We had the pleasure of attending the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association Fall National Conference in Springfield, Missouri, and I can honestly say it was one of the highlights of my year. There is nothing quite like spending a few days surrounded by people who love old tools as much as you do.
One of my favorite parts of the conference was the “What’s It?” session. It never ceases to amaze me how much knowledge is packed into that room. Someone always knows what that odd-looking piece of iron is, and the stories that come out of it are worth the trip alone.
Events like this remind me why I do what I do. The shared passion, the generosity of knowledge, and the respect for the tools and the craftspeople who used them, it is all part of what makes this community so special.
If you have never been to a M-WTCA event, I highly recommend it. It is more than just a tool show. It is a gathering of good people who care deeply about preserving the past and sharing it with the next generation.