10
Sept - Oct 2015
Bottles and Extras
by Ferdinand Meyer V Thirty-plus years ago I was in Chattanooga and thought, “what a nice town.” Now, it has grown into a GREAT town, with so much to offer. We loved the hospitality, the free shuttle that made it a breeze to get around town, the river view, the restaurants, the aquarium, the city’s history, the FOHBC shows setup, the hotel, the great program, the banquet ... hey, the list goes on and on. We arrived in town early so that we could spend a night at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. The terminal station has been converted into the most unique lodging. We slept in one of the Victorian Train Cars, with our family in two connecting cars, plus Bob and Marianne Strickhart in another. Bob was thrilled, since he is a train buff. (If he slept in the buff we don’t know ... and don’t want to know.)
After a couple of years of planning, the 2015 Chattanooga National has come and gone. The train arrived in all of its glory, met us at the station, and carried its passengers on a grand three day excursion in the great southern city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. It left us with memories that will last a lifetime. Our signature logo was everywhere and greeted guests at our host Marriott Hotel Downtown and adjoining Chattanooga Convention Center. There were badges, name cards, banners, posters and t-shirts that said, “Choo-Choo to Chattanooga”. I am so proud to say, we looked our best and our crowds and numbers certainly support the fact that this was one of our Federations finest events ever. As I awoke in Chattanooga on the Monday morning after the show, I knew that another, and almost final stop was needed for the adventure, this being the production of this issues show report with a impending printer deadline just days away. Fortunately, we have had some nice and constructive comments that I will try to use throughout the article in different color type. I will also use the wonderful pictures taken from our professional show photographer, Mallory Boyle to take us for a ride.
I was thrilled to be there, and I thank all those involved for their great efforts. I was also appreciative of the great doctors at Detroit’s Ford Hospital. I went in on Monday for a “modest” heart surgery, and told the doctors to do a great job because I planned to get up the next day and go to Chattanooga! The hospital saved my life, but lost all my clothes (in Vegas I once lost my shirt, but that was a different issue). The next day, Janet arrived at the hospital, the car packed and with a new set of clothes for me (I had threatened to go wearing my back-open hospital garb), and off to Chattanooga we went. Life is great, but it is even better if you are a bottle collector, surrounded by so many wonderful people. Many thanks to everyone involved in putting on such a great show; their time and efforts made for a WONDERFUL weekend. - Ralph Finch (Farmington Hills, Mich.) Marianne and I had a great time in Chattanooga.....but then again, I can’t remember a bottle show where we’ve had a bad time. Particularly, the time spent with friends was for us, a major highlight. It was excellent to witness Ralph Finch’s induction into the FOHBC Hall of Fame, he truly is deserving. The banquet was great but I personally enjoyed the live auction action the most. I also came home with 3 nice lots. As you may know, Jim Bender and I are co-chairing the 2017 National Convention in Springfield, Mass. Jim and I were paying close attention to the details at Chattanooga to see where improvements if any, could be made and what things we’d like to avoid. Just a short word of advance notice, Jimmy and I are going to have a show that will exceed any and all expectations. 2017 will be worth the wait and we’re going to pull out all the stops! The bar will be raised!!!! Keep your eyes peeled for developments in the future!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bob & Marianne Strickhart (Pennington, N.J.)