Thread Number: 44099  /  Tag: Conventions, Mini-Meets, Parties
All the Way to Santa Fe, the 2023 VCCC Convention
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Post# 459249   1/8/2023 at 12:15 (445 days old) by swivelsean (Santa Fe, NM)        

Dear VCCC'ers,
I'm excited to announce and confirm the 38th annual Vacuum Cleaner Collectors' Convention in Santa Fe, NM, on June 15th through June 18th, 2023.

The Convention hotel is the Marriott Courtyard Santa Fe, 3347 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507, 1-505-473-2800. The room rate is $156 per night plus taxes, for the nights of June 14th through the 17th. The deadline to secure that rate is May 14th. The Convention fee is $75.

Attendees may drive to Santa Fe, take Amtrak to Albuquerque connecting onto the NM Railrunner to Santa Fe, or fly into Santa Fe (SAF) or Albuquerque (ABQ). The Marriott will pick you from SAF. If one chooses to fly into ABQ, one can take a free shuttle bus from the airport to the NM Railrunner to then take the train to Santa Fe, secure coach service to the Marriott for a fee, or rent a car. The City of Santa Fe is one hour north of ABQ by train, shuttle or car.

Many fun experiences are planned for the Convention inluding clinics, competitions, vacuum digging, besides meeting new friends and reconnecting with others. Time will be set aside for seeing local cultural venues, sightseeing, or thrifting. The host will be presenting a 'Fiesta' style party with games and contests at his home and will have his collection of vacuums, collectibles and ephemera on display. This Convention is a collaborative effort with support from across the club and the nation. I look forward to seeing everyone in Santa Fe.
Best Wishes,
Sean Curry


Post# 459251 , Reply# 1   1/8/2023 at 12:37 (445 days old) by Jayelux (Dallas, TX)        

Thanks for hosting, Sean! Santa Fe is a great city, and as many of us can attest, your minimeets have always been over the top, so we anticipate this to be the best convention ever!

Post# 459264 , Reply# 2   1/9/2023 at 10:24 (444 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Thanks, Sean!!!!

gottahaveahoove's profile picture

I believe Joe Kassock and I are DRIVING there!

 

Know that I will be there to help you in any way I can.

  I know it will be a great time.


Post# 459537 , Reply# 3   1/17/2023 at 20:32 (436 days old) by singingrainbow (Texas)        
Looking forward to it!

I'm excited for it already! Between seeing good friends, the wonderful setting of Santa Fe, and the activities in the works it'll be an excellent convention for sure.

And I'm always glad when a convention lands within driving distance, big help for vac transportation!

-Scott


Post# 460475 , Reply# 4   2/20/2023 at 13:41 (402 days old) by kloveland (Tulsa)        

kloveland's profile picture
Here is the link to the club website. For those who are interested in attending the convention this year.

www.vacuumcleanercollectorsclub.o...


Post# 460857 , Reply# 5   3/2/2023 at 08:49 (392 days old) by Paulg (my sweet home Chicago)        
Count me in !

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I am very much looking forward to this convention. Though not a hard Winter, Chicago can get a bit dreary.
Here’s my chance (OUR chance) to get some SUN and FUN in lovely Santa Fe. It’ll be nice to just get out of the house for a few days and enjoy meets, greets and whatever else (the very creative) Sean (and gang) will put together.
Like everyone here, I’ve picked up a few vacs over the YEARS since some of us have gotten together. Beside treating ourselves to some overdue fun-time, I look forward to picking up a few obscure parts for my stale projects. I am also tired of talking to my cats as if they are my only remaining friends in the world. LOL. I want to see PEOPLE!
See ya there!


Post# 462814 , Reply# 6   5/2/2023 at 20:45 (331 days old) by kloveland (Tulsa)        
Schedule is posted to our website

kloveland's profile picture
..if interested in attending!



CLICK HERE TO GO TO kloveland's LINK


Post# 462835 , Reply# 7   5/3/2023 at 22:33 (330 days old) by Gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Wow, looks great

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
Not that easy to get to the hotel. Does anyone need to share a room, ?

Post# 462901 , Reply# 8   5/5/2023 at 17:32 (328 days old) by swivelsean (Santa Fe, NM)        
Additional Hotel Info...

Dear VCCC'ers,
For those of you who haven't secured your hotel reservations at the Santa Fe Marriott Courtyard, 1-505-473-2800, for the Convention, the deadline is fast approaching. The room rate of $156 plus taxes is guaranteed for booking only until May 14th. You may be asked for the code, VCCN, for the convention rate.

I hope everyone who wants to attend chooses to do so. there will be plenty of fun activities and plenty of vacs looking for new forever homes. If you have any question please email me directly at txsjc1@aol.com, using Convention as subject title, and I will do my best to assist you.
Best Wishes,
Sean Curry


Post# 462902 , Reply# 9   5/5/2023 at 17:39 (328 days old) by Kloveland (Tulsa)        
VCCC website and registration info for the convention…

kloveland's profile picture
Click link below for the VCCC website.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO Kloveland's LINK


Post# 462921 , Reply# 10   5/6/2023 at 13:42 (327 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        

vacuumdevil's profile picture
Why are you holding it in Santa Fe New Mexico?
You should definitely hold it in Albuquerque it's a lot safer.

Keep in mind Cerrillos road is a dangerous place after dark.
This sort of stuff happens on the regular in Santa Fe


CLICK HERE TO GO TO vacuumdevil's LINK


Post# 462938 , Reply# 11   5/7/2023 at 09:27 (326 days old) by Kloveland (Tulsa)        

kloveland's profile picture
Vacuumdevil,

The VCCC hosts conventions based on its members locations For example, last year. We went to Scranton because John volunteered to host us. This year Sean is hosting in Santa Fe, New Mexico.



Post# 463029 , Reply# 12   5/8/2023 at 18:10 (325 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        

vacuumdevil's profile picture
@Kloveland Yes but wouldn't you host at 30 more minutes away for significant safety increase? When I lived in the slums of New Mexico I went grocery shopping in the nice part of town to avoid all the problems. It was worth the extra 15 minutes out of my way. At the very least the north part of Santa Fe is a little bit safer with all the touristas around. Where where that hotel is located is about a half a block from being in a very dangerous area after dark.
You don't want to go south or west from that location unless you have good Spanish and Street presents.


Post# 463324 , Reply# 13   5/24/2023 at 10:00 (309 days old) by westinghouseman (Capron, Illinois, 13 miles due north of Belvidere, Illinois.)        
VCCC - Santa Fe Convention

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I will be attending the VCCC's Convention in Santa Fe this June. Marc Turbyfill, will be attending too. Looking forward to seeing everyone again. Sadly, I missed last year's in Scranton.

Post# 463328 , Reply# 14   5/24/2023 at 10:50 (309 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
We missed you both

gottahaveahoove's profile picture

here, as well.


Post# 463369 , Reply# 15   5/25/2023 at 23:36 (308 days old) by rivstg1 (colorado springs)        

rivstg1's profile picture
Well darn. I’m close enough to there to drive down but I have family visiting that very week (till the 16th evening). I’d miss too much coming just in the 17th. Hope it’s a great time for all

Post# 463818 , Reply# 16   6/13/2023 at 09:47 (289 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Some folks are already on their way!

gottahaveahoove's profile picture

So, get fresh bags and belts in your machines.

  Safe travels, everyone!!!!!!!!

 


Post# 463858 , Reply# 17   6/15/2023 at 09:46 (287 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
several arrived yesterday.

gottahaveahoove's profile picture

It all begins later today.


Post# 463867 , Reply# 18   6/15/2023 at 18:39 (287 days old) by odavid123 (Los Angeles ca )        

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I’m so jealous :( I couldn’t get the days off . Please upload a lot of pics

Post# 463910 , Reply# 19   6/16/2023 at 17:42 (286 days old) by Gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Today was a busy day.

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
Hope to see some pics. Hope everyone is hVjng a great time!

Post# 463911 , Reply# 20   6/16/2023 at 17:51 (286 days old) by Gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
For reasons beyond my control,

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I'm missing the convention..... first one since I joined in 2008. I hope the traditional nasty letters don't start. 2 people love to do that. A tradition, I suppose.

Post# 463916 , Reply# 21   6/17/2023 at 02:11 (285 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Mr. Long.

caligula's profile picture
I'm in shock!

You not being there, that's sacrilegious. I'm not there because I have an event in San Francisco next month, can't do both.

Still, it's mind boggling that what began with six people in May of 1985 has grown into this. Amazing.




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Post# 463918 , Reply# 22   6/17/2023 at 02:42 (285 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Pictured above.

caligula's profile picture
What most of you probably don't know is this was the original club logo. It dates back to March of 1983, and is the artwork of Elizabeth Krammes, daughter of Stacy Krammes, director of the Hoover Historical Center.

Post# 463923 , Reply# 23   6/17/2023 at 09:21 (285 days old) by Gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
I'm as shocked as you!

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
For reasons ...... I just couldn't do it.and .. the other co founder, John Lucia is there. Missing hi., too. Just look at what you men did, so long ago. Thank you, on behalf of the entire V.C.C.C

Post# 463930 , Reply# 24   6/17/2023 at 16:16 (285 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
John Lucia.

caligula's profile picture
Hi, my friend, glad to hear you are there to represent us.

Can you believe it's 38 years? And it all started with the question "think we ought to form a club?" Also, if you recall, it was Mike Pupek who asked if there could be a gathering of the members. From that simple request huge changes. Fast forward to this weekend. From a handful of collectors to annual conventions. It blows me away.

Here are two pictures, the first is that meeting in Indiana May 4, 5, 6, 1985, and Naperville, Illinois the following year. Awesome memories.

Alex Taber.


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Post# 463931 , Reply# 25   6/17/2023 at 16:36 (285 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Original club logo.

caligula's profile picture
Back in the earliest years the Vacuum Cleaner Collector's Club was an information center, designed to teach the history of the vacuum cleaner. We focused on really old stuff. The logo had to be something old and very interesting. It also had to be non-electric. What Liz Krammes found was 'The Baby Daisy,' 1890. It was perfect. Shown below is the actual Baby daisy which was at the Historical Center.

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Post# 463935 , Reply# 26   6/17/2023 at 18:25 (285 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

electrolux137's profile picture


EARLY VCCC HISTORY

John Lucia and Bob (Alex) Taber started corresponding with one another in 1981. They met in person in 1982 when, together, they made a pilgrimage to the Hoover Historical Center and factory. That was the first time they ever saw "The Vault" where Hoover kept the competitors' models and their own early machines.

After their meeting at Hoover in 1982, they decided to see if there were other people interested in vacuum cleaners. They officially founded the club in 1983.

Over the next five years or so, the Club grew to about 10 people through word of mouth: primarily via the Hoover Company. Eventually, however, John and Alex decided to let the club lapse. This was due mainly to inactivity, but also because of some embarrassing mishaps involving a couple of the more "colorful" club members.

When Charles Lester first met Stan Kann in 1991, Stan told him not only about George Bourhill (R.I.P.), but also Alex Taber, John Lucia, and Mike Pupek, all of whom he had known for several years.

Charles first met John and Alex in 1991 by telephone. Stan had given him their names and phone numbers along with George Bourhill's and Mike Pupek's info.

Charles heard the very thrilling news from John that there was a Vacuum Cleaner Collectors' Club. Then he heard the very disappointing news that the Club was "in limbo" as Alex Taber put it.

Well, of course, Charles suggested getting the Club going again! However, John and Alex both were rather lukewarm about the idea. (Well, that is, John was "rather lukewarm" but Alex was "vehemently opposed" to the idea!) However, after much prodding and urging by Charles, they finally agreed, albeit reluctantly, to do so.

So, the three them were the first members of the "NEW Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Club," with Charles serving as newsletter editor and publisher. They also invited Stan Kann to join, of course, which he did. George Bourhill joined soon thereafter.

Then, other collectors came out of the woodwork in 1992 and 1993. Folks who joined included Clay Floyd (R.I.P.), Tom Gasko, Billy Lipman, Don O'Connor (R.I.P.), Roger Proehl (R.I.P.), Mike Pupek (also an original member from the 1970s), and David Watters (R.I.P.).



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Post# 463937 , Reply# 27   6/17/2023 at 20:07 (285 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Thank you Charles Richard.

caligula's profile picture
Many people, not only in clubs like ours but who were not around yet in the days before the internet, or Wikipedia have no idea how hard it was to get information on a given topic, not only vacuum cleaners. While, Air-Way, Electrolux, Kirby, and many others fascinated us, with the exception of Hoover, these companies wanted nothing to do with us. As Charlie McKee (Electrolux) told me personally "We're interested in today's sales, not our history." And this was why John, and I started the club. As there were a handful of us interested in the various brands, or models, John Hoover 150, and 700, me early Electrolux we knew others were too. The idea was to take what we both thought was useless knowledge from our childhoods and share it. Useless no more.

I have always had an interest in writing, so history came easy. I was also close to the Chicago public library and had amassed copies of hundreds of patents from the research department. Result was the 'Newsletter." Back then our only way to provide information. Add to this were phone calls, sometimes 3-4 hours. Again, stories were shared in the newsletter.

Then in November of 1984, a member named Mike Pupek came to see me and asked if we could get the members together. I seriously doubted people would travel across the country to see old vacuum cleaners. "Put the question in the newsletter" Mike said. I did, and the response was "when do we meet, and where?" With luck my mom, then living in Chesterton, Indiana offered to host the club. This was also club headquarters, and where we produced the newsletter.

That was a breakthrough weekend as we established the first bylaws and set in place things that are now standard. And as John and I were both research junkies (his term) our information was well known. And yes, companies like Kirby took notice.

From 85 to 93 I hosted the annual meetings in my home and had the official club museum. Then in 94 we returned to our birthplace, Hoover. We were welcomed with open arms, and at long last the Vacuum Cleaner Collector's Club was on it's way to reaching hundreds of collectors.

So, as I said we've gone from a mere six people to all of you who are reading this. Yes, the club has a very rich and colorful history.

Back in 93, Mike Pupek asked me "where will the club be in ten years?" Well, we all know the answer to that.


Post# 463948 , Reply# 28   6/18/2023 at 15:34 (284 days old) by Gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
And,to quote the great Carol burnett

gottahaveahoove's profile picture
"Seems we just get started and before you know. ..comes the time we have to say SO LONG". Another successful convention is in t h e books. CNt wait to heR the stories .ND see the pics!, shafe travels home, everyone!

Post# 463955 , Reply# 29   6/18/2023 at 20:25 (284 days old) by Canisterman (Mocksville NC)        
Charles..

Unless Don O Conner has died within the last few months, he is still very much alive, My friend Chris went to see him and bought some parts.

Post# 463956 , Reply# 30   6/18/2023 at 20:35 (284 days old) by Canisterman (Mocksville NC)        
I really enjoyed the earlier days.

I read a ad in a spring 1994 issue of the VDTA news that a man named Craig Long published , he said he was a serious collector of vintage vacuums and was looking for a long list of machines, I called him and talked for 3 hours! He told me of the club, so I called John Lucia, and Alex then Bob Taber, they immediately invited me to come to North Canton to the meeting that year ,but i couldnt make that happen, but I went in 1995 to Allentown Pa, meanwhile I made friends with Tom Gasko, Clay Floyd, Billy Lipman,Mike Hays,Roger Proehl, Charlie Lester and more, I went to every convention within driving distance for years, Some things that I didnt like went on and I left in the mid 2000s , but im still friends with many people from those early days, before the internet, back when we talked on the phone and really everyone got along so well, In those early days, we never argued politics, or anything else for that matter.

Post# 463960 , Reply# 31   6/18/2023 at 21:50 (284 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

electrolux137's profile picture


My apologies to Don O'Connor. "Reports of his death were greatly exaggerated."


Post# 463967 , Reply# 32   6/18/2023 at 23:25 (284 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Canisterman.

caligula's profile picture
About Craig Long, by the way no relation to John 'Gottahaveahoove' Long. He was one of the six I mentioned as the earliest members. He was from Buffalo, New York, and was the only one who did not write back when getting the introductory letter. He jumped the gun, called me with a huge "yes, please start the club." Anybody who met Craig was in for a treat. He was a living encyclopedia. Name any brand, he knew it, name a given machine and he could quote the instruction book, and give you correct dates of release.

Sadly, he missed the first meeting in 85 but was at the first one in Naperville in 86 and was the only member who stayed in my house. And he made a killer lasagna for all of us.

When I met him at Ohare airport in Chicago, he was carrying a 1950 Air-Way, sat with it in his lap, refusing to put it in the overhead compartment.

Craig passed away many years ago, and while we didn't talk often, when we did it was three hours or more.

Here's a picture of Craig in my living room. Second picture, the coveted Air-Way he gave me. Hand delivered. And I treasure it.


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Post# 463976 , Reply# 33   6/19/2023 at 09:20 (283 days old) by Dysonman1 (the county)        

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Decades ago, we had one of the first VCCC conventions in St. Louis, and in my home. Craig Long, along with many others, who are still my friends, was there. Michael Pletcher got my lewyt Electronic to work again, and sure enough Craig Long wanted to try it. And, of course, he got zapped. His hair stood straight out from his skull. We were trying to cut it off when someone pulled the cord out of the wall. Craig said “wow, what a rush“.

Post# 463978 , Reply# 34   6/19/2023 at 10:07 (283 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Welcome home, everyone!

gottahaveahoove's profile picture

Lots of changes, I heard.

  Let me be the first one to publicly  congratulate Scott, Ken, and Barb.

  And, Sean,  I heard it was a super event.  Sorry I could help you like you helped me last year.

 


Post# 463980 , Reply# 35   6/19/2023 at 10:33 (283 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
And, Alex, it's true.

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Craig and I are not related at all.  I never even met him.  I did include his name in the "In Memoriam" book.  I hear wild stories.


Post# 464046 , Reply# 36   6/21/2023 at 12:32 (281 days old) by kloveland (Tulsa)        
Convention Pictures

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I uploaded pictures to our club's site.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO kloveland's LINK


Post# 464095 , Reply# 37   6/24/2023 at 16:03 (278 days old) by akabent (LEFT Coast)        
Another Convention for the books and the records

Yep, another Outstanding Convention, both in terms of fun and planned activities. The seamless transitions from one event to the next was a testament to all the hard work clearly invested...again. It was a treat to reconnect with so many great people. Even the weather was flawless, Sean....Good Job!!!

Until next year....Happy Hoovering, with or without America's most Iconic brand.

RBinOC


Post# 464134 , Reply# 38   6/26/2023 at 20:33 (276 days old) by Durango159 (State College, PA)        

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Photos look great! Glad you all had such a great time. Kudos to the collector with a marvelous array of GE/ Premier vacuums as they are great vacuums. I have never tried their power nozzle canisters but I have tried two uprights and enjoyed them.


Post# 464359 , Reply# 39   7/6/2023 at 08:18 (266 days old) by luxlife (Under a Pecan Tree)        
Great photos! Thanks for sharing! Any more???

Please post more photos if you have them. Personally, I love seeing the diversity of the machines and people.

Post# 464360 , Reply# 40   7/6/2023 at 08:55 (266 days old) by kloveland (Tulsa)        
luxlife

kloveland's profile picture
I put them on our website instead of vacuumland. Also, the club officers have been updated on our site as well under "contact us". We are going back to emailing the newsletter. Ken and Barb are taking on that task. Since the cost of physically mailing, it was still high for us.

We also have a Youtube video of some of our games that we are working on getting posted.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO kloveland's LINK


Post# 464361 , Reply# 41   7/6/2023 at 09:11 (266 days old) by luxlife (Under a Pecan Tree)        
Ok thanks for the update!

Checking it out now!

Post# 464364 , Reply# 42   7/6/2023 at 09:43 (266 days old) by kloveland (Tulsa)        

kloveland's profile picture
I've added some more. The convertibles on the table were donated to the club and given away as game prizes. I walked away with a 69 and Luke won the 68 and 34 I believe. We had plenty of vacs to raffle, and for the free and for sale piles. Chris received a very nice Eureka 260? (It was brown, I could be wrong on the model number) from Sean. Phillip took the GE tank vac home with him and a few others. :)

I also bought Glenn's pink Constellation for my sister. She wanted a vintage vac. We had other small appliances as well. I won a nice GE hand mixer and yellow bowl in the raffle.

We also watched Who's Minding the Store with Jerry Lee Lewis and afterwards we had to name the manufacturers of the appliances shown in the film. The winner walked away with the 70.

If you have never met Sean or been to one of his mini meets, then I feel bad for you. Sean is one of the most creative collectors I know, and his library of paper and catalogs is the best I've seen.



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