In the mid 1950's, when I was a young teenager, I was exposed to the
better things in life other than rock and roll.  My strange group of
peers were into antique phonographs, classic cars, music of the 20's and
early 30's.  My dream was eventually to own an old car, a jukebox and a
carousel.  Please note I did not include old phonographs, as I already
had acquired a few of them already.  My idea of fun then was not attend-
ing an Elvis Concert, but perhaps going up to San Francisco to visit the
Sutro Museum or maybe just go down the road a piece to an old amusement
park called Trader Lews.  I still remember the calliope as well as a
unique phonograph there called a Phonolamp.  This was a combination
phonograph and table lamp.

Like Mr. Davis, I have (almost) fulfilled my dreams.

Now, at the age of 59, I still own many antique phonographs along with
some 7,000 78-RPM recordings, I have several antique banjos which I play
with several different trad jazz bands and have participated in three
recording sessions.  Have a 1912 Aeolian Pianola in the front room and a
1926 Buick in the garage; have a 1953 Gottlieb pinball machine in the
music room as well as a 1936 Wurlitzer juke box.  And along the way I've
gotten interested in trains, both full size and scale model.  Unfortun-
ately, I never did get that carousel.  Donations are gladly accepted.

Along the way I have met many most enjoyable people that I would not
have encountered if I would have stayed in the "mainstream".  I am not
rich but just "comfortable".  However, the experiences along the way
have made me richer than any millionaire.  I'm sure you can all
understand.

There was a museum in Morgan Hill, California, that closed down a few
years back, that was called The Flying Lady.  The owner, Irv Perch, was
interested in a multitude of things: antique aircraft, old cars, Dixie-
land jazz, horse-drawn vehicles; even raised bison on his property.  On
the side of one of his storage barns were the words, "The difference
between men and boys are the price of their toys".  I am proud to say
that today I am a man.

respectfully submitted,

Dave Cotter