Drip Pan GEM memory

[outune]

The recent posting and sale of a Drip Pan GEM on the Yankee Trader, made me recall the nicest Drip Pan I have ever seen... along with "the story."

That Drip Pan GEM was posted as a Featured Phonograph several years ago by Steve Andersun. My good friend--the late Gene Cole-- had purchased several machines from a small collection. Gene called me to stop by and look at a Victor V, an extended arm Victor M (which I purchased from him) and a nice Edison Home that was in the group. Then, almost as an aside, he said, "And I got a little GEM, too." Gene had one other GEM and was unfamiliar with the early Drip Pans-- After a brief time of ooo-ing and ahhh-ing, I let him know he had something a bit more special than a 'normal' GEM.

Gene and I cleaned it up, got it running well and took it to the Charlotte, NC show where Steve purchased it.

What makes the memory even more special---> The morning the show opened, before we left our hotel, Gene said he wasn't feeling well, but wanted me to go ahead over to the show venue. Gene was 89 at the time. He then said, "I think I'll call the Rescue Squad" --- Wait--What?? He kept insisting that I go to the show--which, of course, I didn't.

He was admitted to the hospital with flu-like symptoms and severe dehydration-- BUT- After he was all settled in a room, he insisted that I go to the show since we already had set up our booths the night before. I remember Brantly Kuglar, Bob Barnes and Stephen Madara (and I'm sure others) had kept an eye on our stuff until I arrived. Well-- Gene had one of his best selling shows ever!

From his hospital bed, stuck with IVs, he was making sales. I'd call him on the phone to convey offers on various machines and record cabinets. He was in the hospital the entire weekend, but was still active in the show! He truly loved this hobby! Gene's been gone a little over a year now. He is missed.

I was very pleased Steve purchased the GEM- It truly is a beautiful machine! Here's the link to the Featured Phonograph posting Steve put in later:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=16215

Enjoy-
Brad Abell

[Jerry B.]

Thanks for sharing the story as well as the link.

Jerry B.

[Phono-Phan]

Thanks for sharing that great story. That is one of the nicest Drip Pan Gems I have seen.

[emerson]

Hey Brad, YES---Gene was a great person that made the hobby and collecting the level it is. It is hard to believe all the good people that are no longer at their spots--- physically but do live on in elevated memories at the Shows.

[fonograph]

Thanks for taking us down memory lane Brad. Gene was great guy. I remember as a young collector he helped me to get started on the right track. He would tell me "dont mess with that", or "you need to buy that". I still have some of the pieces that he encouraged me to buy, and they remind me of him. Guys like him live on through our memories.
Bob Barnes