TITUSVILLE 2015

The wife and I did the Titusville Show on Jan. 24. It was held, once again, in the Elks Club. There was plenty of room, and some 80 tables were taken up by Displays.

After writing articles for PC News for several years now, I finally got to meet Mike Bondarenko the Publisher of the paper. We enjoyed a very nice chat near the end of the show, and the good news is, I wasn't fired. There was more good news; He will write the report for the paper. Maybe he'll pick out some of my thoughts or use a picture or two.

I like taking pictures, almost as I like collecting badges.

 The young man above is Chad Harris. He has been attending shows for years, and helped me a few years ago with a nice badge from Newark. Chad works in Jacksonville which explains why he had all those badges from the UK. Naturally he won Best Badge Display.

That me, Dennis Beyer. I am showing that I still am the best dressed guy in town with my multi colored shirt and display of old Newark NJ badges

John Holmes is pictured below with his fine collection that he has been hiding from the wife, but she has now put the law down - "Get rid of some things - talk to me". That is one thing you can always do at these shows is talk to John.

Rick Amos is another man that is always at the shows. He is standing behind his fine collection of badges from California. He also had a beautiful .44 cal magnum and ID for Dirty Harry.

This fine gentlemen is Glenn Russell who was caught at a table with some interesting law enforcement items.

This fine man is Det. Doug Sarubbi. He not only attends these shows, He usually wins. This year was no different. Doug won overall Best Overall Display.

Below is Steve and Karen Bridges. They host the Titusville Show. Steve is retired from the Titusville P.D.

Sitting at his table, holding court, is Sam Goldstein, retired West Palm Beach Sheriff's Sergeant. He too is at all the Florida Shows, and this year negotiated a fine badge to add to one of my NJ displays.

This young lady is Renee Dixon. She was pictured with some of many patches she had at her table on display or for sale. 

ANOTHER YEAR GONE, SOME GAINS IN 2014

The year 2014 was pretty good, although I still have not obtained the Newark Star that sits on top of this post.

Below is the primary collection - Newark. It certainly has grown. It was the key to two trophies in 2014. That made the year fantastic.

In the center of the Newark case I have nine treasures. They cover the middle of the collection. The old hat badge, number C-93, is just outside the main focus, on the left perimeter. It is part of a rare matching radiator set for the rank of Chanceman.

Featured in the middle are two second edition badges, four old Detective Badges, and an older Sergeant shield.

Completing the perimeter (left, right, top) are eight "Old  Ovals." They are in number order going from another number 93 (Right corner) to a high 700 (Left corner). 

I feel good about having these hat badges. They are very collectible. They look nice surrounding my treasures, but I just might have to get a bigger display case in 2015 if I get another "treasure."  That would be a nice addition this year.

If I ever get the "Star" I guess I will have to get a much bigger display case. Maybe it should be displayed alone. Hope I can figure that out in 2015. 

Well in 2015, with your help, I will acquire that Newark Star. While I wait for it I will keep telling you about the remainder of the collection.