The Pilgrimage

[Mark]

I second the recommendation for the Farmer's Museum. Got to see the Cardiff Giant. And if it's the right time of year, you might enjoy a canoe ride across the lake.

[Northviewcats]

Hi Jantz,

I know you are working on a T206 collection, so you might be interested in this. There is an antique store near Oeneda on Route 7 about 20 miles south of Cooperstown. The owner's name is Don F. (I can't think of his name at the moment, but I have is card around here somewhere). He has a large number of T206s (hundreds) and other vintage cards. I buy Ts from him every year on induction weekend at the baseball card show in the VFW hall in Cooperstown. I bought a nice Gandil from him this year. He is willing to discount his cards and his prices are similar to what you will pay on the BST. Ted Z. knows Don very well and could probably get you more information. In the meantime I will try to find the name and number of his antique shop. I could drive right to it, but I can't remember the name of the store. You might want to call him ahead of time and let him know when you are coming. He told me that he keeps the bulk of his collection at home for safety.

Anyway, enjoy your trip to Cooperstown. There is plenty to do and the museum alone is worth the trip.

Best wishes,

Joe

[John V]

We went in the off-season in February. Quiet with no crowds. Most shops were open. Don't expect to be impressed with the card shops. We visited the Doubleday Cafe numerous times. It had a local feel with good, reasonably priced food.

[tedzan]

Jantz

You'll have a great time in the Cooperstown area. Needless to say, the Hall of Fame is a great place. And, while there,
take advantage of their HOF's library. They are very resourceful in finding any specific thing that you might be interes-
ted in.

The are BB card shops in town; but, very little vintage stuff. As Joe D. suggested, you should visit Don Flewelling's an-
tique shop in Oneonta (20 miles south of Cooperstown, off Rte 28). Call Don at 607-441-3036 to catch him there. Don
has an inventory of 400 - T206's to select from.

Take Jeff L's advice and check out the Ostesaga Hotel....it's quite a sight. Here is their link....

http://www.otesaga.com/

And, by all means take the boat tour of Otsego Lake.

Also, I recommend, for fine dining (not too pricey) the Portabello Restaurant in Fly Creek. It is just a 6 miles west of
Cooperstown on Rte 28.

Best regards,

TED Z

[Jantz]

Thanks everyone for all the information and advice. Sounds like there is alot more to see than just the Hall. I will be sure to give Don a call. I would like to bring home a momento of the trip and what would be better than a T206.

Thanks

Jantz

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

You're hitting Cooperstown at the very right time--the leaves, the lake and the quietness of the town in Autumn make for a perfect time to go.

FYI, you can get into the HOF for free if you make an appointment to do some research at the National Baseball Library (part of the HOF). This is a good idea if travelling solo; not so good if you're taking the family. Do yourself a favor and come up with a list of players who you might want to find out more about. There is so much material simply languishing in that library, waiting to be discovered by the right person. So much information that is being ignored.

Also, if you're into vintage wire photos, you should make up another list of players whose photos you'd like to examine. Their collection is beyond belief. I was given access to the actual photos back when I was there; I don't know if they are so casual anymore.

[Kawika]

Best place for vintage cards in Cooperstown? The BBHoF gets my vote.

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[GrayGhost]

Yes, looks like a decent enough selection of the cardboard heroes.