Richard M. Ketchum’s Saratoga: Turning Point of America’s Revolutionary War, published in 1977, presents a very detailed accounting of not only the two Saratoga battles, but also the July confrontation at Fort Ticonderoga, and the August Battle of Bennington, both of which led up to the September happenings in Saratoga County.  The key players in this series of conflicts were Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne, Benedict Arnold, General Arthur St. Clair, and General Horatio Gates.  Of course we have the benefit of knowing the outcome.  When you come to the convention, you will be able to view the gentle hills and far stretching fields adjacent to the Hudson River where these battles played themselves out.

Perhaps when you think of Saratoga, you imagine it in the era of Edna Ferber’s Saratoga Trunk.  Penned in 1941, it is the story of Clint and Clio Maroon. Hollywood transformed it into a movie in 1943 with Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman in the starring roles; in 1959, it became a Broadway Musical with Howard Keel and Carol Lawrence.

Samantha at Saratoga by Marietta Haley (1836-1926) is one in a series of fiction that visits various historical locations in the U.S. in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.

In 1956, Ian Fleming offered his Diamonds are Forever, in the James Bond series with Saratoga playing a role in this espionage classic.

More recently, Stephen Dobyns has executed a series of mysteries centered around fictional characters in the Saratoga Springs region.  His hero, Charlie Bradshaw, resides on Saratoga Lake and sometimes, reluctantly, becomes involved with mishaps and misdeeds in that city.  One of my favorites focuses upon “Uncommon Grounds”, a coffee shop on Broadway which you will be able to visit when you attend the April 2012 Convention.  See you there!

We are finalizing the contracts for pre-convention activities.  As soon as they are confirmed we will update the convention registration packet and directly contact anyone who has already registered for the convention.

 The pre-convention activities being considered for Thursday, April 19^th and Friday, April 20^th are:

• Tour the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame located in Saratoga Springs, and Saratoga National Battlefield
• Tour various Saratoga Springs sites in the morning with open time in the afternoon to experience Saratoga Springs

AGPC members’ interests encompass all types of games, jigsaw puzzles, and mechanical puzzles, from all eras and from all around the world. Some of our members specialize in other pastimes and collect related playthings, from toys to tops, and from marbles to architectural blocks. Our membership includes a broad spectrum of individuals and expertise, from interested enthusiasts to novice collectors to some of the world’s most renowned historians, authors, and designers of game & puzzles. Many companies and institutions hold membership in the organization.

Originally known as the American Game Collectors Association (AGCA), the organization’s name was changed to the Association of Game & Puzzle Collectors in 1999 to reflect the broadened scope of its mission and its international nature.

 The theme will be A Day at the Races as described in this flyer prepared by Jim and Lisa.

The dinner is being catered by Lisa and Alan Bloom and promises to be a scrumptious meal. There will be a charge of $15.00 per person for the dinner and beverages served that evening.

Space is limited and to help us with the planning, please return the form below with your check to Margie Epstein, 11706 Stonington Place, Silver Spring, MD 20902 by October 20.  Should you have any questions or need further info, please call us at 301-593-2157 or email us at sygames@aol.com.  More details will be sent to the attendees prior to the Event.

REGISTRATION FORM

YES I/WE WILL ATTEND THE MID-ATLANTIC CHAPTER ANNUAL EVENT

Name(s) ____________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________

Phone No. _________________________________   Email ___________________________

Number of Attendees ______

I would like a display table and will have items for sale:  Yes ____   No _____

Please send a check for $15.00 per attendee made out to Margie Epstein by October 20.

2012 AGPC convention registration form

Our 28th Year!

AUCTION • GAME PLAYING • SPEAKERS • WORKSHOP • GAME & PUZZLE SALES • SHOW & TELL • PUZZLE SOLVING • AWARDS

2012 Convention ♦ Saratoga Springs, New York

April 20-22, 2012

Join us at the 28th annual AGPC Convention, being held in Saratoga Springs, New York, from April 20 to 22, 2012.  Saratoga Springs is the birthplace of potato chips and Saratoga Spring water.  The Saratoga Springs region’s activities vary from historical sites, museums, shopping, antiquing, and restaurants.  Its location is close to the Adirondacks and Albany, our state capitol, and is known for:

• Health due to the Spa Resorts and spring mineral water,
• History for the 1777 Battle of Saratoga, and
• Horses for the Saratoga Race Course & Harness Track.

www.townmapsusa.com

www.poshnosh.com

Saratoga Springs, located in Upstate New York, provides access to additional state as well as western Vermont and western Massachusetts activities.  In addition, New York City is 185 miles south.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2012 Saratoga Springs Convention!

Tentative Agenda

• Friday, April 20^th—Dinner with guest speaker Tom Shieber, Senior Curator, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, who will be talking about baseball board games from the museum’s collection.
• Saturday, April 21^st—Breakfast, General Meeting, Convention Presentation & Workshops, Member Sales, and AGPC Auction (lunch on your own).  Reception and dinner with guest speaker, Will Shortz, New York Times Puzzle Editor, who will be the recipient of the AGPC 2012 Sam Loyd Award.  Will will talk about collecting puzzles, puzzle books, and puzzle ephemera, and if there’s time, will conduct audience-participation word games.
• Sunday, April 22^nd —Breakfast, Convention Group Photo and Wrap-Up.

Tom Shieber

Will Shortz (photo by Donald Cristensen)

The Saturday morning presenters will be:

• Nicolas Ricketts, Curator, Strong National Museum of Play, who will give a presentation on All-Fair board games
• Jim Follette, who will talk about mechanical puzzle design, manufacture, and publication
• Chris McCann, who will inform us about how artists were kept busy during the “Jigsaw Puzzle Panic” of 1932-33 and beyond

Nicolas Ricketts

Jim Follette

Chris McCann

Convention Theme

The convention theme will represent the Saratoga Springs spirit of Health, History, and Horses.  Therefore, plan to bring items for Friday night Show & Tell, and to share and play with others.

Convention Award

Will Shortz will be the recipient of the 2012 AGPC Sam Loyd Award.

Pre-convention Activities

We are finalizing arrangements for pre-convention activities.  As soon as they are confirmed we will update the convention registration packet and directly contact anyone who has already registered for the convention.

The pre-convention activities being considered for Thursday, April 19^th and Friday, April 20^th are:

• Tour the Baseball Hall of Fame, individual activities, and/or shopping in Cooperstown (travel by bus).
• Tour the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame located in Saratoga Springs, and Saratoga National Battlefield.
• Tour various Saratoga Springs sites in the morning with open time in the afternoon to experience Saratoga Springs.

A game and puzzle room will be available in the evenings from 8:00pm to 1:00am.

Convention Hotel

The convention will take place at the Gideon Putnam Resort, located just outside of downtown Saratoga Springs.  The resort offers an 18-hole championship golf course and a 9-hole executive golf course, 8 tennis courts and serene walking and bike trails throughout the 2,200 acre Saratoga Spa State Park.  And the renowned Roosevelt Spa is open year round for mineral baths, massages, and a variety of spa treatments.  (It is strongly encouraged that you make reservations for Resort activities early, by contacting the Resort directly for availability and bookings.  Gideon Putnam Resort reserves the right to change activities and schedule.)

Images courtesy of The Gideon Putnam Resort

Standard rooms are available at $149 plus tax per night and Suites are available at $209 plus tax per night.  To make your reservations, call the Resort directly at (866) 746-1077 toll-free.  You must refer to

Group Code: 9N29SS

to receive the AGPC Convention rate.

Registration Fee

Early Bird Registration Fee is $195 per person if postmarked on or before March 14, 2012.

Registration after March 14, 2012, will be $225 per person.

Register Early and Win a Suite Upgrade!

For your convenience a link to the 2012 Registration Form is provided below.  Take advantage of the Early Bird Reduced Registration Fee and register before March 14, 2012.  All Early Bird Registrations will be entered for a chance to win a complimentary upgrade to a suite room at the Gideon Putnam Resort!  Registration forms along with payment should be mailed to The KelJoy Group, PO Box 3592, Durham, NC 27702-3592.

2012 AGPC convention registration form

Getting to Saratoga Springs

The Saratoga Convention and Visitors Bureau has put a special web page together for our guests.  Please visit http://discoversaratoga.org/conferences/agpc for information on transportation, dining, tours, schedule of local events and area activities.  Albany International Airport is conveniently located 27 miles from Saratoga Springs.  Saratoga Springs is approximately a 3½ hour drive from both New York City and Boston.  Bus and train transportation is also available into downtown Saratoga Springs.  (The Gideon Putnam offers airport transportation for a fee.  It is suggested you make reservations at least one week in advance.  The Resort also has a free shuttle service to take you into downtown Saratoga Springs.  Contact the Resort for details.)

Tourist Information

In addition to the Saratoga Convention and Visitors Bureau web page, additional New York and adjacent states sites are:

• New York State tourism information at http://www.iloveny.com/
• Vermont and Massachusetts state tourism information at http://vermontvacation.com/ and http://www.massvacation.com

Look at the following regarding the History of Saratoga Springs and Activities and Places to Visit.

Questions

If you have any questions or need additional information (antiquing, etc.), please contact Ron & Grace Dechant at dechantr@aol.com.

Ellie & Dick Moody and Grace & Ron Dechant, convention hosts

Saratoga is best known for the three Hs:

• HEALTH due to the Spa Resorts and spring mineral water,
• HISTORY for the 1777 battle of Saratoga, and
• HORSES for the Saratoga Race Course and Harness Track

Saratoga Springs is also the birthplace of potato chips and Saratoga Spring Water.  There are plenty of places to explore in and around Saratoga Springs: historical sites, museums, shopping, antiques stores, and restaurants.  Saratoga Springs is close to the Adirondacks mountains and Albany, the Empire State’s capital.

The Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa will be our convention venue.  The Gideon is located in the Saratoga Spa State Park and is a long-favored vacation destination. This distinctive Saratoga Springs resort offers guests a wealth of desirable amenities that include newly renovated accommodations, casual upscale dining, Roosevelt Baths & Spa and gracious service.

The convention theme will represent the Saratoga Springs’ spirit of the three Hs: Health, History, and Horses.  Plan to bring items for Show & Tell with these themes and to share and play and solve with your fellow AGPC convention participants.

Renowned word puzzler extraordinaire Will Shortz will be the 2012 recipient of AGPC’s prized Sam Loyd Award. (Photo by Don Christensen.)

Every AGPC convention is absolutely fun and a great escape.  We’re all looking forward to Convention 2012 in Saratoga Springs.

Additional information, including fees and payment options, will be coming in September 2011.  In the meantime, reserve the dates April 20-22, 2012 on your calendar plus a few days before for pre-convention events as well!

Thanks to the 2012 Saratoga Springs convention planning committee:  Ron & Grace Dechant and Dick & Ellie Moody and Kelly Taylor.

Jerry Slocum's Magic Mirror

Herb was always interested in games.  Some of his earliest memories involved receiving Parker Brothers or Milton Bradley games as birthday presents. From those games, often played in his basement, he discovered Avalon Hill when another friend brought a copy of D-Day.  Levy had never seen a game quite like D-Day (nor did his friend apparently).  As it turned out, it was up to Herb to decipher the rules, and soon, D-Day was the game of choice.  It was played so often, they could feel the sand in their shoes from Normandy Beach.  But despite their enthusiasm, there didn’t seem to be a connection between the players and the rest of the world.  Then, he discovered Games & Puzzles.

Inside an Avalon Hill game he had purchased was an ad for an English gaming publication: Games & Puzzles.  Herb signed up for it immediately.  It was a publication unlike any he had ever seen before.  It talked about games, featured articles on game strategy, and even more incredible to Levy, reviewed current games in their “Gamesview” section.  Gamesview only ran for a few pages but he considered it to be the best part of the issue.  Unfortunately, after going through several ownership changes, the magazine folded.  Surely, some other publication would rise up to take its place.  Surely, someone else would address gaming the way it should be.  Surely… but no.  It didn’t happen.  So, by the time 1986 rolled around, Levy thought that if he wanted this done, maybe he would have to be the one to do it.

With the supreme confidence of the uninformed, Levy decided to give his idea a shot.  Gamers Alliance began with the publication of the Fall 1986 issue of Gamers Alliance Report. It was a small issue, only 12 pages long, pounded out on his typewriter and mailed to a select audience.  It was the first step on what has proven to be a very exciting and very long and winding road, a road that has become 25 years long!

At present, game reviews written by Levy (nearly 700 at this point) have appeared in such disparate publications as GAMES Magazine, Strategy & Tactics, and of course, Gamers Alliance Report.  Gamers Alliance is now international in its membership and is an unparalleled source for out-of-print games anywhere.  In addition, Levy has done playtesting, development work, and evaluations on many games throughout the years as well as being a voting member for the International Gamers Awards, the prestigious awards given to honor the best games of the year.  Today, Gamers Alliance is celebrating its 25th anniversary and Gamers Alliance Report is the longest running, continuously published, English language game review publication in the world!

The conversation launched an article on, and trip to, the world’s biggest bingo hall (Foxwoods Casino, Connecticut). While the article did not sell, Brazil’s continued interest led him to do Master’s degree research on bingo, through which he discovered the game’s fascinating religious history. Though his dissertation research is on religion and travel, he continues to work on bingo in his spare time and hopes to write a book on the subject.  Before his academic career, Brazil worked for The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier and the Buenos Aires Herald.  He has also written for the travel sections of the New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times.

When you think of bingo, what comes to mind?  Smoky VFW halls? Monotonous, droning callers? Knots of grandmothers hunching over a couple of cards?

Whatever your image, chances are that it did not involve inter-religious conflict, organized crime, and political controversy. During its American history, however, the lowly game of bingo has involved all these things.  With obscure European origins, the game entered the American mainstream during the Great Depression, popularized, in part, by the enterprising son of a Polish rabbi turns New York real estate developer.  From the 1930s into the 1960s, the game became a major source of Protestant-Catholic controversy—Catholics relied on the game to fund parochial schools and other projects, which Protestants campaigned against “gambling”.  On occasion, even the mob was involved—attracted by an all-cash game with wide popularity.  While this story is too big to be told in one sitting, Brazil’s talk hit the high points.

It is an honor to pay tribute to Tom Tyler, who today is receiving our Spilsbury Award for lifetime achievement.  I am sorry I cannot be with you today to celebrate his accomplishments as collector, historian, author, entrepreneur, and founder of the BCD.  But Martha Folsom has kindly offered to read my remarks.

I first learned of Tom and his jigsaw puzzle collection in the summer of 1984 from Kevin Holmes – one of the premier puzzle manufacturers, collectors and dealers in England. I wrote ­Tom immedi­ately.  That correspondence blossomed into a friendship that is now in its 26th year.

I have gleaned a few biographical details about Tom during that time.  Jigsaw puzzles were a tradition at his boyhood home in Devon.  It was there also that he developed a passion for all things transportation – toy vehicles, model trains, and real automobiles too.

Tom’s career has been in the  Anglican ministry, including work as a missionary and teacher in the Solomon Islands in the 1960s.

On his return to an English parish in 1970, he discovered that the transportation toys of his youth were selling at a fraction of their original prices.  The collecting bug struck him hard, and eventually resulted in rolling stock of 200 toy locomotives and 600 Dinky vehicles.  In addition to giving Tom a great deal of pleasure, these playthings turned out to be a shrewd investment..  When he later sold them at Christies, the proceeds paid for his current house in Ipswich.

Of course, we know Tom for his other major collection – jigsaw puzzles.  His early favorites were the Great Western Railway puzzles, which show trains, historical events, and scenic views.  Chad Valley manufactured these for the Railway from 1924 to 1939.

Tom’s first publication in 1984 cataloged all the jigsaws in the GWR series with details about production dates, artists, box styles, and rarity.

He then branched out into the promotional puzzles that Chad Valley made for other companies, such as Cunard Lines, and has expanded and revised his book on advertising puzzles several times.  The 2003 version with its supplement, has five times as many pages as the 1984 edition!

American puzzlers know Tom best as the founder of the Benevolent Confraternity of Dissectologists. The BCD evolved from a dinner party to a full-fledged organization in just a few months in 1985, after Tom and a few puzzling friends decided it would be fun to promote old jigsaws as a hobby.  In October 1985 the club had an “Inaugural Orgy” – these are Tom’s words, not mine – of jigsaw puzzling, food, and drink at Tom’s house.

For many years Tom ran the club almost single-handedly.  He collected the dues, wrote the quarterly newsletter, cut the wooden membership card puzzles on his treadle saw, hosted dozens of meetings, recruited new members, and much more.

Today the group has grown to 400 members, including Americans and Europeans.  Many here will remember the fabulous joint meeting of the BCD and the AGPC at Bletchley Park in 2005, which celebrated twentieth anniversaries for both groups.

Tom’s work as a historian has not been limited to Chad Valley puzzles.  Far from it! When I first met him in person in 1996, he had just taken up the challenge of continuing the pioneering work of his friend Linda Hannas, who had chronicled the English puzzle up through 1890.

Tom’s 1987 book, British Jigsaw Puzzles of the 20th Century, details modern jigsaws of all types – wood, cardboard, adult, children, advertising, and novelty.  He presents extensive histories of the major British companies, plus notes about several hundred more – all based on Tom’s interviews with people in the business, as well as on archival materials, and study of hundreds of puzzles in many collections.

At about the same time, Tom became an advisor to the Wentworth Company, which was using computer-controlled lasers to produce traditional wooden  jigsaws.  Tom helped connect Wentworth with puzzlers, and even supplied his own photos for the company to use as puzzle images.

He also worked closely with Malcolm Root, whose transportation paintings appeared on many Wentworth puzzles.  Indeed, their collaboration eventually extended beyond jigsaws when Tom wrote the text for three books of Root’s paintings.

In the last few years Tom has followed up those volumes with yet two more histories:  When Motoring Was Fun,   and When Holidays Were Fun.

In addition to being a gifted, prolific, and versatile writer, Tom has a genuine talent for publicity.  As spokesman for the BCD, indeed for puzzle collectors everywhere, he has made dozens of appearances on television, radio and in magazines.  He is an entertaining raconteur, and regularly gives talks to civic and non-profit groups about jigsaw puzzles, or transportation, and even about the two combined.

Early on, Tom was clever enough to find Tricia to be his wife.  Together they have extended generous and warm hospitality to all puzzlers who have found their way to East Anglia.  I will never forget my visit there in 1999.  Tom had organized visits to two puzzle factories (Kelly and Wentworth), tea with Kevin Holmes, a meeting with Malcolm Root, and an afternoon in Norwich with the Strangers Hall collection of antique children’s puzzles – all within 48 hours.

And in the midst of this whirlwind agenda, we still had time to do a few jigsaws that the Tylers had recently acquired, enjoy a lively debate about puzzle history, and partake of some delicious home cooked meals.  On my next visit in 2005, Tom introduced me to Tess, his shiny red 1946 Sunbeam Talbot convertible, one of many  classic cars that he has lovingly restored over the years.

In conclusion, let me say a few words about the Spilsbury Award itself.  It is named in honor of John Spilsbury a London  map maker who began selling dissected map puzzles 250 years ago.  Although others had made jigsaw maps a few years earlier, Spilsbury is still recognized and honored as the man who brought them into widespread commercial use.  Mark Cappitella, a stellar puzzle maker and AGPC supporter, has designed and cut this award since 2001, when the first winner was Steve Richardson of Stave Puzzles.

Truly, Tom Tyler is one of a kind, who has made tremendous contributions to the jigsaw world.  In recognition of his many accomplishments, the AGPC is delighted to present him with the 2010 Spilsbury Award.