A hobby anniversary passed on Sunday: the 50th anniversary of one of the landmark early card “shows” in hobby history.
Card gatherings weren’t being held in hotel rooms or VFW halls quite yet. This event took place in the New York home of Mike Aronstein on March 15, 1970. It included the largest group of attendees to that point—19 avid (and well dressed) collectors from multiple states who made their way to the family’s home for some fellowship and trading.
It’s believed to be the first such get-together of like minded collectors ever held in the state of New York and the roster of collectors included several men who had an impact on the the hobby’s knowledge and growth.
Mike’s son Andrew wrote about it in the SABR Baseball Cards Blog.
PSA has suspended in-person drop-offs at its California and New Jersey facilities for two weeks and the company won’t be making trip to do on-site authentication for an indefinite period of time.
The company says its offices remain open, submissions are being accepted via carrier and work continues inside with the safety guidelines in place. As is the case with businesses around the world, though, they say that could change.
With the increasingly stark restrictions on gatherings now underway, it’s not likely we’ll see any shows for a while anywhere in the country (nor would be encourage anyone to have one). Officially cancelling on Monday: the Long Island show at Plainview Holiday Inn scheduled for this coming Sunday.
Hunt Auctions has suspended in person consignments and previews for at least two weeks. The Exton, PA-based company has also postponed the end of its Premier Live Auction. Originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday March 25, it’ll now be delayed until Wednesday April 8. Pre-bidding online will stay open.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have cause anyone, but we felt that it was prudent to give everyone a little more time as we all adjust to the current changes within our daily lives,” the company stated in an email to customers.
Related Stories:
Sports Collecting’s Real “Boom” Was in the 1970s
Hobby Time Travel: Photos from a 1973 Baseball Card Show
Why Baseball Cards Came Out a Tad Later in 1964
Fans Flocked When Young Babe Ruth Signed Baseballs Sold for Charity
Baseball Card Coverage from 60 Years Ago Reveals Interesting Info on Market
Notes: Photog Tells Story of Gretzky Rookie Card
Of 15 Cent Aaron Autographs and $1,000 Wagners: Article Features 1971 Southern California Card Show
Iowa Paper Tackles Industry Changes
Ramblings: Card Sharks and the 2 Decades Since
Editor’s Blog: When Auctions Were Done with Pen, Paper and the US Mail
