Michigan Antique Radio Club
Extravaganza 2000
Lansing, Michigan July 6-9, 2000

CONTRIBUTED BY JIM CLARK

Web Edition

See print edition for auction listings

The Michigan Antique Radio Club (MARC) held its 15th annual Extravaganza Convention on July 6-9, 2000, at the Holiday Inn South Convention Center in Lansing, Michigan. Registrants were from 32 states, Canada and Japan. The theme of the convention was Heathkit, and a wonderful exhibit of Heathkit items was on display.

On Thursday evening, MARC's new incoming president John Reinicke conducted an interesting program on radio repair, which was held under the huge 40' x 20' tent set up in the middle of the flea market. This tent served throughout the convention as the headquarters for registration and hospitality, as well as space for 42 tables for "inside" sellers.

Consoles on display at the flea market.

Friday was the big day for the flea market, which began at the crack of dawn. The 261 outside spots sold and added to the above mentioned 42 tables under the tent made this the largest flea market of any Extravaganza. The day was capped off by MARC's popular informal social hour, highlighted by old-time music played by a 14-member band. Displayed in the same room were all the entries in the 12 contest categories. Among them were many seldom seen treasures.

Part of the Heathkit display.

Saturday featured the equipment auction conducted by well-known professional auctioneer Richard Estes of Medina, Ohio. Registered bidders numbered 145 and 217 items crossed the block, up slightly from last year.

As this auction proved, out-of-the-ordinary items continue to bring very good prices. For example, an Emerson Mickey Mouse radio, with characters in relief, sold for $1,500; a Sparton 409 mirror radio went for $1,400; and an Addison Catalin brought $1,000. Other highlights in the more traditional but unusual category were an Zenith Walton selling at $1,450 and an Atwater Kent 10A breadboard at $900.

This display of a DeForest Audion tube mounted in a test set from the 1912 to 1915 period was awarded the "Best of Show."

Sunday found a large pile of donation items just waiting to be sold with all proceeds going to the club. The highlight of this 3-hour sale was a rare Pilot AC Super Wasp that received a winning bid of around $150 from a very happy participant from Illinois.

MARC's 16th annual Extravaganza is scheduled for July 5-8, 2001. Information about joining MARC can be obtained by either sending a postcard to Michigan Antique Radio Club, 3520 Okemos Rd., #6, Okemos, MI 48864, or by going to the club Web site at www.antiqueradios.com/marc. Annual dues are $12, and the Michigan Antique Radio Chronicle is published quarterly, along with an annual membership roster. In addition to Extravaganza, MARC also sponsors three quarterly swap meets.

Photo credit: John Reinicke

(Jim Clark, 3520 Okemos Rd., #6, Okemos, MI 48864)