[skil55voy]

I started collecting in 1962. I managed to complete the set. I also managed to complete the 1965 Topps baseball and 3 of the Philadelphia football sets. I grew up in Michigan and I knew John Stomen. Besides publishing Sports Collector Digest he used to set up at shows with his son. Great guy. Used to let me sit in his booth and talk cards. I went in the Army in 1978 and ended up in Maryland. I knew Denny Eckes. He had a print shop near Fort Meade. I made him a Baltimore Orioles word search of every player that had played for them up until 1980. He hung it in his shop. He gave me a copy of the original Sport Americana price guide he produced with Dr. Beckett. Denny also set up at shows around the Baltimore area. Terrific guy. The great thing about the hobby is all of the dealers I have met. Even though they are spread out across the country you would still see them at some of the big shows regionally. Kevin Savage, JD Heckathorn and Dr. William Mcavoy. (SP?) I also knew Lloyd Thoerpe and Chuck Brooks who set up the "First" National show in Michigan. Today the people I deal with are great and it's the best thing about the hobby.