Renata Galasso

[moeson]

I recall that Renata was a "front" for her husband, Bill Hongach, who was a one time Yankee bat boy and autograph dealer.

[deweyinthehall]

"This is fascinating. I had no idea Renata Galasso was a woman that dealt cards in the 1970s. I only know the name as the brand that produced replica prewar sets in the early-'80s. I've got some sweet '83 T206 sheets that they put into Baseball Card Hobby Report magazine. I know they made a bunch of other sets, too.

Hopefully someone comes along that knows more about her.

Arthur"

Quote above was posted in the post-1980 card section where I accidentally first placed this thread - would love to delete the thread from that location but don't know how.

Anyway, I remember her hobby card news magazines as well, and I also had the T206 cards. Yes - she was a real woman.

[deweyinthehall]

.

[deweyinthehall]

I was wondering about the "worlds largest" boast - did she top Fritsch?

[Klrdds]

I purchased cards from her for years and at times she would enclose a gift of a set of Drake's cards or some other small regional issue with your order. Bill Hongach is also a name from the early days , I heard they were married but never heard it verified because of the " separation " of the businesses : her cards and his autographs and I believe some memorabilia .

[mrmopar]

I too was an early buyer from her ads in periodicals. I used to get the full sets each year from her for a while. I tried to find info on her as well, as it seems she just disappeared from the card world eventually. I believe I read that she was in college when she started the business. Definitely one of the early memories I have of the card hobby. With there was more on the history of her and others that were doing a lot of mail order business.

I knew there were more and I thought I had even seen a photo of her when she was younger, maybe it's in a magazine I have. Anyway, I read that her Aunt is the one pictured in the previous shot, not her. She is in her 60s now and it would seem, still in NY.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by deweyinthehall

I was wondering about the "worlds largest" boast - did she top Fritsch?

Probably in terms of how much they took in, Fritsh was big, but I think less sales and more inventory.

Hard to tell, as nobody really released any actual figures other than inventory.

[BabyRuth]

I still have my '76 set in the original box from Reneta!!! - Cards have never seen the light of day!

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by moeson

I recall that Renata was a "front" for her husband, Bill Hongach, who was a one time Yankee bat boy and autograph dealer.

That is correct in terms of Bill Hongach being instrumental in the business. It made for great pub to have the business in her name.

Her whole family did work in the business and one of my work friends at the time said whenever he ordered from them he spoke to her father.

Rich

[mrmopar]

Baseball Hobby Card Report was their publication in the 80s. I found 1 issue and maybe have a couple others, but I don't see them too often at a price I would pay, so I don't have as many as I'd like.

How about a Mays RGI set with 1st card auto for $15!! Seems crazy, but back then that was the going price. There is a two page spread selling auto'd 8x10s and the top price for a single signed photo is Roger Maris at $20. Maris and Mantle together photos were $37.50. Those are non-subscriber prices too. Subscribers paid $17.50 & $35.00. This is the Spring 1985 issue and Maris would die later that year. Other notables...Willie Mays, $9.99. Mickey Mantle, $12.99. Sandy Koufax, $9.99.

[The-Cardfather]

Apparently, Renata is still living in Brooklyn, NY and is no longer married.

https://www.mylife.com/renata-galasso/renatagalasso

[Rickyy]

I too had a set or too from her back in the 70's...I have to locate the pamphlet, but Renata did mention in it, that back then that she got into the card business to help fund her school expenses. Always had great interaction with her. She said if the cards were damaged and or off centered and not to your satisfaction, to send it back and she would replace it. Old time dealers did that sorta thing.

Ricky Y

[toppcat]

I ordered a vending box of 1975's from her as I recall and she did include a freebie, just can't remember what it was! And who remembers Gloria Rothstein, who I believe created the concept of the East Coast National. "A Gloria Rothstein Show!"

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by toppcat

I ordered a vending box of 1975's from her as I recall and she did include a freebie, just can't remember what it was! And who remembers Gloria Rothstein, who I believe created the concept of the East Coast National. "A Gloria Rothstein Show!"

I set up at many of Gloria's shows in the 1980's and remember her well. She and her husband have both now passed on. She was a pioneer indeed

Rich