This is Throwback Thursday #326. In these, we look back into the past at ESCONI specifically and Earth Science in general. If you have any contributions, (science, pictures, stories, etc …), please send them to esconi.info@gmail.com. Thanks! email:esconi.info@gmail.com.

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Andy and Rose Jansen recently received two photos from Mary Hason, daughter of Betty and Chet Williamson. The Williamsons were long-time members, joining ESCONI in 1959!

ESCONI had a very active Lapidary Study Group at that time. Here is the meeting announcement in the November 1970 edition of the newsletter.

The meeting report was published in the February 1971 ESCONI newsletter. Sounds like they had a good time melting silver and making interesting casts – a large chute, bells, and a wee bird shape.

LAPIDARY–Nov. 20

The meeting was opened by Chairman Betty Williamson. Dorothy Schnizlein made the motion to accept the October minutes as printed in Earth Science News. The motion was seconded by Wanda Boush. Guests were asked to raise their hands. John Ade, spokesman for the nominating committee, offered the name of Betty Williamson as Chairman and Ruby Gunther as Secretary for the next term in office. Jack Schnizlein seconded the motion to accept the committees’ candidates after Thelma Gates had made the motion to close the nominations. John also offered to take over one “Program of the Evening” and added so would Jack Catlin and Dorothy Schnizlein. This idea in programming was readily acceptable to Betty, es her preceeding two terms in office had taxed her many talents and another term would really be a brain rattler. “We are very fortunete to have her lead us for another year” said John, and we all heartily agreed. Jack Catlin asked that we study the changes in the nomenclature of gems. We will discuss them at a later date.. There is no meeting scheduled for December.

The program for the evening on Water-casting began when Chairman Betty appointed Chet Williamson and Ed Golnic as fire marshals and divided the attending group into three circles, to be presided over by herself in one and Doris Kemp and Helen Messer overseeing the remaining two. The propane torches, insulating pads, water buckets and tongs were supplied by our three circle demonstrators. Each participant clutched his own catch of silver metal while eagerly awaiting instructions such as, “put the silver on en insulating square, fire brick or crucible and hold in one hand with tongs; sprinkle the silver with Borax (mineral borax) or flux for cohesion purposes; sim the blue flame of the torch directly at the metal until it reaches the molten stage and shrinks into a smaller ball; throw this smaller blob quickly into a pail of deep water. The amount of silver used varied according to the cast object produced. Stan Berger enjoyed the praise he received on his handiwork. Doris Ade’s eyes were beaming with happiness from satisfaction. A guest, Tom Staray, got a large chute. Helen Moore and Chet Williamson both got a bell. Chet began planing out the cab he would make for it. Jean Reynolds silver cast had a wee bird shape. Linda Hoffman possesses a beautiful cast, made by Earl, that can be soldered to a pin and would resemble a very expensive piece in jewelry. This fun festival in surprises continued until everyone had their turn at creativeness. For all those who were present and would like to continue making these little prized creations in their own home, Betty suggests they read the Nov., ’68 and Feb., 69 articles in Gems and Minerals concerning the do’s and don’t’s of Water casting.

A rememberable joyful evening was nearly topped by our refreshment committee.who were. Ruby Gunther and Dorothy Ade.

The photos were stamped with Gale Law’s name and a date of November 20, 1970 on the back. Unfortunately, they didn’t take photos of the castings!

We are fairly certain that Ed & Wanda Boush are the couple in the far right, front row, on one of the pictures next to John Ade, who is also in the front row. Please let us know if you can identify other people in the photo.

Ed and Wanda Roush?