You have probably run amok on the issue of Rosemont vs downtown Chicago as the ANA Convention site. However, I am happy that David Lange raised the issue as I am certain the issue has perplexed many.

Rosemont was our choice for the 100th ANA anniversary convention with John Wilson as general chair. It was a thrilling success - some 20,000 numismatists attended. The Chicago Coin Club did a tremendous job promoting and staging the show and backing up John and Ruthann Brettell.

I moved back to the Chicago area 2 1/2 years ago and now live in Tinley Park, a far, southwest suburb, after almost 40 years. Talking last year with Bob Leonard, I learned he commuted from a far-north suburb to Tinley Park on a daily basis--this must have been an hour's commute. If Bob had driven through Chicago, that would have been at least two hours each way. The route Bob took is the sterling advantage of Rosemont, an easier commute.

Rosemont offers the following for conventions:

I would counsel Bob Leonard to stage a trip to Great America for families during the convention - perhaps only a half-hour trip. Also, as Ruthann did, take in a night game at Wrigley Field or Comiskey Park--ok, you can see I have been away from Chicago too long--Cellular Field now.

Enjoy ANA's World Fair of Money (a Steve Bobbitt sobriquet) for ANA's summer convention. Look forward to Rosemont and the ANA. Bob Leonard and company will do a great job.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:ON THE CHOICE OF ANA CONVENTION CITIES(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v13n16a25.html)