I (and others) took a LOT of pride in contributing to the Boston Area and New England Glass Insulators section to the MacDougalds' Research Volume (1990). With assistance from Bob Fuqua; (the late) Kevin Lawless; Ray Klingensmith; and others; the entire research script has not changed a lot since the MacDougalds' two-volume set was released (18 years ago!). As commented to me, Bob, Kevin, Ray and others...our combined contribution was a significant research milestone regarding Boston and New England glass insulator production.

The "New England Room" at the 1995 National in Marlboro, MA likely was the most incredible array and assortment of Boston Area and New England glass insulators ever assembled under one roof...or better yet, in one room. Thanks to Doug, Bob, Kevin and *many* others, this exposition was made possible for everyone to enjoy this proclaimed once-in-a-lifetime event.

I devoted well over a thousand hours writing the section about the forementioned (the MacDougalds Reference Book) I and enjoyed every second right from pencil-scratch to publication during its composition.

As a native of the Boston vicinity many have been truly fascinated by my finds back in the late 1960s/early 1970s...such as So. Mass. Tel. Co. examples as well as City Fire Alarm, Fall River Police Signals, CD 134 T-HE Co. pieces in deep amber, National Insulator Co. examples (CD 138.2); Standard Glass Insulator Co. signals, Diamond-P's in a myriad of colors, etc. All of these I either exchanged in service back then or had someone qualified to do the line work to safely do so.

In summary, I have always been fascinated by Lawrence B. Gray's innovative insulator and related patents. Mr. Gray held numerous patents pertinent to glass insulator manufacture. Most, if not all of these patents were utilized in the production of insulators made by the American Insulator Company, National Insulator Company, Standard Glass Insulator Company and likely other glass works in the Boston vicinity and possibly southern New Hampshire. The duration of such glass insulator manufacture associated with Mr. Gray's patents was from approximately 1884 through 1900.

At present there are three known examples (base rim lettered) solely referencing Lawrence B. Gray's Manufacturing Process. All are CD 138.2 and are of a steel-blue color. Possibly these insulators debuted his products/patents.

Here I am (left to right) with Doug MacGillvary on March 30, 2008 holding a coveted CD 138.2 Lawrence B. Gray insulator I always wanted to own (and thought I never thought I would!). As previously stated, three examples currently are known in the hobby. I was thrilled from head to toe when this picture was taken (seconds after Doug and I made our mutually great deal!) (The final sale price is private) FYI: I have been trading, buying and selling with Doug since the inception of the Yankee Pole Cat Insulator Club formally debuted in November 1971. Both of us have held prominent club positions since then. And thanks to Doug, he has made possible some absolutely terrific insulator shows since the 1970s!

Thanks, Doug! A follow-up regarding the Yankee Polecat Insulator Club Show highlights will follow pretty soon....by me. My toes still haven't touched the ground after bringing home this wonderful and spectacular example of Boston Area Glass Insulator manufacture!

Please refer to [id=148932505] for a close up view of this insulator taken by Doug on April 6, 2006.

I always have loved magazines and writing!

Photo credit: Kathleen McLaughlin (Vernon, CT). A long time friend and insulator enthusiast.

FYI I started with Western Collector in 1969, supplementing Claire McClelland's insulator column which debuted in May 1967. From there I followed-up from the late Frances Terrill's Old Bottle Magazine monthly column (she was Insulator Editor from 1968-1973 and I continued the popular research articles in "OBX" from 1974-1981)

Sincerely,

Joe Maurath, Jr.

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