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THE WAY IT WAS....

By Virginia Hall, LM 26-02 Editor Emeritus

Palo Alto---Cabana Hotel---a jewel at the end of a palm lined entrance rolled out the red carpet and hosted the CSNA 44th semi-annual convention on April 17-20, 1969.

John Cobb was the General Chairman, ably assisted by Eldon Beaulieu who were on hand early Thursday morning and available for assistance all during the convention. A task well done. Charles Colver was busy-busy at the registration desk with a final count of close to 2000 visitors.

Frank Roza had his hands full as bourse chairman with 78 dealers present. Quite a few of the out-of-town dealers from the midwest and eastern part of our country enjoyed the California sunshine as well as the hospitality of our local dealers and club members. The weatherman turned on the best he could with many taking the opportunity of dealing outdoors at the luxurious pool and enjoying our wonderful weather at the same time. Dick Martin headed up the three session auction. Prices were firm with type coins and gold leading the way.

Darvin “Ace” Reiswig, Exhibit Chairman had a small but highly competitive group of exhibitors, 23 in all. Best of Show went to Ray Erkson for his display “Mexican Revolution”.

Forum Chairman, Dorothy Beaulieu, chose Maurice Gould as moderator. Speakers were John Cobb who spoke on the “Turban Head Half Dollar”. He showed how each coin can be individually identified in a matter of seconds and the reasons that this is possible. Mort Goodman spoke on “Then Thousands Coins A Minute”, a narration of the minting process. He showed how mint errors occur and get through into circulation.

Robert Clark spoke at the Saturday afternoon forum on “Swiss Numismatics” with colored slides to highlight his talk. Mr Clark represented the Society of International Numismatists. Sally Marx gave a talk on “Odd and Curious” and her exhibit was only exceeded by her talk. An added attraction to the program was a talk and exhibit from the “Wooden Money Collectors” with Joy Parrish narrating.

The ladies luncheon tour, with 3 gentlemen present, started with a visit to the Lane Publishing Co of Menlo Park, publishers of Sunset Magazine, from there the 38 people proceeded to the Allied Arts where they enjoyed a delicious luncheon coordinated by Dorothy Beaulieu.

The Saturday night banquet was a festive affair with Hap Yeager as Master of Ceremonies, when the guests were entertained by strolling musicians. After the delicious dinner, Byron Johnson presented the exhibit awards and the literary awards. Dr Guy Railsback won the first place literary award for his article on “Sea Salvaged Silver”. Sylvia Novack and Nona Moore took the bronze for “Coin Glass”. John Cobb was presented with the No 1 set of convention medals along with the trial pieces in appreciation for his excellent work in putting on the convention.

The “Tireless Three”, Mattie and Irving Knickerbocker and Roy Hill were introduced as having every CSNA convention to date. Rudy Gjurovich was present with his always popular attire, his “Money Suit”.

On Sunday, the final day of the convention, the members and visitors had the pleasure of seeing the Bank of America Gold Display with slides and discussion by George Boscawen, Curator.

Thanks to “Curly Mitchell”, West Coast Representative of the Franklin Mint for his Hospitality Suite. Also many thanks to photographers John Yee and Howard Chase. Another successful CSNA gathering.