I stopped at Woodman's on Saturday after the Woodstock show to get some gas. Woodman's gas is about 30 cents cheaper than any other gas station around so the line of cars was overwhelming and I ended up skipping it.
I was late getting out of the house on Sunday morning. Mornings are just tough for me with my various ailments. My gas light came on around O'Hare and I got off the highway at 22nd Street in Oak Brook. I drove around a while before I found an extremely over-priced Shell station. After filling up, it took me a while to find a southbound entrance to 294.
I arrived at the Civic Center around 8:15 a.m. to find the parking lot full. Looked like there was some sort of fall baseball tournament. I had to park in the eastern-most lot which is a ways away from the Civic Center and a treacherous walk with my shaky cart of bins. Luckily, nothing tipped over and I made it in two trips. Though, I think I strained my neck. I was sore Sunday night.
Prior to the show, I was concerned that I did not bring enough stuff to fill my tables. Technically, I have one 8-footer and two 6-footers at this show but the folks that set up the tables sometimes give me three 8-footers.
I placed out three display cases, just about all of my baseball and football binders, some publications and some 50-cent and dollar boxes. I brought my hockey but did not have the space for it. I forgot my basketball binders at my office.
In the display cases, I brought out some oversized pre-war, Exhibits, and my display case doubles, as I am saving the good stuff for Nashville in a couple of weeks.
Show promoter Rich was out with some back issues. His helpers did an excellent job in his stead. I hope Rich heals up and is ready for the November show.
I love the Orland show. It is one of my favorites and consistently one of my best shows. I had folks lining up at my tables early on, digging through binders, the cheapy boxes and asking to see cards from my display cases.
Another good day at Orland. I sold a ton of stuff. The cheapy boxes got a heavy work out. Every time I looked over there, I had two or three guys digging through the boxes. I even sold a publication. I sold my one wrestling exhibit after Rick made fun of it. What is wrong with wrestling Exhibits? I have noticed that there are more people collecting wrestling stuff than ever before.
Will was the big winner today purchasing my 1974 Topps lot along with some 1955 Topps stars. Thank Will!
Will also attempted to bring me breakfast but Micky D's screwed up the order, which happens to me all the time. Most importantly, he did get me a cup of coffee which was dreadfully needed.
On the buying front, I picked up a 1957 Topps Ted Williams. Nothing else was offered. Paul gave me another stack of cards. Thanks Paul! Paul also brought us some kick-ass doughnuts.
Pretty good day. I was busy up until noon or so when the place cleared out. Will, Joe and I capped off the day at the sub shop.
Next up for me is another double bill weekend with the Madison show on Saturday and the WSCA show at the Roma Lodge in Racine on Sunday. I think I'm bringing display cases out this weekend. If you want to see any binders, please let me know ahead of time. I am still working on my 1977 Topps baseball binder... it is slow goin'.
Next Oak Creek show is on November 5 and I may have as many as 170 tables since I am opening up the Chapel. I still have some space available. New dealers have to bring their own tables. If interested in setting up at the November 5th Oak Creek show, drop me a line at [email protected].
See you in Wisconsin this weekend!!
Pictured below are Chris and Paul, two of my favorites, at the last Orland show.