Looking for anything and everything related to the Toledo illegal gambling clubs....

~ Dice, chips, ashtrays, matchbooks, etc.

Why, you may ask? Two reasons:

1. I am doing a very elaborate exhibit for the CCA convention in June on the Illegal Gambling Clubs of Toledo. Although I have many items from the Toledo clubs, there are lots of things I do not have, and probably tons I'm not even aware of.

2. This is the most important reason: I have made it my mission to acquire as much information, documentation and memorabilia as possible for the city and citizens of Toledo, Ohio and to preserve the history of the illegal gambling clubs and the people associated with them.

I have donated my entire collection of Toledo Illegal gambling items and files to the Toledo History Museum. I have made sure that the collection goes where it belongs. Not in my closet. Not handed down to my son, where it may be stashed in his closet, or tragically worse... broken up and sold off for a couple of dollars. I realized the collection was far to important to the historical archives of the city to have in a personal collection. There isn't anything I have that's worth more then a couple of bucks, but as far as historical significance....priceless!

As a collector, I am mainly a Nevada chip guy. Being from Toledo, I of course had to also collect illegals from Toledo (i think it's a chip collecting law) . I started out collecting for myself because they were very cool. As my collection grew (and grew), so did my passion. My collection focus evolved. Not only did I collect the Toledo chips, but also newspaper articles, ashtrays, matchbooks, dice and just about anything else related.

At a mere 62 years old, I do not consider myself old. In fact, on the contrary, I feel young at heart and thankfully, I am healthy and still quite spry. So in my remaining years, which hopefully will be another 40-50 years, I aim to do as much as I can for the Toledo History Museum's illegal gambling club collection. I continue to actively search for and try to add new items to the collection.

A plea to others who have collections of illegals from their cities: There is a very good chance that you have unknowingly put together the most extensive collection of illegal gambling historical items in your city. Please consider donating to your local history museum. Consider sharing your knowledge. Consider doing a display at your local library. Consider working with your local historians to put together the story of illegal gambling in your city. Someday, we will all be gone. Wouldn't it be great if we could leave behind something for the future generations? Wouldn't it be great if we could all preserve some gaming history? If not us, then who?