"We all know how helpful influential political friends can be. I had one who suddenly made things happen for us in 1977. My friend introduced me to the Hon. John Roberts, Minister of State in Charge of Museums. He seemed genuinely interested in our story and our problems and asked me to pout it all in a letter, which I did immediately that night. In 3 days I ahd a call from Ottawa to arrange a meeting, the first of several. Experts and officials descended on the Van Slyck home to inspect the collection and tell us what we had to do..."

(Edna Holland fonds. Commentaries Series. Volunteer Information Session, March 20, 1986)