Insulator Club swap meet is Saturday

Published 1:42 pm Thursday, November 18, 2010

The Dixie Jewels Insulator Club will hold its first swap meet ever in Dalton on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dalton freight depot, 305 S. Depot Street.

The club, comprised of collectors of vintage power and telegraph insulators, meets four times a year at different venues around the southeastern United States. Collectors from seven to 10 states are expected to be in attendance. There will be a wide variety of insulators in many shapes and colors for sale or trade.

At one time, many glass insulators were seen on poles along the railroad and on early telephone lines in downtown Dalton. Insulators are poor conductors of electricity. Wires were tied to them to prevent electricity from leaking to the ground if the wires should come into contact with another object. Modern versions can still be seen in use atop power poles. Most are now made from porcelain or composite materials, but glass was commonly used from the mid-1800’s to the early 1960’s. Glass insulators come in almost every color of the rainbow.

The public is invited to learn more about these fascinating and beautiful pieces of history. Bring insulators you may have for a free appraisal. Admission is free and visitors are welcome.

For more information,  contact Bill Haley at (423) 756-4106 or e-mail WGH@tnaqua.org, or John Henderson at (423) 842-3568 or e-mail rjhshrike@comcast.net.