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Connecticut Eastern Railroad show March 22, 1998. Members Art Hall pictured sitting on
the left and Art Schnabel standing, speak with visitors about our railroad museum.

Jeffrey Ricard, Editor

Volume 6, Number 4, April 1998

Attendance For 1998 Railroad Show

Year	1998	1997	1996	1995	1994
Adults	650	1207	1488	1220	1330
Children	750	700	994	653	595
TOTAL	800	1907	2482	1873	1925

Please note: 1998 figures are estimates
   The 1998 annual Railroad show was held on March 22 after members of the show committee dedicated the hours of work needed to complete this monstrous task. Each year we seem to run across a new challenge while working on our biggest fundraiser. Last year we had some competition from a new show that was being held in New York State, but we managed ok. This year after a very mild winter, a nor'easter hit the morning of the show. Several vendors were unable to make the trip to Williimantic, but those that did gave us numerous complements on how we run our show. We had to make some last minute adjustments to "fill in" some of the table space that was unused to make the show appear to be full. Show chairmen Bill Robinson, had his hands full that morning.
   As you will see from the accompanying charts attendance was down which translates to our profits being down, some things only mother nature can control. The show committee would like to thank all those that participated in setting up on Friday evening and during the show on Sunday. Everyone did a great job!
   In the end we did not make as much as we would have liked, but we did make a profit, and we were able to talk to lots of people interested in what the chapter and the museum was doing and planning. Several new members were signed up and the vendors still made profits, although a bit lower than usual. So, yes, again in 1998 we were successful!

Help Wanted !! Electrician to wire the rail coach is needed. Restoration of the coach has been progressing very well and we are at a
point where the railcoach needs to have some electrical wiring done. If you are interested in helping with this part of the project please
contact one of the chapter officers.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Please welcome 4 new members to our chapter. The eight members were
voted into the chapter at the March meeting. Rev. Tom Tomicki, Anthony
Roman and Jean LaFrance, Carl Morbacher

Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum member Jerry Griffin, tries his hand at selling railroad itmes at the show.

May 9th is Founders Day in Willimantic. Members will be needed to staff the museum and a table throughout the day. Details at the April Meeting.

Also on May 9th the chapter is planning to take an inventory of all keys and chapter itmes you may have in your possession. Please get this
information to the museum site on the 9th.

May 20th - Folk Singer Sally Rogers will be hosting a concert at the Windham Middle School, 7:00pm. The concert theme is railroads. We have been asked by Sally to put on a display in the lobby of the school. Again members will be needed to help setup the display and support the chapter.

Revenue	1998	1997	1996	1995	1994	1993
Tables Sold	3160	1980	3560	2685	1740	1470
Kitchen	0	20	0	1087	1007	1272
Admissions	2478	4828	4464	3677	3996	4069
Drawings	0	0	423	237	202	375
Tag Sale/Auction	45	301	96	157	59	462
Donations	31	350	0	17	70	35
Total	5714	7479	8543	7860	7074	7683

Expenses
Table Rental	1730	855	1297	1057	750	533
Building Use	900	853	900	50	50	50
Custodians	*	*	*	550	331	304
Drawing	0	0	0	0	212	0
Signs	0	0	487	55	0	500
Kitchen	347	147	0	781	611	620
Advertising	505	357	1120	963	457	150
Security	75	50	50	100	0	0
Misc.	32	0	270	0	0	0
Total	3589	2262	4124	3556	2411	2157
Net Profit	2125	5217	4419	4304	4663	5526

            * custodian included in building fee
            1997 admission prices changed to $4.00 for adults and $3.00 seniors
            Sales tables sold $219.34 during the show
            Note: figures for 1998 are estimates. Invoices still pending.

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