Volume 2 Issue 2

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

As always, we enjoyed seeing everyone at our February show and sharing our all of our table rentals for the show were sold out.

We are seeking participants to display their collections. If you are interested, please see Greg Zemsta, our business manager.

It has been noted that our Nation’s flag has been used as a tablecloth. Please respect our country's flag, or any other nation's flag, for that matter. Also, any artifacts of wartime atrocities shall be deemed controversial.  In the event of any such items deemed questionable, the Sergeant of Arms, Dan Kurkowsk, will have the final decision if such items are displayable or not. This follows the club’s constitution. 

Below is what our attendance was for Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday –  375 Paid         Sunday – 134 Paid

                     556 Members                 190 Members 

Please welcome our new members who signed up during our February show:

Clarence Cooper Warren, MI

Charles Ray    Bay City, MI

Greg Smith   Shelby Twp., MI

Peter Tomeo  Riley, MI

 Paul Mattison Redford, MI

I would like to thank everyone who attended our February show and for making it another success.

Danny’s Corner about fractured tales:

Way back when I was young, my older brother was my mentor and hunting partner. Paul bought a pickup camper and a .44 Ruger Blackhawk revolver. I was under 21 and could not buy a handgun, but I sure admired him. Later in the deer season, we drove to the Upper Peninsula to try our luck. The first day went well, I shot a gnarly old buck with an old Jap 7.7 rifle my dad brought back from the war. The camper had a gas heater with a fresh air vent on the door. It was very cold, -11 degrees, and the heater ran all night. In the morning, frost formed on the door, and we were frozen in the trailer. We kicked and banged on the door, but it would not budge. Paul got mad and told me to plug my ears. He drew his .44 mag revolver and aimed at the door handle. Ka-Boom, the door flew open, and all the windows blew out too. My face hurt for 2 hours, and Paul could not hear for the rest of the day. The hunt was over, and we drove 430 miles back home in silence! 

The Phrase “Don’t try this at home” surely does apply here.

Dan Kurkowski, Historian, MAAC 2026

SPECIAL EVENT FOR THE APRIL SHOW

As a reward for your service, all current U.S. Military personnel who come in uniform or have a valid military ID will be admitted free, along with their wives and kids. Join us for a history lesson and have a good time. This will be held at the Michigan Antique Arms Collectors Gun Show, April 25-26, 2026, at the Madison Place Event Center, at the end of Horace Brown  Dr., Madison Heights, MI, east of I-75 andsouth of 13 Mile Rd.

The Board of Directors will hold an election for two board members in November, with terms starting in 2027. The Nomination Committee would like to extend to you an invitation to run for the Michigan Antique Arms Collectors Board of Directors. This honor comes with great responsibility. You could help shape your club's future. Directors are required to attend board meetings and serve on different committees that they volunteer for. It is a great way to get to know other collectors; most of the board meetings are held before our show on Sunday.  As a reward for your help, you do get some perks and a free table at our shows. Please submit the Nomination Form along with a short bio and a picture with a line or two about what you can or will do if elected by October 1, 2026, at the next show. If you mail your Nomination Form, send it to the Chairman of the Nomination Committee, Tom Cleve, at 6645 Arnold Dr., Marine City, MI 48039. The form will be included with this newsletter, or you can download it from www.michiganantiquearms.com by visiting the forms section. Remember, the Michigan Antique Arms Collectors' election process is essential for maintaining effective governance and leadership within the organization. All Nomination Forms will be reviewed by the Board Election Committee and submitted by November 28, 2026. Voting will take place on November 29, 2026, at Madison Place Event Center, 876 Horace Brown Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. The election results will be announced during the last scheduled show meeting on November 29, 2026. Members are encouraged to participate in this important process, as it influences the future direction of our organization.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Time flies – Renew your MAAC membership early!

If you have not paid your 2026 dues, please renew at the April 2026 show or mail a check to MAAC at 2424 Highland Ct, Royal Oak, MI 48073. Download the Membership Renewal Form from our website at www.michiganantiquearms.com, under Forms, Membership Renewal.

Ø One year $40.00

Ø Two years $80.00

Ø Three years $120.00

Ø Life membership $400.00 (see Life Membership Form for further information)    

Failure to renew your membership will require you to pay the general entrance fee at the door for any additional shows.

2026 Show Dates:              2027 Show Dates:  

February  7 – 8                     February   6 - 7 

April 25 – 26                         April     24 - 25       

September 19 – 20              September    25 - 26

November 28 – 29              November   27 - 28

Remember to reserve your tables early, as availability is limited.

We only have a certain number of tables available, so do not forget to reserve yours in advance. Please call Greg Zemsta at (248) 556-6590 to let them know if you will not be able to occupy your table or tables. 

Friday: 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, setup takes place. During these hours, life members will also be permitted to enter the hall.

Saturday: 7:00 am to 9:00 am, setup takes place. Exhibitors and life members at 7:00 am, annual members at 8:00 am, and the public can arrive at 9:00 am.

The show ends at 5 p.m., and everyone must leave the hall by 5:30 p.m.

Sunday: The show begins at the same time as Saturday and ends at 3:00 pm. By 5:00 pm, the entire hall must be completely vacated.

Cameras and recording devices are prohibited within the hall. This includes using a cell phone, camera, or video.

Tim Barna, President, MAAC