Where to start? How does one begin to tell about an interesting experience, because that’s what the advertising cards give away, or call it what you will, turned out to be. The response, for example, far exceeded any thought the writer had in this area. He was swamped with mail in the matter of a few days. In a way this is great, but then in another way there will be quite a few disappointed people around since 20 cards were allocated on a "first 20 request" basis.

Some of the letters were of considerable interest and some were strange. It’s odd how certain people will put their own interpretation into something they have read that is quite specific and clear. For example, a number of letters received did not contain return envelopes, and other requests were simply on a postcard. In either case, these were what you might call disqualified. In one case there was only an envelope—nothing else, no mention of the card or anything.

Among the interesting letters was one from a man, whose request unfortunately arrived too late. He went into detail as to wanting a card for his collection of advertising cards. However, he was thoughtful enough to explain that individuals interested in mechanical banks should come first, and if their requests outnumbered the 20 then he would rather they be favored. This really appealed to the writer as an unselfish approach to a hobby.

We go from this to another extreme where there were letters requesting two cards, and while the intentions here were probably well meant, there was no way to comply with a request of this nature.

The writer was quite surprised and rather pleased with the overall replies to his offer. Many letters referred to the Mechanical Bank articles and how they were read and appreciated, and he certainly wants to thank all those who were thoughtful in writing in this manner. So please let this "thank you" apply in each case as the writer cannot answer all the mail received in this particular circumstance.

In answer to numbers of requests in these letters, the writer cannot supply back copies of the Mechanical Bank articles from the early 1950’s on. To many others who ask as to publishing the articles in a book form—this has been given some consideration and time will tell. Now to those who inquired about a new edition of the Mechanical Bank Booklet. This is now in process and should be ready in a month or so. Due to increased costs, the price per copy will be a little higher than the original copyrighted in 1956. There will be numerous additions to the listing of banks and other changes right up to date. Accuracy as far as possible and the general form of the original booklet will be maintained. Anyone wishing to reserve a copy ahead of time may do so by sending a remittance of $3 to the writer at the address shown in his various want ads in HOBBIES.

Now to the list of those who received one each of the original Indian and Bear advertising cards:

James Riley, Battle Creek, Mich.
Charles G. King, Chicago, Ill.
Mrs. Robert W. Gabler, Chambersburg, Pa.
W.W. Tudor, Chicago, Ill.
Marvin D. Houghton, Arlington, Va.
Harry Knapp, Orlando, Fla.
Michael A. Santell, Los Angeles, Calif.
Dr. Ralph F. Merkle, Allentown, Pa.
Wilmot R. Craig, Rochester, N.Y.
Miss Janet E. Masteller, Columbus, Ohio.
S.R. Mahan, West Chester, Pa.
Charles B. Follert, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Vernon V. Voris, Seattle, Wash.
J.R. Jenista, Caldwell, Kans.
Mrs. Roger F. Summ, Cromwell, Conn.
Larry E. Mowrey, Ephrata, Pa.
Hubert B. Whiting, Wakefield, Mass.
Harold W. Miller, Vinton, Iowa.
David K. Bausch, Allentown, Pa.
Elmer A. Cottrell, Round Rock, Tex.

In closing, the writer certainly hopes the recipients are pleased, and he only wishes he had enough to go around to all who replied to his offer.

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