I'm quite sure the old guy was happy to find someone who would appreciate the history that he held onto for so many years. He knew he had found a good home for it once he had talked with you Darin.
Darin, I DO HOPE you take the time SOON to Visit. It will mean More to him to be able to Share His Life w/ you than anything else you could offer him. Take a recording device & get him talking. When this information is lost to time, it's GONE. Time waits on NO ONE.