To compare the two original Philly Shows (Willow Grove and Valley Forge) circa 1980's with the current situation in the Valley Forge area is really absurd.
1st.....The hobby was experiencing tremendous growth in the decade of the 1980's. There were shows every weekend in the greater Philly area.
2nd.....Bob Schmierer and Ted Taylor (Willow Grove) were not in competition with Tony Carrafiell and Larry Shane (Valley Forge). Each promoter had their
style of operating very successful shows which interleaved one another throughout the calendar year.
3rd.....I set-up at each of these shows from 1981 till 1992. And, I and most other dealers enjoyed very successful shows. Those were really great times.
4th.....Bob & Ted featured ordinary ballplayers (and a variety of signing guests) at Willow Grove. Tony & Larry specialized in stars (eg., Ted Williams, Joe
DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Ernie Banks, Reggie Jackson, etc.) at Valley Forge. There would be one star on Saturday and another on Sunday. The price for an
autograph ranged from $10 to $25.
The current Valley Forge show has numerous sports figures signing during the weekend. The cost of the autographs ranges from $40 to $200+ each. After
waiting in long lines and spending several 100's of $$$$, many attendees then leave the show. Rather than shopping around the showroom for BB cards (or
whatever).
No way....can anyone compare then (1980's) with now.
Leon.....I would go with Oaks for the very fundamental reason that the majority of the vintage (pre-war) dealers are set-up at the Oaks show.
Now if Marco will do more advertising, the collectors will come.
TED Z
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