A Short History of ESNA

By Dr. Kenneth Sartoris
Revisions by John Cali and Timothy Corio

The Empire State Numismatic Association was born in the mind of Charles W. Foster, former ANA Librarian and President of the Rochester Numismatic Association. He was known to countless friends and collectors as the Suitcase Dealer. In the spring of 1949, Charlie wrote Kenneth Sartoris and asked if he would be present at the next Albany meeting. Foster had something of importance to confide. The idea was a statewide organization for the collector who could not or did not attend the large ANA conventions. He had already spoken to others and the reaction was favorable.

The first meeting was arranged in Syracuse, NY on December 10, 1949. In attendance where a handful of very enthusiastic numismatists such as: Eichorn, DeBroll and Peake from the Rochester Club; Heaton and Williamson from Syracuse; Schermerhorn of the Albany Numismatic Society and Kenneth Sartoris.

A novel idea was conceived. There was to be no elected officers, but committees to execute the various phases of the association. It was called The Numismatic Advancement Council. A meeting followed in the spring. In the fall of 1950, they found such a set-up was inefficient and non-productive. So, the Council was reorganized with elected officers and renamed The Empire State Numismatic Association (ESNA).

Because Syracuse was centrally located and convention facilities adequate, it was felt ESNA should meet there for semiannual get-togethers. They soon out-grew their accommodations and with a clamor of local brother societies, it was voted to have the spring meeting elsewhere. In May 1956, Albany was honored to have the first ESNA convention outside of Syracuse. Rochester and Buffalo quickly followed with very fine affairs. Soon to be augmented by Binghamton, NY May 18-20, and Utica, NY in September 1962. So the dream of a statewide organization became a fact.

Charles Foster, first secretary, contributed much of the shull work issuing announcements, pamphlets, and taking care of the convention details. His convention pal, Charles Heaton was a capable worker. He is retired but all of his work will not be forgotten. He was succeeded by Ed Park.

When Charles Foster became too ill to carry on, Jacob Cheris filled the office. Through sheer ability, enthusiasm and graciousness, Charles added fun, spice and surprises to ESNA's meetings. Following Mr. Cheris, Charles French assumed the office of secretary. In later years it was decided to add an assistant secretary's office. We had our first woman in the cabinet, Arline French who filled the position with alacrity.

The first president was Dr. Kenneth Sartoris of Schenectady, NY and from Albany Numismatic Society. He served until may, 1957, and was succeeded by John J. Pittman (member of the Rochester Numismatic Association), Rochester, NY. Next in 1959, the reins were taken by Doctor Feori Pipito of Amsterdam, also a member of the Albany Numismatic Society. He was followed by Paul C. Livingston from the Syracuse Club. Paul was elected in 1961. Since that time other capable men have filled the presidency of ESNA.

One of the main functions of an organization is a publication. ESNA's original publication was called the Stater. This ceased in the 1990's. It was started by Charles Foster and edited by him for many years. When illness struck, he relinquished the job with considerable personal (and all of ESNA's) regret. Jacob Cheris took the responsibility to continue the job of secretary and editor of the Stater which began to assume huge proportions. To relieve the pressure from one individual, Charles French edited the paper.

The leadership went to Willis McKinney and the publication came into its own in printed format rather than being mimeographed. The organization had enough funds to sustain such an effort and Willis did an excellent job. Following as editor, Fred Hunter of the Binghamton Club continued the same efficient work. Fred was also First Vice-President.

For several years ESNA Briefs was the publication. It was published in the same dedicated manner. More recently, the name "The Stater" has returned. Workers, however, were becoming fewer. It is hoped that the past sets the example with a level of excitement in the publication as it once was. John Cali is the editor of the current incarnation of The Stater.

This is an organization of collectors and for collectors; but no society can be stronger than those who work for it. Officers cannot make an organization, it is YOU, the collector who must support it. Come to conventions, exhibit, voice your opinion at the general meeting. A continued interest on your part can make each year a memorable one for ESNA.