The 54th antique paper show, is all about memorable items and documents, nostalgia, postcards, rare books, photography, movie star posters and old collectibles. This extravaganza is scheduled two days, August 23 and 24, at the XL Center, Hartford, Connecticut.
Considered the largest show of its kind in the Northeast, Papermania Plus boasts the finest grouping of more than 160 quality dealers from throughout the east coast states, Michigan, Ohio, and Canada, with the “hottest” collectibles around from A-Z: Advertisements, Beatles, Comics, Disney, Elvis, and framed prints to maps, magazines, rare books, stamps, sheet music, tins, vintage valentines, world war ephemera and zodiac signs. It’s the largest show of its kind running continuously since 1976 at the same location, now called the XL Center.
Gary Gipstein of Wethersfield, Connecticut, show producer and avid collector himself, said: “Papermania is a fun show for the serious collector and for young people at heart.” Buy Back a Memory continues to be the show theme.
Mr. Gipstein pointed out, “A show of this sort is an invitation to an old-fashioned swap session …you know, the kind where kids (and adults) have “tradesies” for a chance to pick up a Topps Baseball Card of Ted Williams or a movie star Dixie Cup premium of Katherine Hepburn. You can also search for a mint copy of the first Batman comic book, an 8×10 glossy of Marilyn Monroe or a few Civil War pictures or WWII insignias and combat ribbons. There are stereoview cards, stock certificates and many kinds of eccentricities of interest to everyone. And on Sunday only, August 24, there will be free appraisals, up to 5 items, in all categories from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Unique paper collectibles, such as family games, postcards, prints or rare books are available at this show and prices can start as low as 50 cents to $5,000. Popular also are any items bearing the likeness of Mickey Mouse and Disney characters. Especially during this Presidential Campaign year, there is growing interest in political campaign buttons from George Washington to John F. Kennedy and George W. Bush; movie star and comic premiums, buttons and posters; 18th-century documents; 19th-century broadsides; advertising trade cards and celebrity autographs.”
Papermania hours are set for Saturday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, August 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 per day per person. For more information, contact show manager, Arlene Shea at (860) 563-9975 or write to Hillcrest Promotions, Post Office Box 290152, Wethersfield, Connecticut 06109Öor look for us on our Web site, www.papermaniaplus.com