Reminiscing...Spring Garden, Willow Grove, Ocean City, Fort Washington, Reading Shows

[roarfrom34]

I have a lot of fond memories of these shows.....I started going to the Friday night shows in the late 1980's and would stand in the line outside for probably an hour or so waiting for the doors to open....

[tedzan]

During the early 1980's, the Willow Grove Show was enormously popular. It was considered by many in the hobby during then as the "real National".

. .

Bob Schmierer and Ted Taylor expanded the show to the Jersey shore resort town of Ocean City. It was a Friday-Saturday show held at the Music Pier.

Saturday's featured a Classic Cars parade on the boardwalk. Imagine this setting....Crashing waves beneath you....Classic Cars and Classic Cards.
Can you beat that ?

Your responses are greatly appreciated.


TED Z

T206 Reference
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[tennisguy]

I enjoyed when the show was in Reading, PA. I always thought it was a nice venue for a show, but it seemed to be thumbs down by dealers and patrons of the show. Never understood why exactly?

[tedzan]

Originally Posted by tennisguy

I enjoyed when the show was in Reading, PA. I always thought it was a nice venue for a show, but it seemed to be thumbs down by dealers and patrons of the show. Never understood why exactly?

Hi tennisguy

Not all dealers.....I, for none, really enjoyed the Reading Shows. All 5 of these Shows were great for me with respect to selling and buying.

I would guess that the main problem that some (dealers and collectors) had with the Reading location was that it was not as convenient to
get to (as the Willow Grove and Ft. Washington shows).)


TED Z

T206 Reference
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[Bobsbats]

Started attending the Willow Grove show circa@1982. Dad and I went once and were hooked. We never missed a show for close to 20+ years. From surgeries, to weddings to every major life event, we were always there. The fire marshall clicking off people to get in, or parking on the lawn and climbing the big hill, that show was the best.
Honestly, every show there was something new. There were always Wagners floating around, maybe 2 a show. I remember seeing Darby Chocolates for the first time (Crawford box and a Cobb Box). Quality Autographs having just bought a collection with an autograph of every Hall of Famer. The stories are endless.....wish it was like that still.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Bobsbats

Started attending the Willow Grove show circa@1982. Dad and I went once and were hooked. We never missed a show for close to 20+ years. From surgeries, to weddings to every major life event, we were always there. The fire marshall clicking off people to get in, or parking on the lawn and climbing the big hill, that show was the best.
Honestly, every show there was something new. There were always Wagners floating around, maybe 2 a show. I remember seeing Darby Chocolates for the first time (Crawford box and a Cobb Box). Quality Autographs having just bought a collection with an autograph of every Hall of Famer. The stories are endless.....wish it was like that still.

A Cobby Darby Chocolates. Now that is a cool card! Great stories guys. My only story is from last weekend, the Philly Show, but I don't think that counts. L

[tedzan]

Check-it-out guys......see how many you remember ?









TED Z

T206 Reference
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[Jay Wolt]

Ted brings back alot of memories

[glynparson]

I set up, with my Dad at all of those but the Spring Garden Shows. Miss those old shows. Some of the stuff that was for sale at those shows was mind blowing. Some of the walk ins were unbelievable not to mention some of the invetory brought to the show by dealers. I was lucky enough to have gotten to set up at the last two or three Willow Grove Shows. I still remember Kevin getting a piece of the carpet. Those Old Willow Grove shows are one of the main reasons I love cards as much as i do.