When I was active as a restorer in the Chicago area, I was once given
an original Ampico test roll that one of my patrons had acquired.  When
I examined the roll, much to my surprise, I found a letter inside the
box.  The salutation on the letter was to "Lee", with no last name
mentioned.  Clearly, the letter's purpose was to instruct "Lee" on how
to properly adjust his Ampico, and included a diagram for constructing
a water gauge to aid in the task.

Hand written in fountain pen on very thin paper, the three pages also
encouraged "Lee" and offered some advise.   The letter was signed by
Denis Condon, New South Wales, and dated 1956.  At that time, I had no
idea who Denis Condon was.  But that was all going to change in a few
years.

When Denis booked an around the world trip, he contacted me in advance
to arrange a meeting in my suburban Chicago home.  We agreed to a two
night stay at my house.  After picking him up at O'Hare airport, we
chatted until our voices nearly dried up, then proceeded to listen to
rolls all night.  It was then I showed Denis the test roll with his
letter inside.  Initially, he was overwhelmed.  He could recognize his
own handwriting, but he could not recall sending the roll with letter
to "Lee" (in the Denver area).  That is understandable since the letter
was already 25+ years old at that time.

As collectors, we love provenance.  My test roll, with letter, is one
of my most treasured Ampico pieces.  Denis Condon, and his legacy, has
a special place in my collection.  He truly was a pioneer collector.

I miss you, Denis.

Bob Taylor
Missouri