Picture it. It was November 1995. I was Christmas Shopping in the mall when i
walked past a book store. There, in the window, was a copy of Leonard Hill's
book The World's Most Beautiful Seashells . It stopped me cold in my tracks.
I went inside and purchased the book and rushed home with my new found
treasure. I was captivated by every picture. I must have some of these "most
beautiful seashells". I dug out the phone book to see if there were any shell
stores in St. Petersburg where I might find some of these pictured beauties.
I found THE SHELL STORE listed in St. Pete Beach. I explained to Bob Lipe
what had brought me to his door. Here, in cabinet after cabinet, were more
shell then I could fathom at one time. The very first shell I selected was a
Murex pecten. I thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
Bought several shells that day but can only remember that one. Bob invited me
to a meeting of the St. Petersburg Shell Club. Betty was getting to host the
COA Convention the next July. I was hooked...the rest is history.

Martin Tremor

St. Petersburg, FL