--OGCA Meetings are strictly LIMITED to members and their guests--

Upcoming Meeting Dates
 
November 20-21, 2021

January 8-9, 2022
Featuring The Contemporary Longrifle Association (CLA)

FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE, DIRECTIONS AND HOTELS, CLICK ON SHOWS.
Visit the "Home" page for any urgent announcements regarding upcoming meetings.  Thank you!

Winter 2021-2022 Member's Newsletter (click to read)

---

Membership Dues

Members: your ‘22 dues statement was mailed with your “Interim” mailing in October. You do not need your statement in order to pay your dues.

Members may pay directly on our secure Online Dues Payment Program by Clicking Here;  or by mailing a check or money order to the business office. You can also pay via credit card over the phone at (330) 467-5733 or in person at a meeting.  Whenever possible, please include your member number on the memo of your check. For more information click on "Dues."

1-year dues: $45
1-year Active Duty Military: Free (Enclose rank, branch, duty station)
3-year dues:  $110 (saves $25)
5-year dues:  $165 (saves $60)
Life Membership:  $700
Sr. Life (65 yrs.+): $400 (Enclose proof of age)

Mail check or money order to: OGCA, P.O. Box 670406, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067.

 If you are a Life member, please complete and return the Life Member Census - we need to hear from you. 

As always, members will be admitted to the Jan. 8-9, 2022 meeting on your 2021 badge.

Please anticipate 3-6 weeks for processing. If payment is not received by March 31, 2022, the name of the non-paying member will be removed from our files and can be reinstated only by paying a minimum of 3 years dues by December 31, 2022. We need and appreciate your support. Thank you! Former Members who left in good standing and whose dues expired years ago now have several ways to re-join/re-apply.  See the "Join" tab above.

---

Contact Information / Address Updates

Your email address has become important for quick communication on last minute show updates. Check your contact information (email, cell, and home number) printed on your Dues Statement this October.  If it is not current simply mail a note with your dues, email us at ogca@ogca.com or call the business office at (330) 467-5733. In addition please “like” us on Facebook to get news and updates at https://www.facebook.com/theogca.

Address Updates can be emailed to ogca@ogca.com.  If you include your member number, we only need your new address.
 

---

Two Featured Displays for Nov. 2021 Meeting

The German Gun Collectors Association will have a display  at A-7.  Be sure to stop by!

 American History Comes Alive in Firearms

Jerry Pitstick and his wife Sharon have been doing exhibits at OGCA for 22 years. His first one at the I-X Center in 1999 took a top award. A few years later at one of the first Roberts Centre meetings he brought that display back with even more fascinating firearms. It spanned 24 feet and was entitled “Guns that Talk; History in Your Hands.”

Cased handguns were the subject of his next display in March 2005. Then, in November 2008 he exhibited “Smoking Guns, Real People, Tales of Adventure.” The Pitstick displays can be summed up as “history in your hands.” They love to research the history of the guns in their collection and Jerry compiled a book that came out this past May on twenty interesting firearms entitled Guts, Glory, and Gunsmoke.

We could not talk Jerry into a 24 foot display for the November meeting but he will have all five guns on the cover of his book on display at the November meeting. See the guns and his new book and learn about the process, perseverance and joy of researching guns in your collection.

---

 Table Application and Guest Pass Forms

Guest Passes (for use by current members): Guest Passes are on on page 11 of the  newsletter.  For security reasons the form is not online.  If you are a member and would like a copy of a form call (330) 467-5733 or email ogca@ogca.com. Guest Passes are $15. Members may bring up to 4 guests per meeting. Guests are limited to 2 visits per life. 

Tables:  Members may reserve tables for up to two shows at a time ($80 per table for 2021 meetings). Tables may be rented via mail, phone, or in person during a meeting for the next 2 meetings.  Annual 2022 Tables (all 6 meetings for calendar year 2022) went on sale in September 2021.   See Table Co-Sharing announcement above.  (330) 467-5733 ogca@ogca.com. (Forms are not posted on the web for security reasons.)

---

2022 Table Rent

As mentioned in the last newsletter, table rent is going up to $95 per table starting with the January 2022 meeting. We have held the price down as long as we could, and regret that this increase is necessary. Note the savings when you reserve 2022 Annual Tables. Our new co-shared table option can also save some $ for 2 members sharing a table - see below, call or email for more information.

Annual Tables on Sale

Save money by reserving your tables on an annual basis for all six 2022 meetings, Jan. ‘22 thru Nov. ‘22. You will pay only $80.00 per table for per show for the whole year. $80 per table x 6 meetings is $480 and is a savings of $90 per year, per table. Annual tables are on sale now, but reserve as early as possible for best placement. (The deadline is Dec. 20 but please return by the end of Nov. whenever possible.) If you need an Annual Table form or have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email the business office.

---

A Message From the President

2021 was a challenging year for OGCA; however I feel a very successful one. The last 18 months have changed the world, to include OGCA meetings. However, due to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our Directors, Officers, Office staff, and Security, we held very successful, good, compliant shows for our membership.

OGCA provided $13,500 in grants to Ohio youth shooting and hunting programs. I extend many thanks to Frank Price and the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation for their help in administering this program. I am proud to report that 140 OGCA members have already donated nearly $6,000 for next year’s youth grants. Every penny of this money collected goes toward Youth Shooting grants. We need to invest in our youth and educate them on firearm safety, and hunting and shooting skills. There is no better way to preserve this hobby than to contribute and invest in the next generation. Education and proper training reinforce respect and appreciation of firearms.

The Winchester Arms Collectors Association had many interesting, educational displays at the September show. Jennifer Gole did a great job as M/C at the WACA banquet. I extend a big thank you to all the volunteers that ran the Hunter Safety and Education Program. I commend you for the dedication that you have to this very important program.

2022 promises to be a very busy year for OGCA. We will be celebrating our 85th Anniversary. In January we’ll host the Contemporary Long Rifle Association and S.A.S.S Big Irons. The April/May show will be OGCA’s Annual Display Show. This year’s display show will not interfere with Mother’s Day. We will resume the members banquet after a two-year hiatus. Attendance will be limited, and tickets go fast for this event, so I would suggest that you order your tickets early. In July we will be hosting the Ruger Owners & Collectors Society. In September we will again host the Winchester Arms Collectors Association, and I am pleased to announce we will also be joined by the Marlin Firearm Collectors Association. What a great combination this is!

We will be providing a free Hunters, Safety Education class in 2022. More information to come in regards to this.

In closing, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and healthy New Year ahead. Enjoy your Holidays.

Sherman M. Kirkland, III
President

---

 In Memory of our Friend and Past President James W. Tekavec

Jim Tekavec made a lasting impact on OGCA and this world. His passing on October 2, 2021 has left friends and family reflecting on his robust life. Jim was a friend to many both in and out of OGCA and sponsored an incredible 130 members over his 52 years of membership. He joined in 1969 and was voted in as a member of the Board of Directors in 2005. He became an officer in 2009 and rose through the ranks to serve as president for the 2013-2014 term. Jim collected a wide range of military items, both U.S. and foreign, specializing in WWII items. He was prolific in his collecting which included everything from hand-written military orders, helmets, firearms, and WWII Japanese winter overcoats! At one time he collected U.S. Navy items going back all the way to the Civil War. His most current passion was for Walther P .38 pistols.

He was a historian and voracious reader who knew everything in the world about WWII military history. He could tell you in extreme detail about WWII battles including the name of the general, what they did and why. His table mates said that sitting next to him at the show was like a history lesson. One joked that Jim knew the middle names of every WWII general along with the middle initial of his eldest child. His OGCA friends said not only did he read, but he never forgot anything he read, even through his physical battles and right up to his passing.

Jim’s beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara, is also a member of OGCA and many of you know this strong, outgoing person from her service at the OGCA Applications Desk. Jim loved traveling with Barbara all over the world and she shared his sense of adventure. Like Barbara, Jim loved his cats and dogs and enjoyed gardening. He was an Indians, Browns and OSU fan. Jim was a Life member of the NRA and Dallas Arms Collectors Association, a member of the Elks Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Maumee Valley Arms, Ohio Valley Military Society, Woods and Waters, Gun Show Protection Union and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He was an avid fisherman and hunter including an annual elk hunt in Colorado over many decades with a group of friends.

Jim grew up in Euclid and graduated from Euclid high school in 1963. A hard worker he got through John Carroll University and Cleveland Marshall college of law and became an attorney. He was generous with his talent, often helping the underdog. OGCA was also a grateful recipient of his legal knowledge and negotiation skill.

Jim was a ferocious defender of the Second Amendment. Virtually every message he wrote during his term as president exposed infringements on Second Amendment rights and either started with or ended with the words “Stay vigilant!” About collecting, Jim said, “The greatest pleasure we can share will occur when we gather together to seek new conquests in the hall, parting with some ‘old friends’ from our collections and swapping stories with like-minded individuals who enjoy the same avocation we all do. Collecting!!!

Jim will always be remembered as a hard-working, friendly man with an encyclopedic knowledge of military history and devotion to his friends, family and practice.
 

---

Co-Share Tables Available Now

Beginning with the May meeting we will be allowing two members to share a table with Friday trading privileges for both members. “I encourage any member, who has not had a trade table before, to partner with another member, share the cost, and give it a try. My hopes would be that you would come to enjoy it,” said President Sherman Kirkland. The cost to co-share is a flat fee of $20 no matter how many tables are shared. A “Tableholder Pass” will be issued for each member but no “Helper Pass.” Each individual will share responsibility of the table or tables and both will have trading privileges during set-up times. Forms were available at the last meeting. Contact us if you need one at ogca@ogca.com or (330) 467-5733.

---

The Contemporary Longrifle Association - Jan. '22

For the first time ever, the Contemporary Longrifle Association (CLA) will join us January 8-9, 2022. CLA is 25 years young and 2,000 members strong. It is the top association in the entire country for preserving the art of making primitive longrifles and accoutrements.

Bring out your longrifles, both antique and contemporary to the January meeting. Give CLA a warm OGCA welcome and visit their tables at the January meeting. Here’s why:

1) Eye-candy - see everything from highly engraved masterpieces to clean, simple, unadorned, “poor boy” rifles, not to mention a wide variety of pistols, powder horns, knives, clubs, tomahawks, possible bags, leatherwork and related.
2) Meet the maker - most of the vendors are artists themselves.
3) Education - all of their work is authentic in construction and style. Learn how they do it and how they re-discovered some of the lost arts.
4) Quality - a contemporary longrifle may be a good option if you always wanted a Kentucky longrifle but are overwhelmed by the thought of authenticating, upkeeping, and repairing a 200 year old antique. According to CLA’s Gordon Barlow the quality of workmanship is every bit as good, if not better, than those made 2 centuries ago.
5) Cost - a very good, simple CLA longrifle can cost less than a mass-made reproduction rifle.
6) Functionality - hunt, shoot, put it above your mantle. Chuck Benton of both CLA and OGCA says, “A longrifle is an investment in a great firearm that is functional art. What looks better over a fireplace than a flintlock rifle?”
7) Investment - no one knows the value of any firearm 10, 20 or 100 years from now, but under inflationary times a fair deal on quality firearm might be a safer bet than money under the mattress.
8) Less paperwork - any muzzle loading rifle, shotgun, or pistol, which is designed to use black powder, or a black powder substitute, and which cannot use fixed ammunition currently does not need to go through a NICS check and is easy to ship.
9) Customization - besides custom work by the maker, several CLA members sell a historically accurate kit for you to put together your own muzzle loader. Fifty-year OGCA member Edwin Louer is a founding member of CLA and says, “You finish it with pride and go get a deer with it.” You won’t find a better place to shop for the parts to build your own than with CLA.
10) Hobby - everyone needs a hobby. If you want to learn to make longrifles, engrave powder horns or forge knives, you can find more information by visiting the CLA section in January.
11) Preservation - support the people who are preserving American history and keeping the longrifle culture alive.

Director Chuck Benton pointed out that OGCA shares a long history with several longrifle associations, including our “cousin” The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA). He is leading the charge to bring in more longrifle collectors and exhibits. Hosting CLA is a great way to foster our relationship with the longrifle community. Mark your calendar for January 8-9 and show your support!

---

 New Options for Applying

Members: you may sponsor a friend that has a CCW permit or FFL/C&R license without your friend needing a 2nd sponsor. (The license or permit held by the applicant serves in lieu of a 2nd sponsor.) The application must be returned in person with one sponsor present. Another change passed in November addresses a former member’s ability to rejoin OGCA. Former members who left in good standing may rejoin without sponsors. [Click on "Join" tab, above.] In order to rejoin it is necessary to contact the Business Office in advance. Thank you!

---

Banquet April 30, 2022

The banquet is back!!! We cannot celebrate OGCA’s 85th Birthday without you! Use the form in your upcoming Winter newsletter to reserve your tickets for Saturday evening April 30th, 2022. Get your tickets early. Seats are limited and we always sell out. The banquet will be held on-site in the Main Lobby of the Roberts Centre (not the hotel) for the first time. Cocktail hour begins at 5 pm (cash bar). Dinner will be served at 6 pm and the Display Show Awards will be announced at the conclusion of the evening. To make this happen, the Roberts Centre and OGCA volunteers will transition the Lobby for this memorable event on Saturday afternoon. The dress is casual attire, and will be general seating, so take the opportunity to sit with and make new friends.

MENU: Tossed garden salad, seasonal fruit salad, rosemary herb redskin potatoes, green beans, chicken Marsala, lasagna, and a delicious dessert!
PRICE: Adults just $30.00 each. Children 6-12, $10.00. Under age 5 are free.

By popular request, we worked with the Roberts Centre 4+ years ago to avoid a conflict with Mother’s Day and other local and national shows. So don’t miss it! Note: Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons cannot make this date, but we will reschedule with him to speak at a future event. We have other special things in the works for the banquet but most of all your presence and the camaraderie of fellow members will make it one of the most enjoyable events of the year. After all, it is our 85th Anniversary!

---

Annual Display Show April 30, 2022 - May 1, 2022

Come celebrate with us at our Annual Display show April 30 - May 1, 2022 and Annual Member’s Recognition Banquet (Saturday evening). Save the date!

Many of you know that we have one of the most educational, organized, and rewarding display shows around. You never know what our members will dig out of their private collections for show and tell. This is a great time to bring family and friends and also enjoy the banquet on Saturday evening. The banquet ticket form is below with all the information to reserve your seats.

We are seeking displayers!!! We have already received requests for Display Show Information Packets and they are hot off the press. Request yours by email through ogca@ogca.com or call the business office at 330-467-5733.
Sean McCarter, display show chairman and the rest of the display committee, Chris Rohal, Brad Raum, Tom Bowersox, Rod Kirian, and Fred Kolb will be happy to answer any questions you may have about putting together a display.

If you have never displayed before, take this opportunity to get your collection noticed and network with other members who may have items related to your collection. We have three knowledgable judges to be announced. This is a great time to think about what you might have in your collection, create an eye catching exhibit and have fun at the same time. Keep in mind that space is limited so don’t think too long (request your application and packet!)

We have four 1st Place categories: Antique, Military, Pre-World War (1899-1945), and Post-World War II (1946-present). A handsome, numbered Minuteman Freedom bronze (valued at over $4,000) is given to each first place category and all other award winners receive a plaque and cash prizes. Plus each and every exhibitor will receive a commemorative keepsake.

---

Ohio Hunter Ed Class

Thank you to member Al Overholser of OHTEIA and volunteer of ODNR Wildlife Division for leading the free Ohio Hunters Education class at the Roberts Centre this past September 2021. 17 people attended including many youngsters. All walked away safer, well-educated hunters and all passed their Hunter’s Education Certification. We plan to offer this opportunity again in September 2022.

---

Members:  Don't miss The Classified Section in your newsletter.  Classifieds are not posted online. 

---

Run for a Spot on the OGCA Board of Directors

We are actively looking for dedicated members who are interesting in serving on the Board of Directors of OGCA. You must be an Ohio resident and a member for at least five years. Nominations will open at the March 2022 meeting and will close at the end of the May meeting. All interested candidates may contact First Vice President, Terrie Hill at (740) 504-3530 for the required forms. Return them in advance of the May meeting or in person at the May meeting no later than 2 pm Sunday May 9th at Terrie’s tables T 7-10 (orange flag).

---

‘21 OGCA PAC Raffle Drawing

Everyone was a winner in the annual 2021 Political Action Committee (PAC) raffle held Sunday September 12th because all the proceeds fuel the fight for our Second Amendment rights and well deserving youth shooting organizations! A record breaking 6,910 tickets were sold! The entire OGCA PAC thanks each and every member and the hard-working staff and volunteers especially Marty and Maureen Capito, Darla Noble, Laurie Chorpenning and Barbara Kubicki.

The first place prize, M-1 Garand, 1944 mfgr. Springfield Armory version w/sling, 30-06 went to lucky John Alexander. The stunning second prize, Browning 22 Auto breakdown rifle, 1968 Belgium mfgr. w/box went to A. Bayot. Richard Marting took home the beautiful third place Smith & Wesson Model 29-10, 4 bbl. 44 Mag. w/box and accessories. Fourth place, GSG-1911 pistol, 22LR cal. NIB, unfired went to R. J. Jordan. Tom Smith was delighted to win the fifth prize, a double-tap o/u Derringer, 45 ACP, w/box and accessories. Roger Wainscott won the OGCA 50th Anniversary Knife.

The collectible raffle prizes came from members Pat Jarvis, Joe Pittenger, Brad Raum, and Jeff Medves. “Thank you!” PAC is looking for donations of collectible items for next year’s raffle, and if anyone has something for this important cause, contact Chairman Marty Capito at his tables at U 12 &16 (look for the orange flag).

---

 Save on Lodging Cost with Increased Sat. Set up Time

Sat. and Sun. Meeting Hours now start at 8:30 AM, and tableholder set up hours Sat. (7 am - 8:30 am), and Sun.(7:30 am - 8:30 am) are extended to better accommodate members who rent tables and potentially avoid the time and cost of a Fri. hotel stay.   There are no changes to the Friday set up time (3 pm - 9 pm).   Note the Holiday Inn at Roberts Centre still has a strict 2-night minimum (beyond OGCA's control) and a list of other hotels can be found on the SHOWS page.

Meeting Hours Saturday 8:30 am - 5 pm Sunday 8:30 am - 2 pm Set up/Exhibitor Hours Fri. 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm exhibitor Set-up Sat. 7:00 am - 8:30 am exhibitor Set-up Sun. 7:30 am - 8:30 am exhibitor Set-up