2021 convention: Joint convention with the National Toothpick Holder Collectors’ Society
The 2021 convention took place in Pittsburgh, PA on Thursday August 19th through Saturday August 21st at the newly renovated DoubleTree Hotel near the Pittsburgh International Airport. This was our first joint convention with the National Toothpick Holder Collectors’ Society (NTHCS) which had been postponed from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The convention started with an optional outing to the Duncan & Miller Glass Museum on Friday morning with a stop at the famous Sarris Candy Shop on the way back to the hotel. The buffet dinner was on Friday night followed by the NTHCS/AGSSSC Auction. Saturday morning began with the business meetings for each club. Afterwards, members of the AGSSSC joined the NTHCS for a brief discussion of ideas for future conventions. Mike Sabo, president of the H.C. Fry Glass Society, presented an educational seminar on Fry Glass. The joint AGSSSC/NTHCS Show (displays) and Sale was on Saturday afternoon. The convention culminated with a joint banquet followed by announcements of new officers, winners of the displays, and the NTHCS toothpick raffle. Despite continued concerns about COVID and travel becoming increasingly difficult for our members, we were very pleased with the attendance. It was great to see our AGSSSC friends and interact with members of the NTHCS! Of course, the convention provided a wonderful opportunity to buy shakers, toothpick holders and other glass through room sales (i.e., “room hopping”), the Friday night auction, and the Saturday afternoon Show and Sale!
