last901

As a few of you may have guessed by now, I have a fondness for vintage hydroplanes. In my 10+ years as a member of the Hydroplane and Race Boat Museum I've helped build or restore a number of the old Thunderboats, including the 1957 Miss Wahoo and the 1977 Atlas van Lines. All wonderful touchstones to my formative yrs growing up in Seattle.

At this year'a annual meeting and dinner I was surprised and amazed to receive the "President's Cup" which is awarded annually to a single volunteer member of the museum in recognition of my contributions. I just thought I'd share this award with you by attaching a photo of this modest honor.

The reference to "volunteer" may serve to explain that we often work with limited funds and so make use of contributions from the community, not just in cash and grants, but also receive a lot of memorabilia which we put to use in our videos and exhibits.

As I carried the award back to my table, accompanied by much applause and congratulations, I looked at my name inscribed on the plaque and noted that some very significant people had also received this award, like Bill Boeing Jr, just to name one early recipient..

As I turned the trophy I began to see some things that I had not expected to see. The hydroplane figures made sense, but the little spark plugs seemed kinda; odd...

I discovered to my surprise that according to an older inscription on the opposite side I, apparently, was also being "recognized" as the 4th place finisher in the 1978 Champion Spark Plug Regatta in Miami.

Somehow you just have to admire the Spirit of Recycling. I may actually display the trophy with the Regatta race foremost in sight.

Just sayin'

Mufflerbearing

Congratulations Phil, very nice. And I especially like your lighting arrangement . Any chance of some close up pics of the trophy?

last901

Thanks, Pat. You don't think I overdid the lighting, did you? IKEA was having a sale.

I'll work on the trophy pics. Last time I tried to get some close-ups, I tripped over one of the extension cords.

Do you want 8 x 10 images or something larger?

AaronZ51

How about upgrading your lighting to LED? Those lights are only suitable to highlight your chrome wheels (both of the same age...).

Nice trophy though. I do like the fact they used a recycled trophy! Conservation at its best.

Black 03 Z06

Congratulations. There is just something so special about those race boats.

last901

Just sent them via PM. Make sure to wash your hands or wear cotton gloves before you view them

last901

Indeed! Thanks for the photos. Did you happen to pick up the nice set from the Canada Post System issued a few years ago? Nice issue on Miss Supertest and an instant collectible.

last901

Black 03 Z06

Managed to get a few. Do you have one?

last901

Yep, at least one, including the portfolio....

00Midnight

Congrats Phil!!!

Black 03 Z06

Every once in a while Canada Post surprises us with their offerings. Glad you got one.

last901

Thank you, Mark. While I'm flattered to receive the award I really wanted to share with the forum the fun we have at the museum, and the "recycled" nature of the trophy. I think by now most of the PNW forum members have become used to my posts and know not to always take me too seriously.

Irreverence, like skateboards. is not a crime. Though, if I had to choose...

KCSODogboy

Which one would it be? A crime, I mean....

last901

Skateboarding while Irreverent I suppose.