Rochester 2015 Antique Bottle Show

by Jim Bender

The Genesee Valley Bottle Collectors Association held its 46th annual bottle and tabletop collectables show and sale on April 19, 2015. The show, once again, was held at Roberts Wesleyan College. This location is a great place to hold a show with easy loading and unloading as well as plenty of parking. The showroom is also large and well lit.

The show is put together with the hard work of Aaron and Pam Weber who serve as the show chairs. Chris Davis chairs the displays which once again, had a fine turn-out.

Table sales were up again this year by 15 which brought the total number of tables to 226. The tables were manned by 140 different dealers from several states, along with the nearly 600 people who paid admission. This show was a huge success!

Set-up started on Saturday afternoon followed by a free pizza party for all dealers coming to the show. The Microtel Inn & Suites serviced as the show headquarters. This is a great place to spend the night and does not break the bank.

Three awards are given out each year to the hard working collectors who set up their displays. This year was a hard choice for sure, as they all were all so well done. Awards at the show are voted on by the people, not the judges.

The “Most Educational Award”, that is sponsored by the FOHBC, was given to Thomas Somerville of East Aurora, NY for his outstanding Cigar Packaging display titled, “When a Book is Not a Book” . The award was presented by Jim Bender, FOHBC Historian.

The People’s Choice Award is sponsored by Antique Bottle & Glass Collector magazine. It was given to Linda Curtis from Hamlin, NY for her Stoneware display titled “The Birds of New York“. The award was given by John Pastor.

The Best of Show Award was sponsored by Rochester collecting legend, Burt Spiller. It was given to David Kam and Charles Horton for their G.W. Merchants and Acid Springs Products display. The award was given by Burt Spiller.

This year was a very special year for Aaron and Pat Weber. Their daughter Monica turned 15 years old the day of the show. What better way to celebrate then to have birthday cake with the people at the show? They brought three huge cakes so that everyone could have a piece. I can guarantee you, no one in Rochester, NY had more people to their birthday party than Monica. Happy birthday Monica, from all of us in the hobby.

The Rochester Show has always been one of my favorite shows. I have attended it for many years and always will. I always look forward to spending time with friends and seeing many great things.
This year, what we call our annual dinner, was held at Delmonico’s. Myself and Linda were joined by Ted and Hazel Krist, Adam and Phyllis Koch, Jim and Val Berry, Rick and Bernie Baldwin along with Bob and Marianne Strickhart. The night was not only filled with good food but tons of laughter.

Bottle collecting has always been a big part of my life and I have been so lucky to have found so many great people. I have attached photos of the show so those of you who missed it, can see what you missed.