Thursday, the first official day of the convention, we met at the Library of the New Monastery in Bad Schussenried, being welcomed in this richly decorated rococo room with a trumpet and organ fanfare. Lined with book shelves which formerly contained 20,000 volumes, this room has historical claim as a "seat of wisdom". Our general meeting was called to order by President Clarence Riley and the first order of business was the presentation of the slate of nominees by Nominating Committee Chairman Fred Ellis. The slate was accepted as presented, and all were unanimously elected:

Master Steinologist Art Maethner

• Executive Director - Steve Steigerwald
• Secretary - Marie Stevenson
• 1st Vice President - Phil Masenheimer
• Chapter Development Officer - JoAnn Ellis

• Jack Heimann Service Award - Claire Hill
• Master Steinologist - Art Maethner
• Editor’s Award - Frank Loevi
• Gemütlichkeit Award - Frank Poppie
• SCI Service Award - James DeMars

These last two awards, which were authorized at last year’s convention, were given for the first time.

Walt Vogdes then gave an interesting slide presentation on the Heinrich Schlitt murals decorating the walls and ceiling arches of the Ratskeller in Munich. This presentation was developed by Art Maethner, and Walt was simply the speaker in Art’s absence. Since a large number of attendees had enjoyed dinner at the Ratskeller on Tuesday evening in the Noah’s Ark room, this was especially meaningful and added to our enjoyment of Schlitt’s talents. Our next presenter was Dr. Beatrix Adler speaking on "Early Steins, Stoneware," a presentation which was both scholarly and enjoyable.

Next on the agenda was a guided tour of the 250 year old baroque Church of St. Peter and Paul in Steinhausen. Frequently referred to as "the most beautiful village church in the world", the relatively modest exterior does nothing to prepare the visitor for the opulent interior. Featuring beautiful statues of the twelve Apostles, the ceilings and walls are fully painted and gilded in an explosion of religious expression. Our official convention stein is fashioned after the church tower and steeple. (As luck would have it, there is an antique shop directly across the street from this church, and one of our members made a nice purchase!)

Friday found us back at the New Monastery for an interesting talk and slide presentation by Les Paul entitled "Early Steins, Altenberg" followed by Mark Durban speaking on Franz Ringer. The stein sales room opened for eager shoppers, while for others there were excursions to the open air museum at Kurnbach and a guided tour of the Castle Aulendorf and visit to a toy museum. The afternoon also offered a guided tour of the beer stein museum. That evening we enjoyed another delicious meal including Swiss delights of veal and famous Rösti potatoes. Swiss entertainment was by the Appenzell musicians featuring Swiss music, yodeling, ringing of cow bells, and singing.

Saturday found the early risers at a flea market for brewery items held on the grounds of the Beer Stein Museum. In the afternoon Johannes Vogt’s commercial auction was held at the Library of the New Monastery. Those who didn’t didn’t immerse themselves in the flea market and auction enjoyed a day-long visit to the island of Mainau with its beautiful flower gardens. Our last evening was fittingly "Oktoberfest at the Bierkrugstadel" including a rural buffet and entertainment by the Maselheimer Musicians.

Sunday morning’s Weisswurst breakfast (traditional Bavarian sausages) at the Beer Stein Museum was enjoyed by all and concluded a great convention.

Congratulations for the overall excellence of this convention to Johannes Vogt, chairman, and many, many thanks to Herr Jürgen Ott, owner of the Beer Stein Museum and a constant presence during our visit in Bad Schussenried. Herr Ott and his capable staff were responsible for making this time together truly memorable.