A Happy New "Collector"

[Raphael]

My restorer, Mack, is a humble man who has always treated me with the utmost courtesy, respect and dignity. He's the kind of fellow, when you are around him, your own demeanor and behavior quite naturally ratchet up a notch or two. In the 15 years he's done work for me, I've never heard him swear or even raise his voice. And every time I bring him a piece to restore, he always, sincerely, comments on how beautiful the item is and how he would love to own one someday. I felt that since he's now about 75, "someday" should be sooner rather than later.

So, I picked up a very, very nice VE-XVI from Jerry Blais at Union and Mike Patella trucked it to my house. Mike refused to charge me for the delivery, he also knowing Mack for many years and that this was to be a gift for him.

On Thursday, Mack came to my house to do some touch-up work, and when he was ready to leave I whipped the blanket off the phonograph and told him that it was a gift. Here was his reaction, and believe me, these pictures were not posed, I just stood back and whipped out my cell phone to take them. My wife was all the way upstairs in her office, and she heard so much screaming in the garage she came running down to check on us to see if everything was OK.
He must have given me 10 hugs, and a lot of tears followed. After I gave him some lessons, a milk crate full of records and a tin of needles, he told me that he would be inviting his church group over on Sunday following services for all to see and hear.

I think this gentleman with his once-in-a-lifetime antique phonograph, will have more fun and enjoyment with it than anybody with 100 or 200 in their collection!

[Scott]

Now there's a few priceless pics. Good on ya for hooking up Mack. No doubt that he will treasure that machine for the rest of his days. You know that he's going to show it off to EVERYONE he knows (and maybe a few he doesn't know) Good on ya Raphael! There's a special place for folks like you......

Scott

[fran604g]

That's very generous of you! You're a good man, Raphael.

[radman]

The expression on Mack's face is priceless! What a thoughtful and kind act. It is indeed a pleasure reading posts that are so positive.

Thanks!

Dave

[TinfoilPhono]

Good for you!!! And for Mack. What a wonderful (and obviously appreciated) gesture. A huge thumbs up.

[Andersun]

Raphael, great story and priceless pictures!

[Roaring20s]

Mack, if your looking in, what an joyful experience!
It's great to be gifted craftsman and then so recognized!
Way to go!

James.

[StL Bill]

Congratulations to both Mack and to you Raphael. Having been to your house and probably seeing some of Macks work, I
am sure he appreciated the beautiful condition of that Victrola. It was a very kind gesture.

Bill Feiner

[gemering]

Way to go Raphael!!!!!!

A beautiful gesture on your part.
Gene

[phonogfp]

Good karma for you, Raphael!

I hope Mack enjoys his Victrola for many years.

George P.