On May 18-20, 2007, we had our Third Annual Gathering in Washington DC. Thirty-five people attended all or part of the festivities, and I had a great time with every one of them!
The weekend kicked off with our Welcome Luncheon on Friday at 11:00 am. Each person was greeted by my assistant/sister Valerie, and handed a Registration packet as they arrived. It was filled with full color handouts of agendas, menus, name badges, and a special gift of white cotton antique purse handling gloves. The luncheon was held in the Crystal Club room at our Marriott, which was absolutely wonderful, and perfectly located one block from a metro stop.
We feasted on Ginger Salmon, Basil Chicken, Citrus Asparagus, assorted salads, soups, breads, and warm melted Chocolate Fondue with fresh fruit. Peopled mingled, introduced themselves around, said hello to old friends etc… and I went over the agenda and details of the planned activities.
The reason we started lunch so early was because at 12:30 we needed to leave for our exciting field trip! Each guest was handed a pre-paid metro card and all followed me and my green umbrella to the metro station a block away. Together we rode the train to our stop, and then strolled to the National Daughters of the American Revolution Headquarters in downtown DC. Just the journey there as a group was so fun and funny.
The DAR was completely ready for us and escorted the group to a private room where their very best and rarest purses were laid out for our study, along with fact sheets on each one. The Textile Curator, along with her staff answered our many questions, turned purses over, opened them etc so we could all get good looks.
There were incredible examples, some never seen before by any of us. Abolitionist bags from the slavery era, pockets, misers, pen and ink bags, just a huge variety. One of the groups' favorites was a gorgeous green-blue bag with a hard case top.
After an hour or two in there, people left at their leisure to explore the rest of the museum, which was outstanding.
Upon our return to the hotel, most people went to their rooms to relax and freshen up before dinner. The meal was optional, but almost everyone in the group signed up to attend. It was held in the hotel because it was coupled with the Member Show and Tell event, and it was decided that members should not be carting their very favorite purses to an offsite restaurant.
The Marriott did not disappoint… the meal of Chicken Forestiere, Maple Sweet Potatoes, Chefs Salad, rolls, and Mud Pie went down easily for all. All the purses were laid on a table in the middle so conversations about them could begin.
During dessert, presentations began, with each member sharing their purse with the group, along with the story of how they acquired it, etc… It was fun, touching, fascinating, hilarious, and everything else. This turned out to be one of my favorite events, and it was new to the agenda this year.
After a long, packed, exciting day, we said good night.
There was no rest for the weary Saturday morning. We started at 9 am with the Purse Bazaar. There were thousands of purses, frames, compacts, etc… I am quite certain there is nothing like it anywhere else. People wrote checks left and right and based on how much money people told me they spent, all ended very well!
One thing different this year from previous years is that some members brought some of their own purses just to share with the group, get advice on, etc… It was very enjoyable just to look at the variety and talk to others who were on the same wavelength as me. It added a really unique new element to the Bazaar.
Of course, all the buying and selling worked up an appetite, so we regrouped in our main meeting room for lunch. On the menu this time was Italian Chicken with Risotto and Gorgonzola sauce, Ravioli, Caprese Salad, Caesar Salad, Minestrone, Garlic Bread and Tiramisu. Even petite Terri could not resist a piece.
Everything the hotel did for us was so well organized and timed perfectly. After lunch was complete we were able to enjoy our coffee while Paula Higgins and Lori Blaser began their class on Early Purses.
Just like last time, there were dozens of museum quality bags, passed around on cloth-lined trays so everyone could get a close look. The collection rivaled that of the best in the world. It was really an incredible opportunity. Imagine going a to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and having the textile curator bring you trays of their finest bags, explain them, let you touch them, all while you sip your coffee.
After a break, we began Terri's Purse Class. As in previous years, she delivered fascinating and valuable information, professionally delivered via PowerPoint. Many compliments were received via feedback forms at the end of the weekend about her work.
Her class ended the daytime portion of the Saturday agenda. Some members went off on their own for dinner while around two-thirds of the group gathered in the lobby for an optional Group Function.
We headed to a local Spanish restaurant a couple of blocks away. It was a beautiful evening and a pleasant, brief walk. They had a wonderful table set up for us in a semi-private room, with a special personalized APCS Menu. The food was great and we had a lot of fun and made a lot of noise.
We walked back after dessert and all congregated in my hotel suite for the Third Annual Crappy Purse Exchange. It was hysterical. Each person brought a wrapped purse with a note inside detailing how they acquired it and why they felt it was Crappy. We then took turns, white elephant style, opening purses and reading the notes. People could choose whether or not to open a new package or simply steal a previously opened one from someone else.
The people who had been at previous Gatherings brought some real Crap while the new attendees actually brought some really nice things! I am sure they have learned their lesson and will bring Crap next year. I myself got an 1800's maroon double coin purse, which I will use to store my twins first teeth.
After all had been opened and either laughed at or ooohhhd at, the group chose four semifinalists, and then narrowed it down to the winner. For the third time in a row, it was Lori B's original Crap from the first Gathering, which will be enjoyed this year by Sally H. With our bellies feeling great from the fine food and laughter, we went to sleep.
Sunday morning began with breakfast… eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, fruits, baked goods, juices, coffee and tea. The food the entire weekend was truly outstanding.
After breakfast, we began our final class, which was really a highlight of the weekend for me and others I'm sure… Leslie Shay's presentation on Dating Antique Purses. What a secret treasure! The woman has spent countless years studying antique purses and shocked us all with her unbelievable knowledge. She had hilarious handouts of actual auctions on ebay. We could have spent the entire weekend just with her. I have never seen a group take so many notes so fast. I will personally kidnap her if need be to get her to present at the next Gathering.
Following her class, it was time to wrap things up and say our goodbyes. People who had contributed above and beyond to the success of the weekend, like Virginia B, Rebecca K, Patty P, and all our presenters, were recognized. Each presenter was given a gift of pink flannel purse pajamas, which Lori B could not wait to try on that night.
Finally it was time to go. People hugged, exchanged email addresses, and promised to see each other again next year. It was such a perfect weekend and I have taken detailed notes on all I learned so that I can replicate the success in future years.
I am grateful to all who came and miss you already. But I am excited to plan the next one and look forward to seeing you again, and even more excited to meet some new members.
Washington D.C. Gathering
The 2007 APCS Annual Gathering in Washington D. C.
