gem and
Mineral Society Joint Show
An eventful 1100 mile round trip from 62-72 degree Oceanside up 5,
the inland route north to Placerville, 100-112 degrees in a 4
cylinder Van that overheated! Left that “vehicle” in the pay parking
lot at the Bakersfield Airport and rented from Avis.
We reached Placerville somewhat later than planned but had to set up
two cases that Thursday night as this was a three day show. Due to
the extreme heat wave electricity was at a premium and fans replaced
air conditioning. Consensus was they saved on toilet paper as the
excessive sweating reduced bathroom visits, I can attest to that.
The cases were outstanding in both the judged building as well as
the non judged building. Yes they both filled individual buildings
and there was much to oh and ah over. Wonderful thing happened in the
judged competition, many of the young students from Glendora School
District entered their cases and once again won quite a few awards.
I mentioned a month or so ago that this program was in jeopardy, and
here they win wonderful recognition for their school district, their
instructor and themselves. these are 13-17 year old girls and boys.
Now the show itself, Jack Williams Show Chairman managed to find the
best meld of Dealers and variety of products and materials I have
yet seen, and I include commercial shows in this evaluation. There
were locals and as well those who traveled quite some distance.
diamond Pacific as usual supported Rock and Mineral Clubs with their
presence. There was an excellent display of Fluorescent material and
the youngsters were audibly in awe of them.
There was nothing that was not rock, mineral, lapidary, jewelry
related.
Not a flea market crafty item at all. Anyone who came for our
hobby/business material found what they wanted. Consideration was
given to the number of dealers with same items, beads, fossils,
findings, tools in competition with one another. Dealer selection was
such that there was no unreasonable clash for attention. Very well
done. Business seemed to be brisk.
I did notice, as I have many times before, those dealers who gave
consideration to location of the show, economics of the area and
brought along appropriate materials, were successful. I did see some
that brought along inventory out of sync with the area were not
smiling. It is my opinion, I did not go around asking. I did see one
I have seen and overheard before who then blamed the customers for
not appreciating his work. I don’t think he gets it yet.
For myself, I was shown an unusual fine silver piece, was told where
is was being sold, went over and made several different purchases.
Word of mouth of those who know each other from attending shows, etc.
willingly share I love this aspect, so do the dealers.
Some of the dealers I recognized there were Helen Goga, Wire Artists
Group with her wonderful publication and lovely daughter Becky, Dale
Nichols, Wire Artist, Chris Rose, High Desert Mines, Kenneth Lee the
ingenious tool designer, Corrine Gurry, the Wire Wizard Lady, Joyce
and Hugh, J&J Minerals, I apologize for those I cannot remember at
this time.
There were demonstrators galore, silent auction, gold panning, fun
stuff for youths, Geodes selected and then sliced without further
charge, these wonderful folks, and the club volunteers really deserve
big thanks, they were all set up outside under easy ups, only shelter
from the sun, not the heat. I saw a few misters with fans behind them
directing the mist at those giving their all for the pleasure of
attendees. I must admit to standing in front of the mister several
times.
There were two extremely well attended booths there, first was a 14
plus pound Gold Nugget dug out in recent years at the Original
Sixteen to One Mine. It sat on a purple velvet pillow on open
display and was put into the hands of anyone that cared to hold it.
Believe me I did and yes it was rather heavy. To say the least, it is
a magnificent specimen and an honor to be able to hold. Mike Miller
the mine owner spoke at the CFMS Meeting. His current story is a tale
of beaurocracy gone amok. I am preparing a story on the lunacy of it
all and will upload it in a few days. The mine is offering tours and
more can be obtained from two web sites, <www.ugmm.org>
or <www.origsix.com> Sounds like a great field trip to me.
The second overwhelmed booth was outside under a easy-up and was
Gunther’s Fruit Freezes. This vendor was direct from heaven. They
offered four flavors, strawberry, lemon, orange, and strawberry
banana. This was the closest to the delight of my youth and whenever
I can find the real stuff, Italian Ices. When it came to be Summer,
the Italian bakeries made real fruit Lemon Ices. They were then sold
in pleated paper cups for one and two cents, one to two dollars last
I was in New York. The ones sold in Placerville were three and five
dollars, worth every cent.
My deep thanks to the Host Club The El Dorado Gem and Mineral
Society, for the excellent show, the great humor despite the heat,
and to the CFMS for its sponsorship. The show’s opening ceremonies
included a shoot-out by the Outlaw Sheriffs, an unexpected surprise
for all. A great weekend was had by all.
Teresa Masters