I took two tables from the Show's host Doug Sarubbi, to display items from The Garden State. I dug deep into my cave and found memories of the Newark Riot in 1967. I had several photos of the aftermath showing building burned and looted, as well as police wearing steel civil defense helmets.
A young lady gave my exhibit a good look, and then became stuck on the Riot Display, and a Key to the City which was from the same era. Tameka Murray and I entered into a wonderful conversation about "our" City. We were separated by a generation but that did not take away anything from our very meaningful conversation. She too is now a Florida Resident, and is Deputy Director of Hotel Security of Rozen Plaza. I am sure she helped my exhibit gather a Trophy for Best Badge Display, and I am very appreciative. It makes all the years picking up one item at a time, worth it.
The pictures, from my collection, include the City Key, My Dad's Badges, Precinct Pins, his picture, and some Old Timers from the City. The last pictures is me (with trophy) and Doug Sarubbi (L) and JOHN HOLMES (R).
Pictured below is Capt. Andy Castro showing me a Hawaii 5-0 shirt that reads "Book'em Danno!" Several months ago Andy and I traded emails over badges from Camden, NJ. We never met until this years' show. By chance, I walked over to the man from Hawaii and asked, "Do you know Capt Castro?" He responded "I am Capt Castro." We closed 6000 miles in a few minutes and exchanged a couple of gifts. Guess who got the shirt.
The tables next to mine were manned by Hu Freels. He is a regular at the Florida Shows' and is pictured below in the blue shirt.
Hu won the Trophy for Best Patch Display. The patches are only a part of his huge display which included a leather badge from Chicago, and several wall plaques. He was particularly proud of the "Special Agent" item picture below.
Manny Ynestroza also had several tables to display his patches. Check out the picture of the large boards he filled with hundreds of beautiful patches.
Jay Leman, who is always at the show with something unusual showed me a badge from Opa-Locka in the Sunshine State. This community of 15,000 was originally developed by Glenn Curtis (Curtiss-Wright Aviation) about 100 years ago. It is an Arabian themed community. Police HQ is located on Ali Baba Blvd. Note the seal at center point on this badge. It has an Arabian image. Jay had the history with him and allowed me a photo. He is also pictured here with his Orange County Sheriffs Centennial Badge.
Another interesting display was presented by Ron Bartholome. He focused on Security Badges and memorabilia from places like Sea World, and Disney. Hope the picture does justice to Shamu and Cinderalla's Castle.
The Trophy For Best Overall Display went to Sam Goldstein. Sam is retired from Palm Beach Sheriff's Office, and is a regular at these shows.
It took several tables to hold Sam's exhibit from New York City. Below are pictures of his fabulous collection.
The Patch Drop was won by Rick Taylor. That means he too had a good day at the Plaza.
This concludes my rundown of this years' show in the Vacation Capital of Florida. Already, I am looking forward to 2015.
*****
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