34th Annual Duncan & Miller National Convention
The 34th Annual National Convention was held on Saturday, July 25, 2009, in the Grand
Ballroom of the George Washington Hotel. Exquisite centerpieces decorated the tables
and cut glass water pitchers, donated by Clyde King and the Lalli Family, were presented
as table prizes. The evening began with the Welcome Reception at 6:00 pm which featured
entertainment by guitarist Dan Baker. Guests were offered a wonderful array of hors d'oeuvres
with wine and punch compliments of the Cooper and Lalli Families and had the opportunity
to mingle and chat with guest speaker, Tom Felt.
Amanda Backner Tutty greeted Reception and Dinner guests at 7:00 pm and introduced Tony Tomazin who
offered the benediction. As dinner concluded, Amanda then introduced President Susan Allen
who conducted the business meeting. First, Susan presented an overview of Society activities
during the past year. Next, reports were given by Secretary, Barb Stewart; Treasurer and Journal
Editor, Rosalyn Lalli; Membership Chair, Sherry Cooper; Museum Chair, Marolyn Piacenza; and Bylaws
Committee Chair, Tom Cooper. Members voted unanimously to accept the revisions to the Bylaws as
presented by the committee. Finally, the nominees for the three positions open on the Board of
Directors were introduced: Jerry Chambers, Mary Lou Makiel, and Pat O'Brien. A call for a vote
resulted in unanimous approval of the nominees. Congratulations to the new Directors! When discussions
on old and new business were complete, the meeting was adjourned.
Amanda Tutty then introduced our special guest, Tom Felt, who presented an interesting and
informative program on Cobalt Glass featuring beautiful examples of Duncan & Miller, including
a stunning Aaron Bloom free-form vase. In addition, he introduced a much anticipated new book
for collectors which he co-authored with Gene and Bernadette Girard: The Encyclopedia of Cobalt
Glass. We thank Tom for sharing his evening with members and guests of the National Duncan Glass Society.Thank you to our members and friends who support the Convention Reception and Dinner; Beverly Backner and Rosalyn Lalli for planning another wonderful event; and Event Coordinator Don Seese and the Staff at the George Washington for the excellent food and exceptional service. In addition, thank you to Don and the George Washington Hotel management for their generous donation of "Dinner and Overnight Stay" as a door prize.
2009 Glass Show & Sale
The 2009 Glass Show & Sale was an exciting event and the National Duncan Glass Society (NDGS)
welcomed visitors from 20 states. Exhibitor displays transformed the venue into a sparkling sea
of stunning antique glassware and buyers eagerly shopped the wide variety of items. Guests marveled
at this year s featured display - Duncan & Miller Cobalt Glass. The NDGS Club Booth offered a wide
variety of books and catalogue reprints for the collector as well as membership renewals and new member
registrations and also supported the Club Glass Sale Booth stocked with items donated by several members.
The Chinese Auction provided so many prize choices, including amazing theme baskets, that many folks
found it was just too difficult to decide on favorites - so they just had to have more tickets!
On Sunday, collectors were able to test the knowledge of our experts during the Glass Identification
event. And as expected, our famous kitchen offered a tantalizing menu of delicious choices.Consignment Auction
The Consignment Auction was held on Friday, July 24, 2009, at a new venue - the Washington County Fairgrounds.
Chairmen Jack Moore and Bill Howard organized the event and with volunteers arranged the set up.A full house of eager buyers made for an exciting evening. Auctioneers Hezzy Reese, Bill McGowan, and Chad McGowan coaxed the crowd with their wit and buyers responded with generous bids. Frances Reese and Debbie Reese Leach worked efficiently computing totals and accepting payments.
Thanks to Hezzie, Dan, Chad, Debbie, Frances and volunteers for their continued support and assistance.