You should have the time of your life! If memory serves, it will be the 29th gathering of the Vacuum Cleaner Collector's club, a far cry from the first which was held in Chesterton, Indiana the first weekend of May, 1985. Back then there were about 6 active members, and two staff members. The second year it was held at club headquarters in Naperville, Illinois, and continued to be until 94 when the club returned to it's roots, The Hoover Historical Center in North Canton, Ohio. In 95, the first officers were elected with Tom Gasko as President, and this was the first time the term 'convention' was used, prior to that they were meetings.

I've attended several and can tell you that it's an awesome experience! The V.C.C.C. takes over the hotel, a massive banquet room serves as the area where hundreds of vacuum cleaners are on display. There are cleaning contests, a business meeting, banquet dinner and awards. In addition, outside events like trips to vacuum stores, or places of interest are also common events. There is always time to meet other members, staff, and learn from collectors about given brands.

So I urge you to attend, as you will find yourself in a vacuum cleaner wonderland.

Alex Taber.

Being a former Kirby training manager, I'm very excited about this, and hope to see a number of the early models as well as the factory. In addition, I've done a lot of research on the history of Scott/Fetzer as well. The Kirby company has been very closed mouthed about Mr. Kirby, and his personal life, I'm hoping to get some answers.

Due to financial issues, I've not been to a convention since 2010, but Cleveland is in my back yard so to speak, and if I can hire somebody to drive from my house to the convention, I'll bring my non electrics that were not shown to the club since 05. At any rate I plan to register in about two weeks, and book my room.

Hope to see you there, and while I don't drink, will have a cup of coffee with you.

Alex Taber.

I was a training manager for Oak Park Kirby, (which was just outside Chicago) for many years, so I'm chomping at the bit for this one. Please let me know when I can register, and get things in motion. Right now I'm trying to hire a driver to get my non electrics, especially the Whirlwind to the convention, if that fails, then it will be just me. I plan to get there Thursday morning to secure my room and get settled, but nothing is set in stone.

It will be great to see the factory again, the last time was 1977, I also want to soak up the history of James B. Kirby, and separate fact from fiction.

See you there,

Alex Taber.

Tell me what you need and I'll try to get it. I also have several miracle heads packed away, I don't want to bring the entire machines, but have a lot of old Kirby tools, and a few old hoses. Right now I'm trying to line up a driver that I can hire to get me there. If I can do that, then I can bring my old non electrics. So let me know what you want from me, and I'll do it.

Alex Taber.

I also have a Roller-Waxer in good condition that I can bring, and I think a Handi-Waxer for the Kirby Classic 111. I have several tool sets, and instruction books, as well as my patent books that people can look at.

I hope you guys planning to attend, it will be so good to see you again.

I've been giving your ideas a lot of thought, and would like to add a few more events. How about a shampooing contest with the Rug Renovator? We can also have some sort of contest with the Handi-Butler doing all sorts of things, and perhaps a contest using the Turbo tools. I'd also love to demo the Classic 111, but will need to find a Proof-Book, dirt meter, and dirt pads, however, I think doing the mattress test is going too far, as it might turn a lot of people off . I'm open to other suggestions as well.

Alex Taber.

I'm looking for somebody to drive me to the convention. Here's what I'm looking for.

Someone with a van, or truck so I can transport several non electric one and two person pumpers. I will pay for gas, tolls, and meals to and from the convention, and am agreeable to sharing a room. Preferably somebody in the northern Pennsylvania area. If I can line up a driver, I can bring a lot of supplies, tools, paperwork and other things, if I can't get a driver then I'll fly and leave the machines at home.

Please let me know if you are interested.  

Alex Taber.

I've looked into several products made by the Butchers Wax Company, and added the bowling alley wax to my cart pending approval of this event. Personally, I think it's a fantastic idea, and would love to see several mini contests using the Handi-Butler, Suds-O-Gun, and Rug Renovator. Naturally I'll wait for approval from the convention committee before ordering any wax products, but if it is a go, I'll provide whatever you need.

Alex Taber.

I'm glad you like Louis's idea, so do I. Here's what I suggest. Louis or somebody could construct a square of flooring to be used like the test rug Kirby gave the club many years ago, and it could either be kept for future use, or simply discarded. We could also bring several large squares of linoleum for the same purpose and again, either saved or discarded. Back in the days when I was a training manager for Kirby, I keep several wood samples for sanding, drilling and what not in my briefcase, for use in the prospects home. I can do that again, plus drill bits, and sandpaper.

Naturally, we need time to coordinate this event, fit it into the schedule and so on, but we have several months to do that. Also, as this is Louis's idea, I'll follow his lead, but as I told him, I'll provide the various cans of wax.

And finally, when is the registration? I want to sign up as soon as I can, and book my room so that is booked well in advance.

Thanks, I think this is going to be a lot of fun. By the way, say hi to Scot for me, it will be good to see you both again.

Alex Taber.

Last year was my first convention and I had an AWESOME time. 

I'm sure this year, with Barb in charge, will certainly rival the fun in Milwaukee.

The "Hubby" wants to come this year.  He is so supportive of my hobby.

Maybe we can even work out arrangements that John, Joe, Kevin and I share a room.  Do you think the convention hotel is ready for that?

Can't wait to see everyone again.

Let me add a few words.

As I'm now retired with a lot of time on my hands, I'd love to write articles, and help with the newsletter or even take it on again. Please remember that I started it. Yes I did do one back in 2005, that another person (you know who I mean) messed up, the final print was a disaster! But I'd be happy to do the work. Writing, editing and printing could all be done by me, as I did for the first 12 years. So please talk to me about this in detail at the convention.

Alex Taber.

My registration and payment is on it's way to Dave Olsen. Thanks for getting it to me.

Looking forward to seeing you and Scott.

Alex Taber

May I add a few words?

While I have a computer, I do not print the electronic newsletter, so I see it once, then have to search through email to find it again. I'd love a hard copy to have on the coffee table to pick up and read whenever I please.

As for a volunteer to retype every article? you have one, me! I have the time, energy, and experience to do it all. When I started the newsletter I knew nothing about writing, editing, or publishing, however, I was the one who got our first logo, (see photo) started the membership, and by issue three, we were professional! Remember too that I did it all till 1993, when I asked Charles Richard Lester to take over as editor, and finally burned out in 95, after 12 years, and retired from the club.

Since then I've written several newsletters for other groups not vacuum cleaner related. I have the time, the money, the energy and the experience. Please think about it. I'm chomping at the bit to write again.

Alex Taber.  

The answer to your question of am "I going to drive to the convention?" is NO! I don't drive, never did! Since I only have sight in one eye, I'm not able to drive.

I've put out a few feelers to hire a driver, and would be willing to cover ALL expenses to get me to the convention with my collection, and home again, so far no takers! If that doesn't happen, then I'll go alone, without my non electrics. 

So let's see how t goes, it's only Feb. we have 4 months to go. 

Alex Taber.

Can you tell me where we stand with your suggestion of floor buffing with the Miracle head? I located the bowling alley wax, but didn't order it yet as I need to know we're going to have a wax-off contest.

Please advise.

And I'm still looking to hire a driver to get my non electrics to Cleveland and home again. As I said, I will cover gas, tolls, and pay for our meals along the way. Anybody interested in going from Bloomsburg, Pa. to Cleveland and back for FREE let me know. But after having the Whirlwind in storage all these years, I want to show it off.

Please contact me at Ralextaber@gmail.com.