On August 20-22, 2004, the Society had our First Annual Gathering in Seattle WA. Thirteen members attended and we all had an absolute blast. It exceeded every expectation I had, by far.
The 13 attendees were myself, Lori B, Diane G, Karen B, Rick M, Lisa M, Liz H, Kim S, Sharon L, Linda M, Deb D, Deb B, and of course, Terri L.
Although some people arrived a little early to do some sightseeing, the first
function was the Welcome Reception on Friday afternoon at 4:30. It was held in the Grand Suite of our gathering hotel, the Marqueen in downtown Seattle. Members were greeted with an agenda of the weekend's activities and a beautiful, bound bio booklet with a little bit about each member. The booklet was put together by Lori B. and she did a fabulous job.
Nibbling on fine cheeses, crackers, bread, mixed nuts, assorted veggies with dip and a variety of grapes, we got to meet and greet for the first time. It was wonderful putting faces with the email addresses and quite hilarious each time I answered the door as we tried to guess who each other was.
Society Webmaster Tom F and my husband Chris O both crashed the party but were very welcome additions. After learning we only had wine, lemonade, iced tea and water to drink, they left for a local bar to have beer instead. LOLOL!
Near the end of the reception, each guest was given a copy of Paula's incredible book, Early Purses. All gasped in amazement at its size, detail and quality. Many plunked down and began reading it right away. Paula's gift of these books will likely never be matched as they are extraordinary. We cannot express our gratitude deeply enough.
At 7 pm, we met in the lobby and grouped into several cars for the 7 minute drive to The Pink Door, a hidden gem of a restaurant in Post Alley by Pike Place Market. The entrance is in an alley and it has no sign; just a bright pink door. We had a wonderful table reserved for us on the outdoor deck overlooking the Seattle waterfront. After our delicious meal, we played Antique Purse Collectors Society Trivia, with adorable door prizes provided by Linda M. There was tons of laughter and a little cheating. (hehe)
Exhausted, we called it a night around 11 to prepare for our big day, Saturday.
Saturday morning began with the Seattle staple of coffee at Café Lladro in the base of the Marqueen. At 9 am, we all gathered in a conference room for the Purse Bazaar. Half the people brought purses to sell and I think everyone bought at least one. Around 20 were bought/sold/traded, ranging in price from $75 to close to $2000 I think. There were also frames, books and other accoutiments. It was incredible to be see so many in one place and to be able to touch/see/smell before buying. I noticed most prices were below market value; probably because there were no selling costs involved. And I think everyone wanted it to be successful which it was, wildly!
We stayed in the conference room for Terri's Purse Class, which was a definite highlight of the weekend. Not only did she do a fantastic full color handout for everyone in a plastic case, but she brought tons of things to pass around for closer examination. I thought the size 18 beads were small but by the time the 24's arrived I was astonished! I thought I knew a lot, but everything she said was new information for me. My favorite part was when she taught us about how to spot a McFringe! (not a good type of fringe)
After a brief break to freshen up, we took several cars up north to the historical town of Snohomish, which has dubbed itself The Antiques Capitol of the Northwest. It is a darling place packed with antique stores, antique malls, quaint coffee shops, etc. A number of bargains were found, but none which compare to Terri's Continuous Scenic find. (more on that later) We had a lovely lunch and shopped till we dropped.
That evening, we headed to West Seattle for a splendid dinner at Salty's, a waterfront place known for its spectacular view of the Seattle skyline. It was there that we held our Crappiest Purse Exchange Contest.
Each person got to choose a wrapped purse. After reading the hilarious story on a note with the purse it was shown to the group. Boy have we ever gotten stuck with some lemons!!! There was the fabulous petit point (really a canvas cheapy with tin frame) a colored celluloid frame (in reality flimsy painted plastic) and a gorgeous swag (with numerous gigantic holes) and many more. However, after a vote, the purse voted the Absolute Crappiest came from none other than Lori B!!! Purchased when she was a newbie, it is a gate-top bag with plastic beads and no lid. She thought it was a Whiting Davis and was thrilled at the time to "steal it" for $30.
Dessert was also an event. Adorable chocolate purses were provided by Deb D and although some saved them, many were eaten. As a bonus, we pretended it was Rick M's birthday to get a free dessert from the restaurant which was passed around to all.
Back at the hotel, private pajama parties developed and Lori finally let me go to sleep around 2 am.
On Sunday morning some people had to leave bright and early so our little group split up a bit. Lori and I had barely started out of our coffee fog when Linda stopped by chipper as a bird. Others stopped by our suite, saying goodbyes, hugging, taking final photos, and making future plans.
Terri and Kim went off to breakfast and to do a little antique shopping prior to Terri's flight. It was then that Terri found a Continuous Scenic for only $57!!! It needs work but we all know how talented she is. I hope she will submit the finished product to the Member Museum.
Rick, Lisa, Diane, Lori and I headed to Pioneer Square for breakfast and shopping. Kim joined us later and we made out way through Pike Place Market for the rest of the afternoon. It was so much fun.
Around 6 pm Sunday, it was time for Lori and I to say our goodbyes to the remaining four. Exhausted, we headed to my house and collapsed. On Monday, we went through all the photos, laughed hysterically, checked all the purses we lost out on over the weekend and goofed off in general. Lori left at 5 and I sat down to write this.
This gathering was more than I ever could have asked for. I think the main reason for its success was that so many people went above and beyond to contribute. In addition to Lori's Bio Book, Paula's amazing Early Purses book, Linda's door prizes, and Deb's Choco Purses, thanks must go out to everyone who traveled so far to attend. Deb B wins that prize; coming all the way from Florida!!! Kim, Rick, Karen and Liz were the most gracious of chauffeurs, and it simply would not have been the same without Terri's Purse Class. I am sure I am forgetting someone so I apologize in advance.
I am excited to begin planning the Second Annual Gathering in Fall of 2005. All I know at this point is that it will be in the Los Angeles area. The 2006 Gathering will be on the East Coast.
I miss everyone already and look forward to seeing you all again, and to meeting new members.
Seattle Gathering
