News story on SWVR's 50th..?

[ShortysTRM]

I'd love to cover every event, but it's hard to find a way to sell it to my bosses as "news," but just like the Father's Day event a couple years ago, I think that the 50th anniversary is coverage worthy.

Who could/would talk to me that has been here the entire time?
Do we have many pictures/video from the first few years?
Do you know any interesting trivia/facts about the SWVR (i.e. how many regions were there when it started, number of first year members, etc.)?

Give me some ideas/info here. I want it to be well planned and not slung together in 10 minutes.

[SentraWV]

Troy, in terms of first year members, download the January issue of Rich Mixture. It's got the founding members listed.

Sounds like a great idea!

[gtfour77]

Jack Sampson, Jim Pryce and Fred Griffin might be THE people for the coverage....

[BlueZ0644]

IMHO, Jim and Fred are the two most qualified to do this. They have been members for the whole 50 years; while I have only been around for 33. I've not met Joe Brown or Alex Giltinan (I don't think) and they are the other remaining charter members. I don't know if they live around here or not. I really like the idea - I hope we can pull this together. Jim & Fred have lunch together occasionally. this might be a good time to pick their brains, if you can get the time approved to do it.

[ShortysTRM]

I would actually prefer to get both of them out to an event. It'd just add to the story, especially to see them out driving/working/socializing/sitting in a lawn chair as opposed to eating out at a restaurant. It'd be nice if we could get them to bring some paraphernalia from the early years, although it would be possible for me to meet them at their house/office/etc to shoot that stuff if need be. Digital scans could be e-mailed if they have them.

I will likely have only 2 minutes at most to tell the story, introduce the characters, and show where we are today, so it's gonna be hard.