William E. Old, Jr. Biography

William E. Old, Jr. was the first collection manager of the AMNH mollusk collection under Curator William K. Emerson serving from 1960 to1982. During his career in New York, his expansive knowledge of mollusks helped to nearly triple the size of the AMNH mollusk collection. He was author or co-author of 36 papers on mollusks as well as numerous popular articles and book reviews for shell-club publications. He was recognized as an authority on cone shells (Conidae), but also professed enthusiasm for conchs (Strombidae), cowries (Cypraeidae), chitons and land snails. Bill served as president of the American Malacological Union (now Society) in 1978-1979, hosting the annual meeting in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was also an active participant in of the New York Shell Club (as president 1963-1965) and many amateur shell clubs, as lecturer, shell show judge, and mentor. Among his other passions were horticulture (specializing in cactus and other succulents) and visiting zoological gardens wherever he traveled. His library forms an extensive portion of the mollusk reprint collection. Monetary donations to AMNH in his memory form part of a special Malacology Fund that supports various operations of the mollusk collection.

See also:

Raeihle, Dorothy, and William K. Emerson. 1983. In memorium: William Erwood Old, Jr., April 14, 1928 - December 31, 1982. American Malacological Bulletin, 1: 75-78.

Raeihle, Dorothy, and William K. Emerson. 1983. William Erwood Old, Jr. 1928-1982. Of Sea & Shore, 13(1): 41-42 [reprinted from New York Shell Club Notes, no. 286, Mar 1983]