Who: Melvin L. Morris, 78, World War II veteran (with foreign service in New Guinea and Luzon) and Korean War Active Reserve officer who collects militaria from all over the world.

        What? “Militaria refers to military uniforms, medals, insignias and badges,” Mr. Morris explains. “Really, just about everything having to do with the military. I am not concerned with firearms and weapons. I do use some replicas in displays, but I have no interest in firearms.”

        Where: In the Colerain Township “residence/warehouse” he shares with Etta, his wife of 54 years. The bulk of the collection is kept in a spare bedroom/office and the basement.

        On display: Thousands of pieces of military memorabilia including: uniforms, buttons, medals, patches, photos, unarmed grenades and shells, certificates, helmets and soldiers' personal items.

        A new focus: Mr. Morris began collecting in 1988 when he retired from his sales and sales management position at the Glidden Co.

        “My father, William Morris was a World War I veteran of the 138th Field Artillery, 38th Division, A.E.F.,” he says. “So, I started out collecting World War I items and even re-created my father's uniform.”

        Memories: One of Mr. Morris' favorite pieces is a souvenir helmet medal from a parade that was held in Louisville. “It was back in 1929,” he recalls. “Afterwards, my father gave us money, and my brother and I each bought one.”

        Through the years, Mr. Morris has assembled thousands of items by attending quarterly militaria shows sponsored by the Ohio Valley Military Society, as well as by scouting Goodwill stores and thrift shops.

        Dedication to detail: One of the most noteworthy things about Mr. Morris' collection is its organization. Everything is mounted, framed, identified and cross-referenced. Uniforms are hung according to branch of service, rank and date. Medals and patches are displayed by battalion. There is even a section devoted to mess kits. He truly has created a private museum.

        History lesson: As a service, he began making displays available to the public. His collection has been seen at the Delhi Senior Center and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. From Nov. 2-Dec. 7, his collection will be on display at the Main Public Library at 800 Vine St., downtown.

        In addition to presenting museum and library displays, Mr. Morris lectures at schools, historical societies and other interested organizations. He also writes for several publications including: Over There, The Militaria Historian, The Footlocker and The Trading Post.

        Mr. Morris is satisfied with the direction his interest has taken. “What started as a hobby,” he reflects, “Has become so much more.”

        Share your prize possessions with Marsie Hall Newbold by mail: c/o The Cincinnati Enquirer; e-mail: marsolete@aol.com.

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