The early days of pen shows were like family gatherings. Friends, who may have seen each other only once before, gathered at the designated hotel to show their new finds and exchange parts and information. This all took place under the watchful and engaged eye of the host family. Terry and Sonia Mawhorter have managed to keep this feeling of a family gathering in spite of the success and growth of the Ohio Pen Show .

One of the secrets of this show is the abundance of sponsored evening events. The regular pizza party one night is followed by the dessert party on another night and a festive pen auction on yet another. Yes, people are here to add to their collection. Most are here, however, to enjoy the company of fellow collectors and engage in the friendly exchange of information.

In early October, Classic Fountain Pens discovered that they would be moving to new digs. When we have our new mailing information, we will send it out by this newsletter. Even though the Columbus Pen show was high on the list of priorities, it had to be missed this year. We were going to be ably assisted by Carla Mortensen, the organizer of the Portland Pen Show another great show with personal feeling.

We regret not being able to attend this year, but have already signed up for next year's gathering.

This is a great show to attend, whether it is your first show and you want to get an easy introduction to these sorts of events, or you are a veteran looking for that last rare Grieshaber, and your old friend.