Dateline Dayton — Last Thursday, a fellow cash register collector and I made our semi-annual trip to St Charles, IL, for the Cash Register Collectors Club swap meet and meeting. Scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 2, it was well underway when we arrived at 9:45.
Our swap meet continues to grow. Although it wasn’t that great for me, there appeared to be a lot of merchandise changing hands. Howard, who traveled with me, had his best meet ever, and that had been my experience last April.
A gentleman was introduced to us at the swap meet as a member from Australia who had come to the United States for the first time to attend the club’s events. He was enjoying the swap meet, and he told us he was going to Dayton to visit the NCR Archives. Howard volunteers at the Archives on Thursdays, so he would be happy to show him around.
What Are Your Plans
I then asked how and when he was going to Dayton. He didn’t know, but he probably would travel by bus. I suggested he consider going back with us on Friday. I would try to work out sightseeing until Thursday. He couldn’t believe the offer. I told him to think about it. We would discuss his Dayton visit after the three o’clock meeting.
Afterward, we talked in more detail about his visit to Dayton, and heagreed to accompany us. He made arrangements at the hotel for his stay in Dayton from Friday through Thursday night, and then he would fly to New York for his trip home. A fellow club member offered to meet him at JFK on Friday and show him his register collection and take him back to the airport on Saturday. That’s what our club is all about, member helping member to make collecting an enjoyable experience for everyone
On Saturday I was scheduled to work a fundraiser for the Learning Tree Farm. However, I was informed that I wouldn’t be needed all day. Since they did need a couple of my tables for displaying merchandise, I took them out early and agreed to return at 3:30 to work the final hour and half and do the takedown.
Learning the Pricing Structure
After delivering the tables I went to my new friend Milton’s hotel and took him to Springfield to visit a large antique mall. He was like a kid in a candy store. Turns out he has many interests, not just cash registers and its memorabilia. In the very first case, we saw a National Receipt Box and he said “I need that. I never have seen one.” The boxes are not as common as registers. However, you should find at least one in any large antique mall here in the states.
In the fourth case he found a watch he wanted, and a mall helper was right there with the key. The worker asked if we knew the pricing structure of the mall, which he explained. There was a 10 percent discount on any item over $20. For items over $100, they would call the dealer so you could make an offer or get his “best” price. After examining the watch, Milton decided to purchase it. We took the helper back to the first case so we could examine the receipt box. It was in good shape for its age, with both hinges intact. The lock appeared to work, although there wasn’t a key. Milton asked that the dealer be called for his best price.
We continued through the mall, with Milton seeing many items he was interested in. But there wasn’t room in his suitcase. I found a mug, a cast car, and Milton found a neat Dayton postcard.
After completing the last aisle, Milton discovered a cash register he had to have, the first register he ever worked on. We found a mall worker and asked her to call the dealer to get the best price and compute shipping. After four hours of shopping and looking, we were at the checkout counter. They were able to get contact the dealer for the register, and Milton agreed to the price, but they couldn’t provide shipping until Monday.
Milton did get the receipt box for $5 less than the asking price, so he purchased that item, along with the watch because both fit in his suitcase.
After we left the mall we had lunch and proceeded to Aullwood where the Learning Tree Farm was set up. I worked from 3:30 till 5, Milton helped me pack. From there we went to my house where Pauline had fixed a great supper, and I found a key for the receipt box.
(To be continued)
Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net
