Founded in 1964 in the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History, our regular meetings are now conducted in the Chicago office of the Helix Camera and Video Company.
Meetings run from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month, from September through May. They are held on the 8th floor of the Helix Camera and Video Company located at 310 South Racine Ave. Park on the street or in the lot west of the building on Jackson Blvd. Please be on time! The entrance on Racine Ave. is open from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Some special events are: open house meetings held at members' homes, shell auctions and our annual St. Nick & Neptune Christmas party.
Programs, generally, are presentations given by shell experts from around the country. Lively discussion is the rule, and members also present information about recent collecting trips, their latest shell acquisitions and aspects of the hobby in which they're interested.
The May and December meetings include shell auctions. We have both silent and voice auctions with bidding beginning at prices just slightly over dealer cost. Through the years these auctions have allowed members to build some beautiful collections which they might not otherwise have been able to assemble without extensive travel.
Besides travel, collection, classification and preparation techniques, many other aspects of shell collecting come up at meetings. Shellcraft is one such special topic. The Christmas party always includes lovely table decorations made by members having this interest.
Collecting books about shells is another interest shared by many members. However, it is not necessary to buy many books to keep up with the latest information. The club's extensive library stored at Helix is open for lending to members at meetings.
Club membership ranges from novice to expert and from juniors to retirees. Many members join the club after an initial shelling experience that they are eager to continue. All are there to share and increase their knowledge about shells and the ecosystems in which they exist.
Dues are $25.00 a year for families, $20.00 for individuals and $15.00 for juniors (under 18 years). You do not have to be a member to attend our meetings or auctions. The 2004 meeting schedule listed below provides an idea of the scope and variety of club activities.
Call at: 312-225-4261 or e-mail at: c_owen6197@sbcglobal.net and leave your name and address for the latest information concerning our next meeting.
Mary Owen, Chicago Shell Club
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