The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

On Thursday there is an open house for dealers and collectors. It's held in the bar, patio, and a portion of the restaurant. The cost is modest and there are things to eat.

In the olden days there was a Thursday sale in the parking lot. It was abused by people that would only set up in the parking lot and then were buyers the rest of the weekend. The Donleys received no income from such sellers and they also felt it lessened the show for Friday and Saturday buyers. The Thursday parking lot was tons of fun but the Donleys had a point. Phono collectors were even camping out in the parking lot on Wednesday or earlier hoping to get the best deals. This created problems because the venue is used for many other events. There was an early sale at a nearby Church for a few years but that created hard feelings and some people were banished from Union. Currently the dealers are allowed to bring things into their booths but are discouraged from setting up their booths. Any sales on Thursday are prohibited and I think dealers are good about following the rules. I personally don't care if the rules are the same for everyone and that seems to be so. The show is run fairly. Early buyers and dealers are allowed into the building at the same time Friday morning.

Jerry Blais

I'll also be driving about 800 miles from Delaware. This will be my first time at Union and i'm looking forward to meeting many forum members in person. If anyone wants to share a ride or have something smaller transported to or from the Delaware area, please send me a PM.

Andreas

I noted the question about wearing a name tag to ID members here. I haven't been in a long time but they used to provide a name tag you wrote your name on from what I recall. Do they still do that? I am thinking of going but not sure.

Larry

larryh wrote:I noted the question about wearing a name tag to ID members here. I haven't been in a long time but they used to provide a name tag you wrote your name on from what I recall. Do they still do that? Larry

Yes they still do, name tags / passes are given to dealer and early buyer which are good for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
I feel lucky, its less than 400 miles for me.

Best Regards, Larry

High five, fellow Michigander

Jerry B. wrote:There was an early sale at a nearby Church for a few years but that created hard feelings and some people were banished from Union.

Years ago I attended a wonderful Thursday swap meet at a church parking lot in Elgin, IL. It is an hour drive from Union. Is that the one? We heard some people were banished. We figured that Donley's jurisdiction ends at their property line. What happens in another town, another state or another country is beyond their control, beyond the pale, and frankly none of their business. Banishing people from Union for activities in another town is ridiculous!

VintageTechnologies wrote:Years ago I attended a wonderful Thursday swap meet at a church parking lot in Elgin, IL. It is an hour drive from Union. Is that the one? We heard some people were banished. We figured that Donley's jurisdiction ends at their property line. What happens in another town, another state or another country is beyond their control, beyond the pale, and frankly none of their business. Banishing people from Union for activities in another town is ridiculous!

That's the one. Well... it's really only about 25 minutes away. It's a done deal, no need to make a discussion of it here.

Dustin Ellis and David Hoover making our first trip to Union this year from Mt. Pleasant Texas. Hint hint...... That trailer is empty now. Hope to have it full on the way back

It is good to see you both in the photo. We hope your journey will be a good one.

Don and Carolyn

Same to ya'll. Hope to see you at Union.