Toledo's 50 Golden Celebration
Byline
by John Worth
Overview
The Toledo R/C Expo, one of a long series of such events and probably the best known around the world, celebrated its golden anniversary this year. To highlight the event, leaders of the host club—the Toledo Weak Signals—wore white tuxedos on the last of the three show days. It was a special occasion to top off an amazing history that began in 1955. Wayne Yeager, who was co-director of this year's show, provided many of the historic details.
Early history (1955–1961)
The first show, held in Detroit, Michigan, was the brainchild of Ernie Kratzet (one of RC's pioneer businessmen) and Tom McCoy (current president of the Society of Antique Modelers, or SAM), and it was supported by the Radio Control Club of Detroit (RCCD). The show was called a "conference" back then, and it was first held at the Detroit Golf Club.
The event was moved to the Rough Recreation Center in 1956, and in 1957 it was decided that a more central location would be better. The move was made to the Trilby Log Cabin in Toledo, Ohio, where the conference stayed through 1958. In 1959 the RCCD couldn't agree on a money split with the Weak Signals (club minutes noted roughly a $60 profit involved), so the RCCD backed out and the Weak Signals carried on thereafter. The event was held at the Miracle Mile Ballroom in 1959, moved back to the Trilby Log Cabin in 1960, and returned to the ballroom in 1961.
Expansion and early exhibitors (1962–1965)
In 1962 the demand for more space resulted in the conference's move to the Sunnydale Golf Course, which provided a much larger facility. But the show was attracting many more attendees, so for the next two years it was held at the Toledo Express Airport, in the Champion hangar.
Many of the show's current exhibitors came on board at approximately that time, including MRC, Ace Hobby, Fox Manufacturing, Du-Bro, Sig, and Sullivan Products. The first exhibitor was John Maloney with World Engines; he was directly responsible for many other companies becoming exhibitors in the following years as he spread the word about the conference to fellow manufacturers and distributors.
In 1965 the event was moved to the Lucas County Recreation Center, where it remained for 10 years. In those days it was held in February. When it was decided that still more space was needed—as was warmer weather—the show was relocated to the Toledo Sports Arena and the date was changed to April.
Management and organization
The Weak Signals realized that changing the show's management personnel each year resulted in a loss of event expertise. Therefore, a permanent show committee was formed within the club in 1967. The first director was Larry Snedecker; he had the title for three years, until Don Belote took over.
In 1971 it was decided that two directors were needed because the workload was too much for one person. Don Belote took charge of exhibitor arrangements, and Bob Hisey became codirector in charge of public relations. Don served in his position for 19 years, until he retired in 1986. Bob served for 14 years, until a heart problem caused him to relinquish his position, but he returns each year to serve as master of ceremonies for the closing award presentations on Sunday. Wayne Yeager became co-director in 1985. Rick Lederman assumed Don's position, in which he has served for 19 years.
Problems at the Sports Arena
The conference remained at the Sports Arena for 17 years, and eventually still more room was needed as it continued to attract more participation. However, there were complications with the arena management and delays in the availability of a new convention center in Toledo, so the conference remained at the Sports Arena.
An ongoing problem at that location was that each Sunday the arena workers would start a process of freezing the concrete floor in preparation for the next day's ice hockey game. As the floor thawed it would generate condensation, requiring covering aircraft and parts with blankets and other protective material to avoid damage.
Another drawback at the Sports Arena was the lack of suitable places for seminars and clinics, an increasingly important element of the show. By Sunday afternoon, attendees would be chilled to the bone; many returned home with tales of colds and flu and memories of the show's problems when it was held in February.
One of the complications that prevented an earlier move to the new convention center was a bowling tournament that tied up the facility for six months at a time. Meanwhile, the Sports Arena promised an expansion that never took place, so the convention stayed there much longer than desired.
Move to SeaGate Convention Centre
The facility's scheduling finally changed, and the Toledo show, now called the R/C Expo, moved downtown to the SeaGate Convention Centre. Flanked by two hotels which accommodate thousands of show participants, the center provides much more room and better facilities. It was a good move that has lasted for 13 years.
In the meantime, the demand for more space has continued to grow. Many more exhibitors want to take part, but this is the largest facility in town. To expand further, the show would have to be moved too far away from Toledo, causing many problems for the club. Thus, for this expo to continue to be known as "The Toledo Show," it looks as though it will stay at the SeaGate Convention Centre for a while.
Current status and significance
Attendance has leveled off in the past six or seven years, consistently remaining within a few hundred people. More than 200 exhibitors typically display their wares, and roughly 20,000 people pass through the show doors each year. The aisles are full Friday and Saturday, resulting in a bustling atmosphere each show weekend.
This is the greatest show of its kind and will likely stay that way for years to come. The Weak Signals club is to be congratulated for such a long record of achievement. This event is also the backbone of AMA's Youth Scholarship Fund. All of the show's raffle proceeds are donated to the program, which provides thousands of dollars to AMA.
Exposition Committee chairmen
- Finance: J. Paul Trestan
- Security: Tom Como
- Awards: Mel Holman
- Raffle: Dave Whitaker
- Model Judging: Mike Bayes
- Model Displays: Joe Vislay
- Communications: Jim Skolnowski
- Parking: Brian Harris
- Swap Shop: Dave Howard
- Symposiums: Bill Comber
Directors and master of ceremonies
- Exposition directors: Rick Lederman and Wayne Yeager
- Auctioneer and master of ceremonies: Bob Hisey
To these leaders and all of their assistants, well done and we look forward to seeing you next year. MA
John Worth 4326 Andes Dr. Fairfax, VA 22030
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
