Event Dates: 1986

Location: Frankenmuth, MI

Attending Artist

Linda Sickman

Agenda

Signings

  • Linda Sickman was available to sign ornaments.
  • Clara Johnson Scroggins was available to sign her book, “Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments: A Collector’s Guide.

Hallmark Staff (Special Guests)

  • Dave Craven (Keepsake Marketing Manager)
  • Tina Hacker (Editor of the Collector’s Courier)

Gift Bag

  • Hallmark artist Linda Sickman signed 1985 Rocking Horses and they were given to all who attended.

Door Prize(s)

  • All of the ornaments from the 1986 line were given away at the conclusion of the event.

History/Event Notes

In 1984 Jane Jarvis met renowned collector, author, and lecturer Clara Johnson Scroggins. She inquired about publications on shows to be able to fill in the gaps and learn more about ornaments. At that time there really was not anything out there for the collector other than Clara’s guide and a couple of secondary price lists. Clara suggested Jane start a publication. After thinking about it she decided to give it a shot with the help of her daughter. Jane began producing a monthly publication in 1984 called “The Collector’s Club Connection” and it progressed to organizing, producing, and funding this first collectors’ club convention in 1986.

The first Hallmark Convention (and Collector’s Show) was held in Frankenmuth Michigan in 1986. Collectors attended from all over the United States and Canada. This was not an event that Hallmark initiated, but rather a meeting/show developed for collectors by Jane Jarvis. Clara Johnson Scroggins, Dave Craven (the then Hallmark Keepsake Marketing Manager), editor Tina Hacker, artist Linda Sickman, as well as Meredith and Hal DeGood of the Baggage Car attended. Also attending was some well-known Secondary Market people from around the country.

All of the ornaments from the 1986 line were given away as door prizes at the conclusion of the convention. Hallmark artist Linda Sickman signed 1985 Rocking Horses and they were given to all who attended. Never before had a Hallmark artist made a public appearance like this or had been asked to sign their designs. The event was such a total success for the collector, as well as Hallmark, that plans for the second convention to be held in Kansas City, MO were put in place before the event ended.

Source: Ornament Trader – August 1987

Event Product