Dateline Dayton — Two weeks ago today, I picked up our Australian friend Milton at the Dayton Airport. He was traveling with a one of his buddies from Australia, Bob, whom he has known since going to work for National Cash Register fifty-plus years ago.

After getting their luggage into my van, I was on the way to their hotel near our home. The first question Milton asked “how are you?” was:

“When we are going to Hooters?”

Bob’s first question was, “Do you know where the British Car Museum is?”

I had a good idea when we would be visiting Hooters, but I knew nothing about the museum. I was aware of the British Car Club and their meet at the Second Street Market, which Bob also knew about.

On Friday, Howard, my NCR collector friend, took Bob and Milton to the NCR Archive, which is housed at Dayton History. After their visit to the archive, they went over to the historic Patterson Homestead, which was open for tours. Afterward, they were shown a few other former NCR sites around town.

For Saturday, I had plans with Pauline. Her birthday was the next day, and she was taking some of the grandkids to see “Beauty and the Beast” in the afternoon. I had taken her to a very nice seafood restaurant on Friday evening for her birthday dinner. I was unable to chauffer our guests, so Howard stepped in again and took them to visit the antique malls over in Springfield.

Paradise for Collectors

Saturday evening we all met for supper, with Pauline and Howard’s wife, Marylyn, also attending. We had a great time and enjoyed some delicious food at Milano’s, an Italian restaurant. We went to Howard’s home later to view his NCR collection. Bob, Milton and Howard had all worked for NCR.

On Sunday, I was to pick up Milton and Bob up at their hotel and we were going to Carillon Park to spend the afternoon. Upon arrival, Milton was in the lobby and told me Bob was on the phone with the President of the British Car Club in Dayton. When he arrived, he announced that Peter would be willing to take us to see the club’s car collection, which will be in the museum when they get it established. He made arrangements for a 2:30 pickup, thinking we might have time to take in the park. I suggested that instead of going to Carillon today, we schedule it for another time and see if Peter would like to leave earlier.

Car Mavens

Once that was accomplished, we had an hour before Peter was to arrive, and we drove over to my house so they could see my small collection. We did a quick walk-a-round and headed back to the hotel.

Turns out I had met Peter at one of the shows where I was selling some of my NCR items, and he remembered me. The car collection is stored in Wilmington, a short distance, 40 minutes from the hotel.

Bob had a great time discussing British cars with Peter, and he took a lot of time to tell Bob what he knew about the vehicles the club had there and elsewhere. After returning to Dayton, we all enjoyed a pizza, refreshment and fellowship. Peter is a super person, and he impressed our Australian visitors, with his hospitality.

On Monday, I took Milton and Bob to the Air Force Museum, where they spent the day. Since I had my pottery class on Monday night, they were on their own for supper.

We were leaving early Wednesday morning for Illinois, so they decided they should sleep in on Tuesday morning and they also had to do their laundry.

At noon, I picked them up and they spent the afternoon at beautiful Carillon Park. Fortunately, the girl from the Patterson Homestead was at the park. Remembering them, she extended an invitation to the new addition to the main building, where part of the NCR collection will be displayed.

The next day, we made it to Hooters for supper, where we all had their delicious fish sandwich. Milton also enjoyed the eye candy.

Next week: our trip to Illinois via Wisconsin.

Mr. Hennessey, who is celebrating St. Patrick’s, may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net