Bob Schmierer....Philly Show pioneer has passed away.

[brian1961]

I was extremely fortunate to have attended the Willow Grove show in the fall of 1988. My wife and I were vacationing in Indiana, far away from our home in western South Dakota, and I took a side trip to Philly. Corresponding with Bob weeks before the show, he helped me become a member of the EPSCC, a mandatory requirement in order to attend the first night of the show. I knew the best stuff would be available that first night; I was oh so right. The two gems I purchased there still remain in my small collection.

Got to meet Mr. Schmierer, who was a friendly, gracious host, and who sold me a mint condition 1987 Perez-Steele Great Moments Mickey Mantle, the greatest post-career commemorative card produced of Mickey Mantle. I bought it strictly for the card itself, though it was perfect for Mick's autograph.

It was a fabulous time. The show was jam-packed, well-organised, and unforgettable. Since it was the only Willow Grove show I ever attended, the event was very special to me. Virtually all the major people in the hobby were there. I remember Tom Reid displaying his super rare Topps Mickey Mantle mask, while Mr. Mint Alan Rosen had on display some of his upcoming phone auction lots; the one that caught my eye was a Nr Mt/Mt complete set of the 1960 Home Run Derby---wow!

All this was possible because of the thoughtful, powerful efforts of Mr. Bob Schmierer. Thanks Bob. You gave us a lot of happiness. May you truly rest in peace, and may God help and comfort your family. ---Brian Powell

[tedzan]

Great stories guys about a great guy. The final show in Reading, PA in September 2008 was Bob's 100th show in the 34 years of the Philly Show.


TED Z
.

[boneheadandrube]

Those were my favorite years in the hobby. It is hard to explain those shows to others, especially those who started collecting after Willow Grove.

My brother and I were there:
-EPSCC members from '87 to '93
-Willow Grove GW Motor Lodge Attendees '87-'93
-Willow Grove Pre-WWII table sellers '91-'92 accross from Lew Lipset one year.

Thank you Bob!

GB

[WillowGrove]

I grew up going to the Willow Grove show in the 70s. Would have dreams of cards the night before we'd leave to drive there from NY. Parents would give me $20, drop me off and pick me up about 4 hours later. Of course I was never ready to leave. Thanks Bob. RIP.

[sam majors]

I would much rather go to the worst Friday night show at the old Willow Grove then any of my best days at any National, and I've been to 25 or so Nationals! I started going to Willow Grove in 1984 and didn't miss any until Bob moved it. I went a couple more times but the excitement just wasn't there for me. Too big, no longer the hectic pace and even batting cages; the thrill had gone away.
The early shows had great dealers but the collectors were bringing great items to sell or trade too. The after the show auctions (can't remember if they were on Friday or Saturday nights) were a treasure of deals. I learned so much from listening and talking to people only interested in collecting sports for the night. Many long lasting friendships were made. I guess you just had to be there to understand. Sam Majors

[gnaz01]

Willow Grove shows were awesome, got some great deals back in the day!!! RIP Bob!!

[bigfanNY]

Bob Was truly a Hobby Pioneer he and Ted were both nice guys who worked hard to run a show that put the customers needs first. The first two shows at Spring garden College were things of legend. At the first show they tried to discourage walk in sellers and offered instead to hold an auction at the end of each day with the items that had walked in that day. One I remember clearly was a Joe McCarthy game used hat that sold for $8 a Maggie error card came in and sold for around $300. Rob of REA lived close and was a big supporter of the show and helped them produce a nice show program and a give away Wagner reprint card that was given to all who attended.
My Dad picked up a 1940 Playball set that he had negotiated with Paul Pollard at the NYC show earlier that month. A guy was selling 1939 Playball wrappers from some packs he had found and opened for $1. I got two traded one to Ted Taylor about 5 years later and gave the other to Chris Benjamin as a wedding present. SO MANY HAPPY memories of Bob and the show he cared for, for so many years.
Prayers and comfort to his Family especially his wife who was always out front making things run smoothly.
Warm Regards
Jonathan

[judsonhamlin]

I think some of the fun carried over to Ft. Washington, even if the ambiance didn't. But it hard to explain the energy that went into being at the Motor Lodge. I remember interviewing Bob for a VCBC article I wrote about the show right after the move and he was pleasant and a great resource.