47th ILNA convention a winner

 The 47th annual Illinois Numismatic Association Convention opened with dealer and early bird-only admission on Thursday, Sept. 7, at Countryside, Ill.

In excess of 1,200 people attended public sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A bourse of 115 tables provided a wide range of material for attendees. Bourse Chairman Kermit Wasmer reported that the show went very smoothly as a result of great cooperation from club members. Easy access off I-55 and free parking made this a great venue for the show.

Saturday was filled with educational programs and a two-session Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge clinic that was put on by American Numismatic Association Governor and Central States Numismatic Association Vice-president Patti Finner. More than 100 Boy Scouts, parents and leaders attended the sessions which were well received, with one mother exclaiming it was the best scouting clinic she had ever attended.

While the scouts were busy with their merit badge activities, interested collectors attended afternoon presentations such as ?Building an Exhibit,? by Jack Huggins; ?Multi Struck? and ?Detecting Counterfeits? by Frank M. Zapushek; ?Colonial Currency,? Bill Brandimore; ?Standing Liberty Quarters,? Eugene Freeman; ?Bi-Metallic Coins,? Michael Doran; and ?ILNA New Member Orientation? by ILNA board chairman Jack Huggins.

Sunday activities included a general membership meeting and a Youth Auction.

For information on joining the ILNA, download membership applications at www.ilnaclub.org, or contact Michael Doran at P.O. Box 30, Greenup, IL 62428. Adults $8, Juniors $2.