As the Rolling Stones Gem and Mineral Society prepares for its 41st annual gem and mineral show—one of the most popular events in Silver City, NM, drawing numerous visitors each year—it is important to reflect on why our society dedicates so much energy and countless volunteer hours to making this remarkable event possible each year.
Twelve years ago, Lee Stockman, who served as the Rolling Stones Show Chair at that time, provided a thoughtful summary of what the gem and mineral show represents. What Mr. Stockman said back then still rings true, and lines up nicely with what our society is all about today. His reflections highlight the ongoing importance of the show in advancing our community educational outreach and stimulating a wide interest in mineralogy, gem cutting, and geology among our visitors.
Why Do We Do a Gem and Mineral Show?
Lee Stockman, Show Chair
Sometimes it is good to reflect on why we go to all the effort to have a Gem and Mineral Show. We have been producing a show now for 30 years. The first show was held at the American Legion Hall on College Avenue. It was a small affair, a few local vendors and club members showing their favorite minerals. The show has grown until today it is a major event attracting vendors from throughout the Southwest US and often even foreign mineral sellers. A great deal more effort is needed to produce the show now than was involved in the early shows. Why do we do it?
As each of you is aware, when you read the last page of the Beacon each month — you do read it, don’t you? — the purpose of this Society is the exchange of information and furtherance of the knowledge of mineralogy, gem cutting, geology, and to stimulate interest in the development of these studies.
What better way to further these ends than to have 3,000 persons walk through the show where over 100 tables are filled with minerals and gems in the rough or faceted and polished for settings in jewelry. What is on the tables is augmented with local geology and collecting field trips to further educate and excite visitors to the show.”
Fundraising is another benefit of the Gem and Mineral Show. Throughout the years, with the profits generated by the show, the Rolling Stones were able to provide scholarships to students in the field of Geology at Western New Mexico University. Furthermore, donations were granted to various organizations in Grant County, including the Grant County Search and Rescue, the Gila Conservation Education Center, and The New Mexico Mineral Symposium.
But as Stockman observed, there are other benefits from having a Gem and Mineral Show:
Some of our members participate as vendors. Some members make acquaintances who become friends. Working with other members of the Rolling Stones helps us get better acquainted with fellow club members. Some enjoy the
feeling of promoting the Silver City community and helping make the rest of New Mexico and the
Southwest United States aware of Silver City and the nice people who live here. Each of us has our
own personal reasons for what we do.
Thank you all for the effort you put forth to make the Gem and Mineral Show happen!