Dear Group:
How, oh how, will I find a way to start collecting Goudey and Crackerjack sets without much cash and without any cards within reach to offer in trade, all from the People's Republic of China??
It's almost certainly impossible. But I'm going to try to find a way. And I know, that way will most likely be squeezing out a few bucks when I can afford it to buy the least costly, most available commons from those sets.
That's the big task I'm going to try to tackle from here on out.
Back in the 80's when I was a kid, I spent every last dollar I earned collecting the Topps run of Ted Williams' singles in ex or better condition. I encased them in thick plastic, held together with screws, etc. I have wonderful memories of that experience.
But I was mistaken about one thing: My demand for EX + condition. After reading 2 great articles by George Vrechek, i.e., 'CARD SET COLLECTING 1933 TO 1941' and 'MEET LIONEL CARTER,' I was 100% convinced that I was misguiding myself during my Williams collecting days. I passed on so many great cards, merely because of being outside my condition standards. Vrechek was certainly right when he wrote, "Hail to the VG or worse card."
And after reading about Lionel Carter, I felt a sort of satisfaction and joy in curiosity about those old cards that I haven't felt in years.
Anyhow, if you've read this far, I'll thank you for your attention to my post and invite you to contact me via email with any and all suggestions how to begin my collecting quest.
Best regards,
Nick