Reminiscing...Spring Garden, Willow Grove, Ocean City, Fort Washington, Reading Shows

[spec]

Throughout the 80s and early 90s I'd take the train down from Boston for the Friday preview, using your fine SEPTA commuter rail to get from 30th Street Station to Willow Grove, then hiking a mile or so to reach the George Washington Lodge. After filling my acquisitions box with goodies, I'd retrace my route, riding the Night Owl back to Boston for an early morning arrival and a nap before I had to be at work Saturday afternoon. Made the trek a couple of times to Fort Washington, but the last time returned with only one card, so abandoned the ritual. I met a lot of hobby legends there, including Tom Reid, who was quite a character as I'm sure you remember. We'd talk union politics as much as cards.
B.ob Ri.ch.ardson

[tedzan]

Originally Posted by spec

Throughout the 80s and early 90s I'd take the train down from Boston for the Friday preview, using your fine SEPTA commuter rail to get from 30th Street Station to Willow Grove, then hiking a mile or so to reach the George Washington Lodge. After filling my acquisitions box with goodies, I'd retrace my route, riding the Night Owl back to Boston for an early morning arrival and a nap before I had to be at work Saturday afternoon. Made the trek a couple of times to Fort Washington, but the last time returned with only one card, so abandoned the ritual. I met a lot of hobby legends there, including Tom Reid, who was quite a character as I'm sure you remember. We'd talk union politics as much as cards.
B.ob Ri.ch.ardson

Hi Bob

Great story......especially your trip from Boston > Philadelphia > Willow Grove or Ft. Washington Shows.
I did the reverse to get to Boston and New Hampshire Shows from my NJ (or Philly) homes.

Indeed, Tom Reid was quite a character. Back in the 1980's (when I lived in Toms River, NJ), Tom would
occasionally be down visiting relatives. Tom would drop by my home and go thru my "esoteric" stuff (he
had all the regular issue sportscards and non-sports cards in the hobby)

I miss Tom very much. He had more BB card and BB card dealer story's than most anyone in this hobby.
And, he was very shrewd in our "cash/trade" deals. I never got the better of him on any of them.



TED Z

T206 Reference
.

[tedzan]

Diagram of the showroom at the George Washington Convention Center (161 dealer tables). A scan of the
dealer's list will be forthcoming for anyone interested in who was "wheeling-n-dealing" here in the 1980's.






Everyone's favorite dining place was the Boston Sea Party, which was a short walk from the Show. You selected from 3 piers of food.
The 1st pier offered some really great appetizers (including huge Alaskan King Crab claws). In the 2nd pier were a variety of seafood.
And, the 3rd pier had an amazing selection of desserts.

Just up the road (US Route 611) is a great German-American Restaurant....OTTO's. And 4 miles north was the Warrington Inn, where
you could get some really delicious Steaks, Chops, or Italian cuisine.


Hey Leon......You would have really enjoyed the Boston Sea Party.


TED Z

T206 Reference
.