Gary has been a member of the American Bell Association for many years. The organization describes itself as "a group of friendly people who enjoy collecting bells for their sound, appearance and history." The organization holds annual conventions featuring speakers, bell forums and bell discussions. It also publishes a bi-monthly educational magazine called the Bell Tower, filled with bell-related articles. ABA regional chapters meet at least twice a year throughout the U.S. and in other countries.
With so many collectors going online to hunt bargains, will Gary follow their lead?
"No computers," he says. "When I retired, I left them at work."
Jill Teunis is a freelance writer living in Damascus, Md. She is interested in writing about communities, their people and their history.