Photos from the Kirby Kraze convention

[sonnyndad]

We all had such a good time. I met so many new people, and will definitely be going next year to St. Louis. I probably should have taken more pictures, but I was too busy having fun. The second picture shows where we stopped for the night in Millersburg, OH. Show us the pictures you took from the convention!

 

[eurekastar]

Isn't it amazing that Kirby has been manufacturing vacuums in the same building for many decades?  Except for the Tech-Drive on the G series, the same basic design has endured for that long as well.  It's hard to improve on success!

 

[vacmom]

Name wrong

The convention was not called Kirby Kraze as was planned. We changed it to VCCC 2014 convention; celebrating 100 years of Kirby. Barb

 

[caligula]

Hi vacmom.

Barb:

Call it what you will, I call it 'a great event for all of us.' You and Chad outdid yourselves, everything ran with precision timing like, well, like a Kirby!
my deep appreciation to both of you.

Obviously I'm home, and aside from laundry, and a long, hot shower, am doing nothing for the rest of the day. The Amtrak version of jetlag has set in, I'm exhausted, but happily so.

You Chad and of course Scott, did great.

Thanks again,
Alex Taber.

 

[sonnyndad]

Counting the hours...

Until St. Louis! Only 8,640 hours to go!

 

[mistert]

First convention....

This was an awesome time! So glad to have met some great people and share stories about Kirby and the vacuum cleaner industry. I had only wished I could have stayed for the banquet and the closing festivities, but next year will be different!

~Larry

 

[caligula]

Hi Larry.

What a pleasure it was to meet you and share some of my knowledge. Let's hope this was only the first of many conventions and mini-meets you attend. If you have any interests in brands, or models, feel free to ask me, and if I don't know the answer, will find people who do.

Alex Taber.

 

[kc_kirby]

Here are some of my pics from the convention. I don't think it's been mentioned yet but the club gave away a Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50 rebuilt by Kirby. Everyone at the convention had an equal opportunity to win the rebuilt Kirby. Also, just about every meal was provided by the club while the convention was going on. Another perk for being a member of the VCCC and attending this convention.

Chad Cunningham

 

[kirbyg6]

Wish I could of gone it looks awesome

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi,

<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Hi Chad, Thanks for posting pictures. The Kirbys look in great condition.

Was they all yours in the pictures you took?</span>


 


<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James

</span>


 

 

[kc_kirby]

James, my Kirby's are in the first pic of the series. I only brought 3 this time. I would have loved to have brought them all but I didn't have room for them all in the car. I must say this is the most Kirby's I have ever seen at a convention, a nice change. Most of the time there are no or only a few Kirby's at a convention. I also kind of learned from the 2008 convention when I took 3 Kirby's and other vacuums that there is a risk of them being damaged in transit or at the convention. On that note I am amazed that collectors can't be more courteous of other's vacuums. I put the red dot on some of my more rare vacuums, which means do not touch. And I would stand there and watch as people would walk by and move the headlight cap up and down and do other things to my vacuums. I don't know what part of "do not touch" they don't understand. This happened in 2008 and at this convention. Really aggravating to me and it makes me not want to bring any vacuums again to a convention. I would never touch someone's vacuum without their explicit permission. Maybe I'm just too considerate but I would rather not upset someone or risk damaging a rare prized vacuum.

 

[air-waycharlie]

Chad.........

For the reason you mentioned above, one year I kept my vacs in my hotel room every night and stayed by them all day. During my involvement with the VCCC, parts have been stolen off vacuums and from displays. Also, parts and manuals were stolen from member's homes that were hosting lunches or other functions.

Very sad and unfortunate, but true.

I totally understand your frustration and anger. For most members, (if not all), English is their native language and they should be able to READ and UNDERSTAND what do not touch means. Maybe it is time to review this at the beginning of a convention?

If I attend any future conventions, I can assure you that my vacuums will remain at home for the reasons you have mentioned.

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi,

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Hi Chad, I've noticed before that people in general don't take the information in they've just read. Either that or they just ignore it and do what they feel.

</span>


<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">It also makes me sad with what Charlie has said that people have stolen parts and manuals from others.</span>


<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">On one hand you want to display you vacuums for others to see and enjoy but on the other you don't want anything to happen to them.</span>


<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span>


<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James</span>


 

 

[dysonman1]

If you think that's bad, how about having your entire vacuum collection on display to the general public 365 days per year. I'm constantly making people stop touching the vacuums in the Vacuum Cleaner Museum. People will turn them on when my back is turned. I'll say "That's 100 years old, there are no parts available, and it will cost you over a thousand dollars to replace it".

Kids are the WORST. For the most part, the parents keep them from touching (and destroying) the museum exhibits. But some parents just do nothing while their brats tear things up. I've never had to ask someone to leave, but I have asked that they take their kids outside.

Interestingly, I just hosted a Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Convention at the Museum, followed by a barbecue at my home, with multitudes of little items (like air-way playing cards, Electrolux banks, etc.) laying around. Not one thing was broken or stolen. Then again, I don't allow just 'anyone' to join the Collectors Group. I'm personal friends with each person who attends a Convention, and I know where they live (just sayin). I see no good reason for an "all inclusive" club, and so I don't belong to one. Problem solved.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

Tom, I can't wait to meet you in person. We share many of the same views