Willamette Valley Arms Collectors Association
Club History
The Willamette Valley Arms Collectors Association (W.V.A.C.A.) grew out of the desire of a group of men who were weapons collectors to form an association of like minded individuals with similar interests. The first regular meeting, held in Halsey, Oregon resulted in the formation of the association with 21 “Original & Charter” members. Some of the “Original & Charter” members were Floyd Jinks, Steve Neshyba, Byron Higbe, Dick Linsday, Harold McCallum, Norm Hill, John Burkland, Andy Maxon, Ernie Cockell, and Casey Landon. The next month in Brownsville, Oregon an additional 12 members were added as “Charter” members. That same year in April 29 -30 they held their first semi-annual Gun Show in Tangent, Oregon and in September, the second semi-annual Gun Show.
On May 24th, 1968 the club was incorporated as a non-profit association. By 1972 the Association had reached a level of 99 active members with two regular gun shows held each year. In 1974 a Show Chairman and Historian position was implemented. By 1977 the Association had a roster of 200 active members and was selling out over 250 Swap & Display tables at their shows held at the Lane County Fairgrounds.
The common objective of the club has been to create an association to all members for the benefit of sharing a common interest in the collection, history, and the safe use of all types of firearms and accessories, to sponsor gun shows for the clubs benefit, and to hold monthly meetings to promote fellowship and to educate the public about arms collecting.