Waterloo Coin Society

500th Meeting

  The Waterloo Coin Society celebrated a milestone meeting on December 14, 2004.  It was the 500th meeting of the club since its first meeting in March 1959. 

  Wow!!  Our 500th meeting was one of our best and most eventful ones in memory!!  Having arrived early with the cake I was greeted by Robb sporting a new "Past President" name tag in anticipation of a new page in WCS history being turned.  Bret Evans from Canadian Coin News and Bill English our first President were both in attendance to record and reminisce the many successes our club has had over the years.  Robb as librarian had acquired some interesting items which were proudly displayed along with numerous records of meetings, memberships and more.  Bill of course was able to add a great deal to what quickly took up most of the front of the room.  With the gift an auction tables on one side and cake on the other, things got crowded!!  Don was pleasantly surprised with over 30 participants in the Secret Santa exchange and even tried to look the part.  Club business took priority in the form of the presentation of the new Executive for 2005/2006 and recognition of Mike Hollingshead for his efforts in the numismatic field.  Mike was awarded a life membership and Plaque, one of only 6 people to have had that distinction.  Mike was quite shocked and felt undeserving of the honor, standing amidst 3 WCS Life Members.  Considering his long history of active and passionate involvement in numismatics including the numerous contributions he has made to our club, one would have difficulty finding a more deserving person!!  Bill helped cut the cake after a brief introduction and he was kind enough to let us in on some of the early beginnings of our club.  Some things you may not be aware of: :Les Marks was the designer of our medal, 4 different meeting locations since 1959, previous attempts of establishing clubs were not always successful.  CNA was instrumental in WCS's startup.  The first banquet was held in 1961 with J.J Pittman as speaker.  Jim Charlton and Neil Carmichael were among the first dealers in attendance.  There was interest as early as 1948 in starting a coin club in the area, but coin collecting was still being perceived negatively.  The club was started in order to help people collect and very much learn as you go adventure!! We owe a great deal to Bill English, Frank Utley, Harvey Brubacher, Louise Graham and others without whos efforts we wouldn't be here today!

Reprinted from January 2005 bulletin, Peter Becker - Editor

                            The Cake

                            Some Interesting pieces

Founding President William English and Incoming President Peter Becker

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