2013 Micromounters of New England Annual Symposium

Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 9am to 4pm.
Trinity Lutheran Church, Chelmsford, MA

The 2013 MMNE symposium will be back on June 8, 2013 for another annual day of mineralogical debauchery! Unlike regular mineral shows, our symposium is an all day affair that adheres strictly to an agenda to pack in all of the frivolity. See the write up and pictures from our 2012 symposium here

We will have
• One of the largest spreads of quality giveaway material;
• Another super sales table with awesome deals on mounted, quality, (mostly) New England minerals;
• We will have a silent auction with all sorts of great stuff from memorabilia to equipment;
• A prepared lunch on the premises;
• An opportunity to chat with some great micromounting dignitaries.


Presentations:
U.S. Mica Industry Pioneers: The Ruggles and Bowers Families by Fred E Davis

Most people associate Sam Ruggles’ name and the year 1803 with early U.S. mica mining. But what is Sam Ruggles’ story? Did he have a son who continued the business? Did Sam Ruggles have any competitors?

The history of the origin of the mica industry in the U.S. is the story of two families: the Ruggles and the Bowers. Surprisingly, accurate, detailed and documented historical accounts of this history cannot be found. More common are the myths and legends of Sam Ruggles, while his son and later generations have been forgotten. The Bowers are virtually unknown.

This presentation is based on extensive research that draws upon many primary documents. Rare, original letters were found, written by members of the Ruggles, Randall and Bowers families. Also found is an old business ledger documenting the competition between them, and extraordinarily rare business cards printed on mica. A century of Census records, property deeds, trusts and agreements in New Hampshire and North Carolina were searched to piece together the actual people, places, dates and events that provide a foundation for the history of the U.S. mica industry.

Pegmatites of the White Mountains by Bob Janules

Many of our long time members will recall the mid-1990’s series of articles on White Mountain Granites written by our own Bob Janules, Bob’s patience in observation, crystal recognition and dexterity with a camera even before the advances of the digital revolution made for a wonderful series of artcles. Nearly 20 years later, Bob revisits these localities and will review the mineralogy of the region whilst regaling us with trips, insights and, of course, superb digital microphotography. Whether you are trying to ID your unknowns or looking for the next great collecting excursion, Bob’s presentation is a must see!

Approximate Agenda

9am: Setup, meet and greet, browse sales, giveaways and silent auctions
10:30 Morning Presentation: Bob Janules
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Brief, 15 minute annual club meeting
2:00 Afternoon Presentation: Fred Davis
3:45 Silent Auction Closes
4:00 Door Prizes awarded

Door prize is a C-Clamp mineral trimmer.

Special thanks for donations from Ron Lepage, Dan Weinrich, Larry Rush, Jim Nizamof, Pat Barker, John Anderson

Many thanks to Robin and Rosey Mulvey for running the luncheon.

For more information please visit the MMNE website at http://www.micromountersofnewengland.org/ or email me, Joe Mulvey at bassmeister_2000@yahoo.com

Thanks!
Joe