Some Hershey Observations

[Bruce Adams]

Hershey was as much fun as ever, though I felt attendance by both Flea Market Vendors and Shoppers was down. There was a great number of German shoppers who seemed to be BUYING rather than US lookers.

 

[mhsprecher]

The car corral did not seem to have as many cars, but I didn't get over there until Friday, so that may have been the reason. I felt that I should not have been in the same building as some of those auction cars!

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Bruce, regarding attendance being down, I have not attended the Hershey meet in several years, and several others that I know did not attend this year. For me personally, each day I live something very similar to what Hershey is for most folks. Each day I look on eBay and on certain classifieds looking for parts to purchase. Almost a day does not go by that I am not talking by phone or face-to-face with a fellow hobbyist. The only things I give-up by not attending Hershey is not wearing out a pair of shoes, -and the unrecoverable time & expenses associated with traveling to/from, -and all of the fees associated with attending.

In the States, we have the ability to easily find what we need from the comfort of our recliner if we are willing to put forth an effort. Getting it transported to us is not that hard either. I think many people now view attending Hershey with the same mindset as I have. The German collectors probably do not have the same luxuries as we have in that regard, and so they are coming for the Hershey experience that many of us have already had.

 

[leo]

Hey Brent, I'm not a sports fan but I'd say it's like the difference between going to see the game or watching it on TV. There is a difference and I bet most people would rather go to the game.

 

[ronn]

Well said Brent

another thought, the effort the foreign folks make, whether Norway or Sweden or Australia is truly amazing! I only live 2 1/2 hours away and each year I say will be my last. Biggest problem for me, is I keep looking back and remembering what Hershey was and now isnt, rather then just enjoying the moment.
The Germans could prob buy on ebay just as easily as us, but I guess everyone is not willing to ship outside of the US. I certainly wont because it is so difficult to insure off of US soil and have already had 2 losses over the years. Making it not worth it to me.

Anyway, I am curious to see where Hershey goes in the future. I am expecting some consolidation of spaces. The problems seem to be people passing and the paperwork for sales tax from PA. You dont fill out forms when you have a yard sale, so the inconvenience is a bit of a pain. Some work around it with a 1.00 table where they leave a box for the cash. A smart move in my opinion............

 

[Oldbluoval]

PA needs to wise-up on the sales tax thingy! I was a practicing CPA for 38 years and have a reasonable knowledge of sales tax. TN has what we called "the Girl Scout cookie sale rule". If the event is once a year, it is not subject to the sales tax.
I do not know if the PA DofR paints with a broad brush and says Hershey events are all one-in-the-same (I know there are more events at Hershey having to do with cars) and thus not just "one event" Also, a professional vendor who visits PA more often should be subjected to collecting sales tax. Laws are laws but when they stifle it isn't a good thing (albeit all taxes stifle!!)

Since I make a line of certain parts, I take a display board and take orders to be shipped when I return home. Also, many of my parts are not built until ordered as they are rather low demand but necessary when needed.

Ronn's assessment is a goodie....

"Biggest problem for me, is I keep looking back and remembering what Hershey was and now isn't, rather then just enjoying the moment."

I too am guilty and I really degrade my own visits by my perceptions! Also, many of my oldtimers (me too) have either passed or quit going so that affects me too.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Hey Brent, I'm not a sports fan but I'd say it's like the difference between going to see the game or watching it on TV. There is a difference and I bet most people would rather go to the game.

While you definitely have a point, the latest trend sure doesn't appear that way with the NFL, does it!

 

[Wilky]

I agree with your observations Bruce. I was there from Tuesday morning onward until Friday when I left at 11:00am. I was really shocked when leaving that the crowds seemed to be finally pouring in at that time on Friday. The NW parking field was completely full and cars were then being parked in a small field to the west of that giant NW parking field.
I also noticed a large number of German shoppers this year --- and thought it unusual that many were wearing black shirts --- hot during the great sunny weather.
Brent's points out good reasons for what we are observing. I would add that we all know that many of the Hershey vendors and shoppers are getting up in years --- so every year there will be some who are no longer able to attend.

 

[old31]

Bruce, thanks for the pics.

I give up, what is the red car in the top middle photo? to the right of the woodie

 

[denis4x4]

Brent makes a good point and I would only add to it that buying and selling on line might be easy, but the personal touch is lacking. Meeting new people face to face with similar interests is part of the fun of attending swap meets. And, you always see something that you had no intention of buying!

 

[mhsprecher]

I give up, what is the red car in the top middle photo? to the right of the woodie[/QUOTE]

A Ghia at the auction.

 

[willobs]

Dual Ghia?

 

[jim1932]

Bruce, regarding attendance being down, I have not attended the Hershey meet in several years, and several others that I know did not attend this year. For me personally, each day I live something very similar to what Hershey is for most folks. Each day I look on eBay and on certain classifieds looking for parts to purchase. Almost a day does not go by that I am not talking by phone or face-to-face with a fellow hobbyist. The only things I give-up by not attending Hershey is not wearing out a pair of shoes, -and the unrecoverable time & expenses associated with traveling to/from, -and all of the fees associated with attending.

In the States, we have the ability to easily find what we need from the comfort of our recliner if we are willing to put forth an effort. Getting it transported to us is not that hard either. I think many people now view attending Hershey with the same mindset as I have. The German collectors probably do not have the same luxuries as we have in that regard, and so they are coming for the Hershey experience that many of us have already had.

I only go one day, because it is usually all I can get off of work (and away from wifey). This was my third year. I usually find a benefit from A) heavy stuff: 32 transmission, set of bumpers, cast Iron high compression Model A heads. B) I have a model B which is more unusual. I can usually get B fuel pumps or other items way cheaper than online by finding them in other parts on a table.

I also enjoy seeing the stuff I don't buy, old motorcycles, flat head blowers, old cars etc. I will still go next year.

 

[Bulligen]

I have been messing with old cars for 45 years and have never been able to go. I still work everyday to make ends meet. I was lucky to get in the hobby when a kid could save up and buy an old jalopy ( and I still have it). I would love to go some year before I can't enjoy it.

 

[brum1]

Another great year at Hershey, I found Thursday traffic to be quite heavy, I did not notice any less cars in the coral? To me shopping online is like playing a hunting video game as opposed to being outside in the world; If you consider it a vacation the cost and time is not an issue

 

[mhsprecher]

A Dual Ghia: https://www.rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/HF17/Hershey/lots/r112-1957-dual-ghia-convertible/430740

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

I haven't been able to get away for Hershey for the past 9 years, but even back then I could see a big decline in good original or NOS parts. I still enjoyed going and made it my annual vacation. Hopefully next year I will have the time to go again, and then will decide if it's worth going after that.

My big regret is not starting to attend Hershey back in the 70's, when it must have been really good, especially for NOS parts.

 

[dean from bozeman]

leo, I totally agree with you. I'd rather go see a game. I'd rather go to Hershey than sit in a chair and look at eBay though the Lord knows that I have done my share of buying on eBay!

To measure Hershey by just considering buying and selling is missing some big benefits:

1. The exchange of information, be it how to do something when restoring a vehicle or just keeping it running, is invaluable.

2. The face to face meeting of someone you have communicated with, bought something from over the internet (including Fordbarn) or have a friend in common should not be underestimated.

3. Learning the differences between parts from a friend or even a seller can help immensely when you want your vehicle to look and/or run correctly.

4. I'd rather see a part in person than rely on photos from a seller on the Internet. When selling via the Internet I always ask if the potential buyer would like to see more photos or photos of a particular part of the item that is for sale. However, seeing a part in person can tell you immediately if it is worth the price or you should pass.

5. On eBay the price goes up as the auction goes on. Sometimes the final price reveals a bargain. Sometimes not. At a swap meet you can bundle and bargain.

6. What kid didn't like to hunt for Easter eggs and candy? Finding a part that you or a friend needs is a wonderful experience.

7. When you walk up and down the aisles at Hershey you hear a lot of laughing. Good old laughter truly is a salve of life.

8. Dreams start, continue and can end at swap meets like Hershey. Whether it's the car corral or the isolated vehicle, dreams can start when you see the right one. I saw and bought A495 in the old green field. Dreams can continue when you find the right parts or find someone to do the correct job. Dreams can end when you see a sold sign. But as dusk for some is dawn for others (depends on your perspective relative to the sun), a seller's dream ends at the same time as a buyer's dream begins.

9. There is also sadness at Hershey. This time, when talking to a good friend, I found out about the passing of Jerry DeWitt. I wandered aimless for a while. It felt like I was kicked in the gut. I passed the spaces that used to belong to friends Doc Kalinka and Steve Ciccalone. Dave Frazier also told me that this would be his last Hershey. Soon an auction will send his entire parts and memorabilia collection to various buyers. Time changes many things.

10. There is also hope for a new generation of car enthusiasts. As I sat at Gary Johnson's space, there were a few times when younger guys stopped by for parts and/or advice. There are numerous younger people walking among the swap spaces with parents and grandparents.

You know it is easy to come up with reasons for not attending. I could have said, "A495 is done what do I need to go to Hershey for?". But then I wouldn't have found parts needed by friends in the hobby. I would not have seen barn finds covered with dust and hay. I would not have laughed with friends as we shared dinner or enjoyed a few beers with them.

leo, I'm with you. Attend the game. Attend the meet. Attend the swap, rally, show or whatever.

When at Hershey I told my buddy, Tim Kelly, it was great to see him and his reply was, 'Better to be seen than viewed'. So true.

 

[WTSHNN]

Dean, you perfectly summed up Hershey for me.

Was good to see you, hope I was one of the people you were referring to in #10.

-Tim

 

[brum1]

some pics