Dateline Dayton — Last Thursday my cash register collecting buddy, Howard, and I left for the Cash Register Collectors swap meet and meeting in St. Charles, IL. Since we were picking a fellow collector, Dan, in Maumee, OH, adding two hours to our trip, we left Dayton in the darkness of 3:15 a.m.

Dan lives in Michigan, but we arranged to meet him at the Maumee Antique Mall at 6 o’clock. He promised he would be there at 5:30 in case we were early. Not much traffic at that early hour and sure enough we were early, at 5:45. No Dan. Traffic was thicker for him, and there was a construction delay, so he didn’t make it until 6:15.

Since the mall is at an entrance to the toll road (80-90), we just had to pull out of the parking lot and immediately we were on our way. My navigator forgot his glasses, though, so I made one wrong turn in the Chicago area, costing us a few minutes. We arrived at the hotel in St. Charles by 10:15 (they are an hour later). Even though the swap meet wasn’t scheduled to begin until 11, it was well under way.

I had a difficult time getting to the back of the lot to find a parking space. Although the event is supposed to take place in the back parking lot of the hotel, many were set up in the side lot.

The swap meet had to be the largest to date. So many cash registers were being offered for sale. I sold a few of the items, making it a successful day. Afterward, it was on to the club meeting, which got very hot and not only the temperature of the room.

After supper many of us gathered in the lobby for conversation, more food, more beverages. I didn’t stay long. Having done all the driving, I was fatigued.

Friday morning after breakfast, it was over to Pheasant Run to check out the items for sale in the parking lot. Again, many registers were there but none with my name on them. Up to this point I hadn’t spent any money except for food.

By 11 o’clock we were on our way back home. I did purchase some postcards at various stops during our return trip. We arrived at the Maumee Antique Mall while it was still open, and we made a quick walk-through. I found three mugs, which were interesting, so I parted with a few dollars.

Although it was a fast paced trip, it was very enjoyable, even if it was cold and windy, but then that is what we expected from Chicago in November.

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