All About The PAPER at The Allentown Paper Show!

For those that enjoy paper, whether collectors or aspiring junk journalists, hope you enjoy this trip to the Allentown, PA Fall Ephemera Show held at the Allentown Fair Grounds.

[@lisabouchard1046]

Hey, Paper and Moose. Lisa here. Thanks for the lovely shout-out. You're even more adorable in person than in KZbin Land. I agree with everything that you said about the show. But what many of your viewers might not realize is that we ephemera dealers are trying to sustain ourselves in a dying venue. I myself traveled from Boston to Allentown to sell my wares - 4 nights in a (crappy) hotel, show fees, etc. This is one of 12-15 shows that I will do this year. Many dealers do 40-50 shows to try and earn a living. It's not for the faint of heart. Especially with the aging demographic of dealers and the predominance of internet buying/selling. The other motivation for dealers like myself to exhibit in Allentown is to BUY not sell. It's our flea market compared to the prices at shows in major cities like Boston, NYC and DC. As high as the prices appear to someone from your area, they are still a bargain when we sell at larger markets. That's just the collectibles food chain. I left the show with more merchandise than I arrived with and fewer dollars. It's called "buying your way out' crazily enough. I bought wonderful vintage items that I will sell in Brooklyn and Greenwich CT. But mostly I want to applaud you and your channel for continuing public interest in the past and preserving history. You are a breath of fresh air in this business and will continue the legacy. I hope that you will consider exhibiting in the Spring. It would be my honor to have you join us on this wonderful crazy journey. xxxooo

[@PaperandMoose]

Thanks so much Lisa! Often times on the Channel, and what I have learned from many of the viewers, is just the vast difference in prices across the States. What I cannot give away out here at the NJ/PA flea markets, others in California would pay $$ to have that item. So as you said, you purchase a specific piece at the Allentown show that seems costly to some, but then you take that piece up to Boston and sell it for double/triple because it cannot be found up in that area. I enjoyed the show and walked away with more knowledge, which is a plus. The effort that it takes to set up for a paper show and the months of preparation needed prior, I'm still in awe of. All that paper under one roof, made possible by those that see the value, both monetary and historical, is a great testament to the legacy of paper and the ephemeral, which has managed to stand the test of time in this technology driven world. Good luck in all of your future shows and buying adventures, hope you come across some wonderful pieces! I'll say "See you in the Spring!"

[@TheCraftyraven]

Thanks for the experience! I was so excited to see the Twiggy paper dolls, she the first person I idolized! Peace

[@judymcfadden3577]

I didn't think I was into paper, but seeing Twiggy, and That Girl change my mind, I want, lol!

[@romancewiththepast7979]

So your addiction to paper begins

[@marshacrom6206]

Check Pinterest you can find downloadable paper dolls.

[@Milah_Renee]

I’m addicted to your channel. I had no idea there were paper shows. I’m impressed with how things were organized and the quality of the items. Preservation is my passion so I appreciate seeing this. I look forward to each video you post, please keep them coming.

[@romancewiththepast7979]

Channel like this are fun and help spread the word on preservation

[@PaperandMoose]

Thanks Milah! The effort that it took for the vendors to set up is something in of itself!

[@gloriadickerman6074]

I can see how you could be over-whelmed, seeing all the paper at once! I see quite a lot at the Antique Shows, here, but none compare to this scale. I'm impressed, how some can organize so well! Your camera caught glimpses of paper that would have, maybe, been in my basket, for sure! Thanks for taking me along!

[@natalie8212]

What an awesome place! Thanks for opening my eyes as to the vast array of things under the umbrella term 'ephemera'! I'm also an emotional shopper, it makes it hard to part with some things lol. Btw, that jacket you have on is so flattering, the color really accents you. Just lovely!

[@bonitadaine6187]

Awesome to see this. I had no idea even what ephemera was until I started watching your channel. I loved this video. Thanks

[@DonVDBorgh]

Wow! I think that I'd get dizzy checking it all out! WOW!

[@skaarup33]

I think at such shows you can't think about reselling, this is where you would buy for your own collection. For example if you find THE vintage Halloween card, or Victorian Halloween dye casts....👻🇩🇰

[@justjudycrafting7401]

Rene, I’m more proud of you that you buy what makes your heart sing. Don’t change please. I am going to look for a paper show in my are in California. I love old paper and I too buy with my heart.

[@susansullivan3447]

I went on Saturday, and it was overwhelming, and expensive. But. Also saw some things that were reasonable. Thankfully the things I collect are specific, and were fairly reasonable. Got a decent deal on some Edwardian children’s books, and I will stay in contact with that vendor. Had some nice conversations and learned a bit.

[@PaperandMoose]

Glad that you were able to find and purchase some items! I'm sure the Edwardian children's books were lovely and it's great that you made a connection with the vendor - always helps for future purchases!

[@romancewiththepast7979]

Hi Susan I to love Edwardian children's books the covers are so beautiful. There was a time I purchased randomly, but you only have so much room. So I have narrowed it down to themes with good pages (no red virus)

[@michaelgayandproud6466]

These people that work there are hard workers I've never been to one I live in tucson Arizona so thank you for sharing

[@karenschock9470]

Good day!!! Happy Easter! Loved this video ...so much information. Never knew all this was worth so much, but now I understand. So much over the years has gone through my fingers. Thank you again for a wonderful video..

[@PaperandMoose]

Thanks for watching Karen!

[@Eveningsong]

And I thought selling at the Flea Market was hard work - Whew that was something to see how they put this together. They must have warehouses to put this in and I enjoyed seeing it.

[@carolynsimone8647]

Love the walk with you in the paper show...but I'm in sticker shock...WOW...what prices...🥰🥰

[@Carlos_Balli]

That Show Was The MotherLoad Of Vintage Goodness 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@JoyShine23]

In some ways this reminds me of a poster session at a conference, where professionals are there to show what they’ve accomplished or been working on. Less about the buying and selling but geeking out over what they’ve collected. Which is neat, but definitely not for the casual shopper.

[@ForbiddenDiary]

I haven't been to that show in years, but I had a blast when I was there. You are right about the prices, they aren't crazy high prices, they are the sort of prices a specialized seller can get at a top tier show like that. Buyers trust the sellers, the stuff is organized, and curated , so to speak. Serious buyers will pay a premium for all that. There's a pecking order in the antiques world, and prices reflect that. Hope you do the show in the Spring, maybe I'll be able to get to it. For me, shows like that are less about buying a lot and more about learning.

[@PaperandMoose]

Very true comments! Serious buyers know that they will be able to find a piece to complete their collection or start a collection, so shows like this are great for them. It is fun to go just to learn and see what is out there, and be amazed by the serious organizational skills of the sellers!

[@michaelgayandproud6466]

I love history it's really interesting and historic

[@davidsawyer988]

I could watch this every single day.

[@valerierennell9680]

Looks like an interesting show...just to look around. I am a couple hours away, but may watch for the next one. Thanks for taking us with you.

[@verettejones9510]

Hi Paper And Moose OMG THAT WAS CRAZY . I SEEN SO MUCH I WANTED .I GIT OVERWHELMED JUST WATCHING. I THINK YOU COULD SALE THERE . YOU ARE VERY ORGANIZED ALREADY .PKUS YOUR AMAZING AT WHAT YOU DO 💞💞💞🎃🎃🎃🐱🐱💞💞

[@Ashley-ku7is]

It's hard to even scratch the surface at these shows. Super overwhelming.

[@deadhorse1391]

Thanks for taking us to the show...I enjoyed it! Don’t think I ever went to a “Paper Show” interesting We used to set up at a good many antique shows, lots of work, then ebay came out and could make more money with less work. I do sort of miss the interaction with the customers Very easy to get overwhelmed at a show like this While prices may have been high I’m sure some things fell Through the cracks. This is where your knowledge and experience comes into play

[@LindaFoyle]

Thank You for the field trip, I've never been to one, prices a bit high!!

[@romancewiththepast7979]

The prices would make the show torturous, to many goodies that would not come home with me.

[@barbaradingle2271]

I have been watching your channel for awhile, but I don't get a chance to comment. I watch you on TV most of the time. I love your channel and I have learned so much. Speaking of Twiggy, you look so much like 60s Twiggy! I am old enough to be your mother so I know,lol. I had th original Twiggy doll. Wish I still did. Keep the great videos coming. Thanks!

[@PaperandMoose]

Glad that you enjoy the channel! I enjoy the short hair, and thanks to Twiggy, she made the pixie cut an iconic style!

[@TheSwords99]

So much beautiful paper.

[@michaelgayandproud6466]

Thank you very very much for sharing this your awsome

[@ethskinns]

The value of something is really only what someone would spend haha nice field trip if a video. Thank you for taking us

[@TheSwords99]

That is so true.

[@leahconklin4358]

Very cool and thanks for the ride along. Loving the faux stone wall!!

[@jennieadamsMM]

I didn’t even realize there were paper shows!

[@ontariopicker6343]

Keep setting up and buying/selling in your own area, you get to know the collectors around you, and they get to know you better too. Also your subscribers here will help you find what you are looking for for a much cheaper price(free) you never know what the next box will reveal. 🦌

[@PaperandMoose]

The paper that people find in free boxes on the curb and at their local thrift stores amazes me! I still have hopes that one day, somehow, I will come across a box of postcards put out for the trash. Crazier things have happened!

[@junefrancis5232]

It was amazing to see the actual prices of "old paper!" :)

[@shadesofidaho]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing this.

[@markie10ful]

WOW! Amazing all in one place!

[@FindsByPirjo]

You visited the ephemera heaven! Never seen anything like that. Impressed of the organization of the items. I read Lisa's comment below, she seems to be a really nice lady. Spring show?

[@PaperandMoose]

We will see about the spring show! I better start preparing now if I am going to sell there, that's for sure!

[@maryannanaya905]

At entrance saw That Girl with Marlo Thomas next to Twiggy. Wow !

[@davidsawyer988]

Ya know, I’ll watch this and watch it, if I didn’t watch it the whole time the last time, I’ll rewatch it in the middle then watch it again...

[@maibritton2882]

That was crazy! The $$$ were outrageous. As a seller 20 years ago mom and I had boxes of postcards that we couldn't give away at 1$ - 2$ and were in the same shape. I understand " what the market will allow" but we had Bill's to pay and moved our inventory.

[@larryboysen5911]

I recall "Twiggy"...she and her fashions were all the rage back in 1962-4. Got my little Halloween set-up on my dining room table...Boo!! That's the problem with these "exclusive" shows. A couple of years ago, there was a similar ephemera show/exhibition here in S.F. Wow those prices!!! I've had much better luck at the good old estate sales! Poking around old basements, to me, is much more fun of discovery! Too much...too organized! Your outlook is truly the best...collect what you love...The toy train hobby is the same...as are many other collecting interests. These hobbies become obsessions, rather than joys! It's easy to buy, but hard to sell...Do what your heart tells you to do and above all, enjoy your "simple" collections!

[@PaperandMoose]

Exactly Larry! I too enjoy the digging aspect and poking around basements and attics. Doing so and finding something great seems to add to the personal love of the item and makes for a great story as well!

[@larryboysen5911]

One time, digging around in a dark basement...a widow was looking me with her many eyes...a BLACK WIDOW!!

[@janicerc4906]

I had that Cinderella coloring book way back when. Haven't thought about that for ages.

[@michaelgayandproud6466]

It's nice to meet you

[@cindywalker852]

Thanks for sharing

[@doreenbailey6130]

wow is all I can say TFS that tour …. who could even imagine

[@tonyablais7320]

Everything looked to be in very good condition but man those prices...... Hopefully I can catch a show in my area just to look around. Thanks for showing us around.

[@PaperandMoose]

If there would be a show in your area, check it out - just to see what people have collected over time is amazing in of itself.

[@iharris]

Loved the real-photo Halloween postcard at 7:32! It's very hard to find Halloween postcards in the UK at that price,with the half off, it was a good deal. The prices in the UK for Halloween cards, especially real-photo cards, are extremely high.

[@romancewiththepast7979]

Higher!!

[@onodagaufo6187]

Garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, antique shops, antiques shows, specialty shows. Different levels. The latter are for retirees/collectors that do not really need the money. I went thru them all in my lifetime. I used to deal in just paper, then books, then records, then everything old , had a shop, did shows, traveled the country doing shows and flea markets, swap meets, and now retired and only collect for myself. Full circle. Then you die. lol Never quit your day job Moose.

[@darstill2195]

I'm just blown away! Shows like that are so overwhelming, and too intimidating for me. Plus, I'm cheap! I would have to see something that pulled on my heartstrings so hard, there's no way to leave it there! There was a lot of cool stuff. Just curious, do you remember how much for polar bear/Ringling Bros Circus poster? That's so cool!!!

[@PaperandMoose]

I do not remember. The Polar Bear poster looked to be an original, but the one behind it may have been a repro. Both were probably out of my price range!

[@darstill2195]

@@PaperandMoose Thanks anyways! We can't remember everything!

[@henrys3629]

That place looked awesome. Picked some 50c -$1.00 pics at the local swap. but that's it. A lot of those labels you saw, I've seen on the internet for many years. There's thousands of them, perhaps tens of thousands.

[@BREN70S]

Good God those prices are insane .

[@romancewiththepast7979]

The prices are insane unless you find the one treasure you have been hunting for.

[@stache1954]

Those prices are insane.

[@michaelgayandproud6466]

I can see how its overwhelming when you go to these shows

[@A_New_View]

I couldn’t believe the prices on things🤦‍♀️

[@hfsaid]

I think you have hit the difference between the amateur (one who collects for love) and the professional, who buys & sells just for profit. Do you want to cross the line? As you said, maybe start collecting now for the spring show, and try it once. Ask Lisa how much they charge for a table. (Those prices were really sky-high!!!)

[@cjpenning]

Top of the food chain kinda show.

[@rickeydonald4756]

Becoming a paper vendor at specialized ephemera shows is not easy. The work that goes into that level of organization may no longer benefit dealers with so few buyers attending shows, instead buyers are choosing to buy online. I have always said that selling paper at auction on eBay is the way to go. Having better items at fixed prices and accepting offers. Keeping 200-300 items at all times listed on eBay can make dealers good additional income. A mixed paper sight seems to do well. Very few ephemera buyers ever stick to buying in only one category. Shipping paper is easier than most other items. Water damage from weather and bending of items are the worst enemies of paper. Renee you will find your sweet spot. You are young. Most wait until they are 60 to start selling! To build these inventories in today’s shrinking market is daunting. With prices not always the best can frustrate new sellers. You Tube and a following can be the real advantage to selling. Showing in advance what is being listed for the week. Educating viewers to new areas of paper collecting is key. Exposure and Education is the key to any success! You have the platform and following, now you need the paper.

[@PaperandMoose]

I think what shocked me the most were the boxes and boxes of individual snapshots from the 1960s-80s. I can just imagine the days upon days that went into that.... I would think you'd get more bang for your buck/time would be better spent throwing them into a lot online and selling that way versus individual pricing. Your eBay evaluation of how to sell paper is spot on & pretty much what I have done in the past.

[@keeplookingup1164]

Hi Renee. Great video. Ricky Donald is absolutely right! Just keep doing what you're doing and follow your heart. It takes years to build that kind of inventory. You are learning all the time! Condition means a lot,so be sure to take care in storing your paper. Thanks for sharing this! 🤗

[@1galstreasure4u]

Love to go to the shows and look for specific things. I probably have enough paper to sell at a show, however selling online is the best way to go for me. But Love the shows for all the history and education that I get from the sellers that really know there stuff.

[@davidyendall2309]

G’day heaven words cannot describe so much were you able to breath but prices ridiculous peace

[@davidsawyer988]

Shows depending are the best, looks fun for that couple items...

[@cb6832]

Another awesome video

[@michaelgayandproud6466]

I'm impressed I love this channel keep up the good work

[@randymoran67]

Everyone of these type of shows i usually go at the last day a good portion of dealers made no money you will get a better price usually for lesser items ( no mantle cards lol) i collect civil war newspapers, Brooklyn Dodgers ect ect items Here in Tx a place called round top antiques signs ect ect same principle 3 times the retail price when it starts, the last day usually at cost or below ebay

[@wowzieee]

The paper doll books, were they original and how much were they? These were around the 60s.

[@PaperandMoose]

They were original... I don't remember the cost. I'm assuming they were probably retail price.

[@redcardinaltreasures]

How do they actually sell anything at those prices?????

[@michaelgayandproud6466]

Nice score

[@kasihciam532]

Continue watching again..👁️👁️

[@TheBeccajb]

Do you have an online store to purchase vintage papers?

[@nancywalter7555]

There’s hardly anyone shopping! I wanna go....

[@bettygarrett2489]

Wow prices are ridiculous.

[@rexterrier1]

Some expensive vintage paper items!

[@davidsawyer988]

I’m like wait....! Go back go back buy that one or that one lol

[@standyourtruth.juneb.8069]

Renee this question is a tad morbid, but my husband said that in the 1800s on photo of the dead were taken to remember them by. Do you know anything about that as a practice

[@PaperandMoose]

Post-mortem photography became a common practice, especially during the Victorian period. Often times, a post-mortem photo was the only photo one had of a deceased relative, so it became one last surviving memento of their life. Also common at the time were locks of hair cut from the deceased and kept in lockets or used in wreaths. If you have time, do an internet search on death and the Victorian period - it is rather interesting!

[@1galstreasure4u]

Oh I was so looking forward to going we had planned to fly to ABE last Wednesday but had to cancel the trip. Our 13 YO Rhodesian Ridgeback became ill, and couldn’t even think about being away from her. She passed away yesterday. Hopefully can make it next year.

[@romancewiththepast7979]

Fur babies come first. Sorry for your loss

[@PaperandMoose]

Hopefully you can make it out there for the Spring show! Sorry for your loss, always hard to lose a pup.

[@retrobebop61]

So sorry for your loss.🌸

[@joycescott6066]

So sorry for your loss 💔 My son just adopted a RR . Little nugget is a foster failure named Boomer left on the side of the road with his sister in Texas . . . Always remember 'it's not goodbye Its see ya later' . . . 🌈

[@suzannesclove2797]

I wanted to go to this show and it didn't work out. In some ways I'm glad I didn't (it's almost two hours from my house). I paid a dollar a bag for victorian cutouts at the flea market less than a month a go. I agree, $15 for a Halloween pic taken in the 80s is ludicrous. It would still be interesting to see what is there though. I have a system. When I"m at the flea market, I avoid the dealers mostly who have put stuff I know I can get for a $1 in the sleeves and page protectors. More often than not, their prices are higher. Bring me the cardboard boxes and the dealers who kinda look and give you a random but very good price.The fact is, I use the ephemera for crafting mostly so I'm not looking to invest a lot. Maybe in the spring. In the meantime though, I'll keep hanging at the Golden Nugget!

[@PaperandMoose]

I have the same philosophy as you when it comes to buying paper - give me the boxes on the ground, piles of stuff, and I'm a happy camper to rummage through. If paper is sorted and individually priced, as you stated, chances are it is out of my price range! Gold Nugget is a great place to shop!

[@romancewiththepast7979]

Shows can be expensive to enter. You have got to sell a lot of goodies just to cover costs. Maybe this is why the prices are high. Thank you for trip

[@PaperandMoose]

I'm not sure of the cost to sell as a vendor. As a buyer, to enter the show you had to pay a $10 entrance fee.

[@barbaracleri123]

Wow they are expensive just for paper omg . 🤔

[@nancywalter7555]

How often is this show? The Allentown paper show?

[@PaperandMoose]

They hold it twice a year, Spring and Fall.

[@carlpistocco1926]

What are your favorite postcards???

[@PaperandMoose]

I enjoy real photo postcards - basically pictures on a postcard. Just depends on the scene and the image captured! Also Halloween postcards are beautiful, but expensive, so I don't have that many of them in my collection unfortunately.

[@eddya.3776]

Rene the prices I just saw for many of the items you showed in this video are so ridiculous that's why I don't really go to those things anymore. $15 for a photo of some kids in plastic Halloween costumes taken by Uncle Irv in 1985 or whatever is, I hate to say, stupid. That seller and everyone else there with prices like that will be lugging 99.9% of their stuff back with them. Looking on eBay at Halloween postcards one can already see the prices are dropping hard. What people were paying between $50-$100 for less than a year ago are now literally selling for under $20. Not all mind you but the vast majority. The time spent by some of those vendors putting worthless photos and postcards in plastic sleeves is time wasted. I'm not trying to be a downer but as a serious collector of paper myself it kind of irks me to see prices like that. I personally don't care if something is in a sleeve or sitting loose in a box and most collectors don't either. I'm not going to pay a seller to insert something into a plastic sleeve that much I know.

[@PaperandMoose]

I missed the rummaging through a box to find the paper... the "thrill" of the hunt wasn't present for me at this sale. Granted, it's a show and not a flea market setting and some would prefer the show setting, of course. It was an eye opener, that's for sure!

[@wowzieee]

Paper & Moose, maybe wait before committing to the Spring show. First ask, what is the table fee, what is the attendance. Know you have competitive vendors. Keep in mind, you are part of a generation who sells on line. The older generation, some still haven t tapped into that market yet. Once you put all the money into a show, you need to break even. Talk to the vendors, ask how they do at different shows. Sell to them, make your profit without a booth. A couple of more shows, when you feel confident, then consider taking a booth. Good luck.

[@brainstormrodeo5497]

Bought from a post card seller on EBay... (70,000+ sales) the Card I wanted was listed as a copy for $10. It was literally a picture of the card, not even the real thing! Won't do that again

[@romancewiththepast7979]

That is getting burned thanks for heads up

[@noraarnott5481]

But as a thrifter/collector it's the thrill of the hunt and finding things in the wild. You loose that at these type of shows.

[@stasiaspade1169]

Stalking the wild paper in the junk jungle!

[@hummerfan9360]

The prices are ridiculous. You do better at an auction, I think.

[@wendyfromholland6562]

Maybe try to sel there Your self

[@romancewiththepast7979]

Hi Wendy Rickey Donald and Michele seem to have insight. It going to take more than a few months to get ready plus the cost to get into the show.