An Ideal Truss Display Stand
Howard A. Short
To paraphrase a delightful old song, "the Show is ended but the memory lingers on" seems to be appropriate around the end of May as we close the doors on which we all feel, under the present circumstances of course, was our best effort. Next year holds a fresh promise as the bloom and leaf are certain to produce a wealth of Blue Ribbons and Hardware.
The staging of Chapter Shows, especially the trusses, has an important bearing on how they are received and enjoyed by the public in general and the critical eyes of the judges in particular. Some of our public image may be slightly tarnished by the usual array of the various collections of bottles to lead to the belief that those Rhododendron people are heavy tipplers.
Seriously, something is being done to improve the staging of trusses which should be shared with all Chapters. At the 1968 National Conference, hosted by the Eugene Chapter, it was noted with a great deal of interest that 35 cc plastic syringe cases were used as holders for the trusses. On enquiring it was learned that Dr. Phetteplace was getting them at the Hospital as they are a throw away item. This method of holder struck the writer as an ideal solution to the usual bottle and on our return home immediately began a canvass of the hospitals for a source of the syringe cases. It was found that most suppliers used sterile bags in lieu of the plastic cases but a source finally developed and sufficient cases were obtained for our Truss Show held on May 3-4 on Bainbridge Island. There were many flattering comments on the truss display.
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Fig. 14. Truss display.
Paul Noble photo |
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The accompanying photo and sketches show the method that one of our members, Marvin "Swede" Loy, cleverly devised which gives each truss a front row seat and following the show the stands can be easily folded flat for storage due to the hingeing arrangement.
One half inch fir plywood was used and prior to assembly was sprayed with a light green stain. Where paint might have caused highlights the stain gave an harmonious neutral background.
The syringe cases were given us in two main sizes, 35 cc and 50 cc and it was found that the holes made for the 50 cc size would accommodate the 35 cc size because of the collar. We were also given some 6 cc and 12 cc cases not realizing there would be a need for that small a size until some miniature trusses arrived. We then set the 6 cc or 12 cc case into a 35 cc case which held the little charmers' heads high enough to be properly viewed.
The caps for the cases were also put to use in some instances. Using a sharp knife, a hole was cut in the cap and the stem of the truss or spray inserted. This may also be a further advantage in preventing evaporation during the show.