Dear Ray,

 

Your ears must be ringing!  We have not stopped talking about how wonderful it was to meet you and have you explain and demonstrate via your model what happened on November 13, 1909, at the Cherry mine disaster.  You and your model made all the difference in the world!  Thank you for spending so much time with me, Carmelita Collins, my husband, Peter, and our friends, Ray and Kenna Baskerville yesterday, August 1, 2009.  You recall, my grandfather was Antenore Quartaroli, one of the 20 "eight day survivors."

 

Ray Baskerville surprised me.  He presented me with your new DVD which we absolutely treasure and appreciate.  Peter and I watched it twice and just had to share it with Ray and Kenna so they could see it.  Truly, it is a masterpiece!  I have a brother, Robert LaRocca in Jacksonville, Florida.  I called him this morning to tell him about our time with you.  Bob has seen your model in the library.  He was very impressed with it but really was intrigued with the added insights you shared with us.  He looks forward to seeing the DVD knowing how you photographed the model outdoors.  How clever and physically taxing for you.  Of course, I will be ordering more DVD's from you. 

 

Peter and I plan to attend the 100th anniversary, November 14 and 15, 2009.  We will be sure to look for you then. 

 

Thank you again for all your interest and work regarding the the Cherry mine disaster.  What a fabulous record of this portion of our family history that you have provided.

 

Sincerely, Carm Collins