Most interesting to see Vernon Brown surrounded by a large group of eager young coin enthusiasts circa 1945. I am not among them, although I did indeed know Vernon, and visited the Chase Manhattan Money Museum a couple of times, including many years later when Gene Hessler was in charge.

At the time, I had a single coin collecting friend, Henry Kotzen. Both of us lived on the upper west side of Manhattan, and on Saturday mornings we would walk down to Stack's, at 12 West 46th Street. I still well remember the pained expression on Ben Stack's face once when he saw us coming in the door while an auction was being conducted.

I remain as interested in numismatics as ever and just returned a couple of days ago from France (my 142nd overseas trip!), where I finally completed some research in Paris and three other towns. I expect to attend the Boston ANA Convention, not with a bourse table, but, time permitting, will exhibit my early Benjamin Franklin medals and medallions.