Dateline Dayton —More travels with our Australian visitors.

At 3 a.m. on a Wednesday, the four of us — Milton, Bob, Howard and I — were on the road headed to Wisconsin.  Racine would be the first stop on our way to the Cash Register Collectors Club meeting and swap meet, in St. Charles, IL.

After stopping for breakfast and many pit stops, we arrived in Racine around 10 their time.  We were scheduled to meet other members of the club at John’s theater.  This building, probably  beautiful in its day, is one of John’s storage facilities for his vast collection of cash registers, barber chairs, old refrigerators and a host of other items.

This was my third visit to John’s. While still unorganized, I must admit, things were a little better.  You still climbed through a hole in the wall to get into the main part of the theater. It was raining, and soon we had proof the roof still was leaking. He had installed a window, so now you were able to see the items without a flashlight.

All of us but Bob had been to the storage facility before, and he was amazed at the condition.  Here were these beautiful items, rusting, dirty and scattered about.  Of course, as with all of us, he wondered how John was able to keep track of anything. Few of the registers were intact.

Do You See a Pattern?

From the theater we proceeded to his beautiful Victorian home I noticed the lovely woodwork because the rooms were crammed full of antiques, cash registers, barber chairs.  You would describe this home as unique, with wallpaper falling from the walls, little heat, cash register parts everywhere, living area, attic and basement. 

It is a memorable experience to visit John’s home and theater.

About 3 o’clock after getting something to eat, we were on the way to our hotel in St. Charles.  After checking in and greeting other members already there, we were making plans for supper.  You would think that’s all we do, but were in St. Charles and that means we eat at Corfu.

The Corfu is our regular eating spot while attending the club’s functions. They serve good food, lots of it, and most meals come with dessert.  Ice cream, too. Now you talking my language!

Wednesday evening there was a lively discussion revolving around cash registers in the hotel’s lobby, with help from some beer and wine.

Here Comes the Rain
 
Thursday morning was our swap meet, scheduled to begin at 11, but some already were setting up at 9.  After breakfast at 10, we went to the car and did our setup.

I sold a few items and Howard did very well.  Bob and Milton were unable to bring anything for the swap meet.  By 2 o’clock we had things packed up and were getting ready to attend the Club meeting, that began at 3.

This meeting was our election of officers, so it lasted two hours.  We even had to use paper ballots since three members were interested in being president.

When it was time for supper, we headed back to Corfu after feasting on Kringles and soda at the meeting.  You must realized we missed lunch.

Thursday night you could find many groups in the lobby discussing a  range of subjects while feasting on Kringles and beer, from what took place at the meeting, cash register finds and what time you were going to the parking lot at Pheasant Run.

Our meeting was scheduled to coincide with a big coin-op show, which is held at Pheasant Run Resort, just down the road from our hotel.  Some members will get up  at 5 in the morning to see what is being unloaded in the parking lot.  Unfortunately it was raining. Only a few hardy souls ventured out, and we were told there was limited activity.

Although the heaver rain had stopped, there was still a mist. However, a number of vendors were set up by the time we arrived.  We did a quick walk of the parking lot, said our goodbyes to Bob and Milton, who were staying a few days in Chicago, and were on our way home.

Another fun adventure with members of the Cash Register Collectors Club.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net