When I entered the hobby as a 7-year-old in 1979, I just wanted to amass as many cards as I could obtain. I traded my gum to my buddies for their cards. I also was fortunate to work in a card store at the age of 13. Seeing the showcases filled with cards from the '40s through the 70's, pre-war, tobacco cards, made me think about the process, who made them,where was the factory, who designed them,how many exist, how did they decide who was in the set, were just some of the questions bouncing around in my mind. Keep in mind this was pre Google so I made a point to ask questions of the older collectors and dealers. They were incredibly helpful in filling in some of those blanks and even giving me more information than I had asked for.
I've always been inquisitive. . How did we get to where we are? Who's responsible for this? Whose contributions have made the hobby a better one? I'm very interested in history even as a student who wasn't in love with school, Science and History were my two jams. Even today in my profession as a Teaching Assistant I still have a passion for history and current events.
Where am I going here? Every once in awhile someone will ask what are some of my hobby pet peeves. I have a few but one at the top of my list is hobbyists who care less about history and how we got to where we are today. I believe in "hobby your way" and to each their own. Not caring or knowing does not make you a bad person or a bad hobbyist but as someone who cares I wish more also did. I'm always somebody who puts their money where their mouth is, so what can I do to help educate or teach some of that hobby history I love to others who may want to learn?
Every couple months on hobby quick hits I do a "Legend of the hobby" series where I discuss the hobby history of a contributor who is no longer with us and what they've done to make this a better place. Also I advocate other content I appear on as I try to answer any questions that come my way. Recently I went to pay my respects at the gravesite or one of the Hobby's biggest contributors Mr Jefferson Burdick.
I was surprised to see his headstone in unkept shape. It weighed heavy in my mind. I returned the next day with tools and cleaning supplies I felt the obligation to make it right and also wanted it to be nice for those who visit in the future who may also want to stop by and pay their respects to a hobby icon. I'm far from perfect but I do try to set a good example wherever I can.
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