[HCRA] HCRA historical archive

[Dave Isham KB1MU]

Thank you  for allowing me the use of this forum to explain how I came 
to be the owner of  what is commonly known as the HCRA Historical Archive.
About 15 years ago, in a conversation with a fellow ham who at that time 
was a former HCRA member. He mentioned  that he owned a large collection 
of HCRA memorabilia. Unfortunately this collection was stored in a 
location that had suffered winter storm damage, and was about to be 
demolished. Based on prior discussions we had, he was aware of my 
interest in the history of the HCRA. He offered to give me this 
collection, since it was about to be disposed of. My first thought was, 
this collection should be offered to the HCRA board of directors. I then 
made the HCRA Board aware of this offer. After some discussion, I was 
informed that the HCRA Board had no interest in operating a museum, They 
felt that it was better to concentrate on items of more interest to the 
membership. I then relayed this decision to the owner of the collection. 
His response was the building demolition was about take place and the 
collection must be moved to a different location, possibly trash 
disposal. At this time, I, somewhat reluctantly, agreed to take this 
collection. (At one point the collection was described as “Will fill up 
your garage”, Actually it turned out to be more like “fill up your car 
trunk”.) Thus I became the owner of a large collection of HCRA memorabilia.

After about six months of spare time sorting and organization, I became 
aware of the true historical value of this collection. Even though I was 
the owner of the material, the information it contained must be shared 
with the HCRA members. I certainly have enjoyed the ability to pass 
various pieces of historical data along to the HCRA members. I have been 
able to answer most queries, but since the collection is not 100% 
complete, a few questions have gone unanswered.

Six months ago, I received a message that ranks very high on my list of 
“never want to receive” items. After 15 years the HCRA Board of Director 
apparently changed it's mind and now wants to be in the museum business. 
To start the collection, they would like to confiscate a private 
collection owned by a former HCRA Member. This request was even more 
shocking because I had not indicated to anyone that I desired to pass 
this collection along to another owner. Obviously my response was in the 
negative.

The HCRA Board has now appointed an official “club historian”. In 
conjunction  with this action, the HCRA Board has declared that any 
action involved with HCRA history be conducted by the new club historian 
This action means that I am no longer able to provide any information 
from my personal HCRA archive.
DE Dave KB1MU SK


-- 
Dave Isham KB1MU
413-596-6605
email: <kb1mu at charter.net>
Web:  <http://webpages.charter.net/kb1mu/>