I cannot remember the last time I was set up at the Roma Lodge. Seems like I have a conflict for most every Roma show. I sure was happy to finally make a show. There are so many old friends at this show, being the most recent incarnation of the old Gonzaga Hall show operated by the Wisconsin Sports Collectors Association. Man, do I miss Gonzaga Hall -- the greatest show ever in the history of card shows!
Lots of kind familiar faces like the Kilps family, John G., who was manning the bar, the great guys running the auction. So awesome to be back!
I brought out most of my baseball binders. I just had one table so load in and set up was sooo easy!! I was set up around a really great group of dealers including Eric U., Mike Ehler, Dobie, Rich and Dennis. I really enjoyed commiserating with these guys all day. I learned Mike Ehler was a star basketball player at University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the early 1980's. I am amazed at how many former college basketball players I meet at card shows. Pretty cool!
Seemed like old times when Mark walked through the door, along with Dave, Bob, Robert, Bill, George, Kristy, Jeff, Mike, Jim, Kevin, Al, Don, Steve W. and many others. Nice to see everybody!
The best part of this show, for me at least, is the food. However, no meatball and italian sausage bombers today but there was an amazing breakfast buffet. See picture below.
I sold a few cards at my table today. George continued to work on the 1960 Topps baseball set. Thanks George. Bill pulled some oddball cards. Thank Bill! Jim pulled some Braves. Thanks Jim! Some of my old-time Gonzaga regulars pulled some cards. Thanks guys!
While sales weren't quite as good as yesterday in Madison, buys were much better. Jim had his usual stack of Braves for me. My T206 guys was there and I picked up two T cards along with an Allen & Ginter. Then I went shopping around the room. I purchased a 1947 Boston Braves Spring Newsletter at the Kilps table. Then there is John, who always has some interesting stuff and I purchased a group of Monkees non-sports cards from the 1960's along with a 1981 Topps Super Dave Kingman that was autographed. I loved Kingman when he was on the Cubs. Back in 1979, my dad had a buddy who was huge into autographs and he gave me a Kingman signed ball for my birthday. I sold it when I was in law school and hard up for cash. I regretted selling it. So happy to have a Kingman auto back in my collection!
An amazingly enjoyable day. I was home quick. I only live about 40 minutes away from Racine. Since I stopped setting up in Schaumburg, the Roma show in Racine is now the closest one to home.
Next Roma Lodge show is slated for April 21, 2024. Unfortunately, I can't make that one because I'm setting up at the Vintage Show in Strongsville, Ohio, that weekend with my pal Tony Schaefer. Though, I highly recommend attending the Roma Lodge show. There is so much history there, in fact, more like Wisconsin sports card royalty. These are the guys who started it all in Wisconsin with the first card show in 1975. Much respect and admiration for Keith and everyone involved!
In the meantime, Oak Creek is this Saturday, March 2, 2024. I over-sold the show with 182 tables. It took some figuring, but I am jamming all these tables in for the show Saturday. I am trying desperately to get the guys from my waiting list spots in the show. I appreciate everyone's patience! The list is getting out of hand again!
So last month we set an attendance record in Oak Creek with 1,002 people through the door. I am hoping we hit 1,003 Saturday. Come on out! It should be fun!
Below are a couple photos from Sunday's show at the Roma Lodge.