Pauline has another name for my collecting, “pack rat,” although I really do consider myself a serious collector.
My treasures are not packed away in boxes or stored in a safe deposit box.
Most are displayed or easily accessible.
I must admit, however, to not limiting myself to a specific area of collecting.
I collect cash registers, postcards, mugs, Silver Strikes, Wright Brothers, Lange Brewery and Dairy, and other items that might strike my fancy.
I’m not quite sure how I got interested in registers.
Could be my accounting background and the fact the cash register is such a great bookkeeping tool.
About 18 years ago we were vacationing in Florida, and it rained almost every day.
Since we both enjoy antique shops, we spent most of our time on that trip visiting stores in the Sarasota area.
Getting Started
Once in awhile a cash register would catch my eye; even to the extent of checking the price tag. Of course, they were always out of my price range. Besides, we had flown to Florida.
Upon returning from Florida, I contacted my cousin, Sharon, in Michigan. She was always making the rounds of antique shops and auctions in the Three Rivers area.
Each Wednesday she would attend the Shipshewana Auction. So I asked her to be on the lookout for a reasonably priced cash register.
Within two weeks she called to tell me she purchased a register for me, at the auction. It was a model 441 brass, crank style National Cash Register (NCR).
Time to Organize
Although the register was almost 100 years old, it was in great condition. Everything worked.
Today the register sits in our family room, just as found, except I have added a top sign.
Cash registers of this era are crafted marvels of art and function.
This register was the catalyst that got me into collecting other cash registers and cash register memorabilia, especially the National Cash Register kind, since it is headquartered in Dayton.
After getting the register home, I started looking for a cash register club. I couldn’t find one.
How could something like the cash register, which has been around so long — NCR celebrates its 125th anniversary this year — not have a collectors club?
I took matters into my own hands.
I formed the Cash Register Collectors Club in 1998.
The Club has had up to 250 members world- wide. We meet at least twice a year, having a swap meet each time.
The club also publishes a newsletter, “The Brass Idol,” three times a year.
If you would like a copy of the newsletter, just send me an email at the address listed below. For additional information on the Club. you can visit its website, WWW.CRCCI.ORG
If you collect, send me an email about your collection or collecting experience(s) at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net
