Jack, I couldn't help but smile when I read that you got your ARRL Life Membership in 1972, I did too. I built my novice transmitter in high school electronics shop from a QST article ... I still remember the glow of the light bulb when I dipped the plate of the 807.? I also remember buying my first spool of Copperweld from Purchase Radio Supply, RF burns from my Swan 350, phone patches from South America, solar cycle 20, and The Adventures of Carl and Jerry. Good times.
Tom - AJ8X