[Fists] FISTS Number and Call Sign Lists

[David Ring]

CW groups like FOC and HSC and others have a master "all time" list of
members.  See http://www.hamnutz.com/kb0rqn/FOC_All_Time.doc - it is a
treasure trove of history of not only amateur radio, but radio itself.

One of the original members (1937) - and who fairly recently died
(July 2000)  - was Louis Varney, G5RV, who later in life was much more
active from his wife's homeland of Uruguay as CX5RV.  During the 1970s
he did an around the world trip and operated from many countries.
Louis was an FOC member for 63 years.  I think the current membership
fee is around $50 or $60 a year.  He is well remembered for his
eponymous multi-band antenna design which became even more famous than
he.

Sadly, I understand that many of the old FISTS numbers have been lost
- much to the consternation of former members, and to the irritation
of current members who could still use them for a point or two in the
FISTS awards programs.

Lucky indeed is the FISTS old-timer who might have kept such a list or
who has marked them down for his awards.

Unlike FOC, former FISTS members are still good for points.  In FOC
those who were members the longest of course had the chance of scoring
the highest.

There is another bright side of this (provided we could some how find
the missing number list) is that we could remind the former FISTS how
much fun it is to be a member.

If the number list is recreated, the first thing that I'd recommend is
to publish it - just like FOC and the other clubs.  It would be a
great history lesson.  Read the FOC list - those of you who have some
background will recognize some very famous calls, W1BB, Stew Perry,
Mr. 160, W1FH, Charley Mellon - for years #1 DXCC man, W1ZW, Phil
Baldwin, first a sparks on ships in the 1920s then later an engineer
at WHDH and finally a mamager, and I haven't even escaped the W1s.

Our membership roles also have had quite a many notables - many joined
just to support FISTS ideals, others were active in the Code Buddy
system or other parts of FISTS.

For one reason or another, they lost interest in FISTS.  Many whom I
remember were FISTS members are quite upset that they aren't listed on
the WM7D FISTS server - but I told them this is only USA and only the
current subscription list.

However, the entire list should be made availble to all members - to
make it fair in awards - the old members remember the former
supporting members FISTS association while the new guys don't.

Plus it is a good who's who in radio history.  Lots of darned
impressive operators in the pack.

I don't know what the status of the project is, but Nancy told me she
is working on it.  Hopefully it will be available soon.

A recap list would be great for getting some more points - and also
for getting the lapsed members back in the fold.

73

David Ring
N1EA