Meanwhile, a decade later..........

[air-waycharlie]

Two former VCCC past-presidents, (and their spouses), Tom Gasko and myself, Charlie Watrous, had a long awaited reunion at Tom's Vacuum Museum in St. James, Missouri, yesterday, July 20th.

Three hours flew by as we reminisced about years and days in the past. About past conventions, members and vacuum cleaners. About high times and about low times. About members who have left us to go on to their reward. It was really a good time with great memories and lots of laughs--some bittersweet.

My partner of 29 years, Todd, also was with us and was a bit overwhelmed by all the vacuums and all the history that Tom explains thoroughly. It was their first meeting as well.

It was a delight for me to see so much vacuum history and see so many types of vacuums that I had owned at one time or another and for some reason had moved on. It is also nice to know that anytime anyone wants to see those beautiful works of art deco dirt collecting machines, the museum is easy to get to. I WILL be back!

Sincere thanks to Tom and Donnie for being great hosts and here are some parting shots:

 

[vacuumlad1650]

If you ask me, (and some don't...) Tom has one of the Finest vacuum collections in the country!
Always good to see friends, both old and new. Looks like everyone enjoyed it!

 

[dysonman1]

It was wonderful seeing you again Charlie. Hard to believe that it's been 11 years since we last saw each other. Seems like only yesterday. We picked right back up where we left off. I loved hearing the stories, as well as the gossip about what, for us, was the "old" VCCC. As the past presidents of the VCCC, we share the same "highs" as well as the same "lows" of being the head of a once great organization. A civilization "gone with the wind".

I'm so glad I finally got to meet Todd, and you got to meet my husband Donnie. We had a ton of laughs, and I can't wait to get together again.

Here is a great picture of Donnie and Todd in the 1930s room.

 

[air-waycharlie]

Gotta love the Singers and Air-Ways pictured together..........

 

[Miss Mercy]

I would have loved to have been there in the good old days back when the VCCC was just a group of friends. I also wish I could have been there that day so I could have met you Charlie. Glad you guys had a nice reunion.

 

[air-waycharlie]

Adam.........

One of these days you and I may very well meet at the conventions either at Tom's or the VCCC convention.

After visiting the museum, we spent several days at a car show in Lebanon, MO and on Sunday visited a long time member of the VCCC. We all agreed that we enjoyed the conventions in the past with the VCCC where there seemed to be high energy, creativity and wonderful camaraderie.

Clubs of almost any kind, have an ebb and flow to them and things change. I hope to meet you at some point!!

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Well, Charlie, I only joined the VCCC

in '08........... after a lot of drama passed. I always enjoyed when you were in attendance.We've never had a sour word between us.
I look forward to the day when you come to another VCCC convention. I know everyone would enjoy your return.
John

 

[dysonman1]

Oh Charlie:

Can you imagine? You and I walking into a vccc meeting - throwing open the doors to their conference room, and walking in "purse first". Just like Brother Boy throwing open the doors to the church and walking in during "Momma's" funeral in Sordid Lives. And utter that famous quote "betcha didn't think you'd see ME here, did ya Momma?"

 

[akabent]

Recent Convention

For those who have been unable to attend a VCCC Convention for a while, and the Tulsa Convention in particular, this years' VCCC Convention was one of the most enjoyable, pleasant, and drama-free conventions I've attended in recent years.  Unless I missed it, I am aware of absolutely no one in attendance who did not thoroughly enjoy themselves.  The ONLY negativity I have heard has been from outside sources who were not in attendance and clearly unable to reliably comment on its success.  ***MORE FAKE NEWS!***


Based on this years' outcome, I am already planning to attend the 2018  VCCC Convention.  Barb, Kenny, Phillip & Shaylee, and Chad, thank you again for all the hard work in evidence in Tulsa.


RB

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Rick, you are so right.

Everyone is still talking about it. I'm hoping more members will return and attend next year's convention.
Some will, some will not, some will never (for numerous reasons). Some live too far, some have a fear of flying, some have financial concerns. Some cannot, because they are no longer members. Some were asked to leave, and, thus, cannot return.
But, I, too, am already planning on attending next year. My friend's wedding was carefully planned around this, for ME. Can you imagine that?

 

[dysonman1]

I'm also planning on attending

Next Year's 2018 Vacuum Collectors Convention. Second weekend in June. See Y'all here in St. James, Missouri.

 

[akabent]

Attending

<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Good to know!!!!</span>