Bob Schmierer....Philly Show pioneer has passed away.

[sam majors]

I would much rather go to the worst Friday night show at the old Willow Grove then any of my best days at any National, and I've been to 25 or so Nationals! I started going to Willow Grove in 1984 and didn't miss any until Bob moved it. I went a couple more times but the excitement just wasn't there for me. Too big, no longer the hectic pace and even batting cages; the thrill had gone away.
The early shows had great dealers but the collectors were bringing great items to sell or trade too. The after the show auctions (can't remember if they were on Friday or Saturday nights) were a treasure of deals. I learned so much from listening and talking to people only interested in collecting sports for the night. Many long lasting friendships were made. I guess you just had to be there to understand. Sam Majors

[gnaz01]

Willow Grove shows were awesome, got some great deals back in the day!!! RIP Bob!!

[bigfanNY]

Bob Was truly a Hobby Pioneer he and Ted were both nice guys who worked hard to run a show that put the customers needs first. The first two shows at Spring garden College were things of legend. At the first show they tried to discourage walk in sellers and offered instead to hold an auction at the end of each day with the items that had walked in that day. One I remember clearly was a Joe McCarthy game used hat that sold for $8 a Maggie error card came in and sold for around $300. Rob of REA lived close and was a big supporter of the show and helped them produce a nice show program and a give away Wagner reprint card that was given to all who attended.
My Dad picked up a 1940 Playball set that he had negotiated with Paul Pollard at the NYC show earlier that month. A guy was selling 1939 Playball wrappers from some packs he had found and opened for $1. I got two traded one to Ted Taylor about 5 years later and gave the other to Chris Benjamin as a wedding present. SO MANY HAPPY memories of Bob and the show he cared for, for so many years.
Prayers and comfort to his Family especially his wife who was always out front making things run smoothly.
Warm Regards
Jonathan

[judsonhamlin]

I think some of the fun carried over to Ft. Washington, even if the ambiance didn't. But it hard to explain the energy that went into being at the Motor Lodge. I remember interviewing Bob for a VCBC article I wrote about the show right after the move and he was pleasant and a great resource.