The last Saturday in February means snow, or at least cold weather, in much of the country. In South Florida, it averages 78 degrees on that date.
Combine political collectibles, warm weather and some good-hearted fun, and it’s little wonder the South Florida Political Collectibles Show in West Palm Beach continues to thrive, heading for its 19th annual rendition come February 27, 2010.
Dealers from at least 10 states begin gathering at the Best Western Palm Beach Lakes hotel along Interstate 95 in West Palm Beach the Thursday of show week for some room hopping and afternoons by the pool at the resort-style hotel. Regularly attending dealers have included Mark Evans, Bren Price, Bob and Jeannine Coup, Jack Dixey, Tony Atkiss, Ken and Cathy Hosner, Tom Dunn, and many more. The show itself is held at the West Palm Beach Elks Club, 6188 Belvedere Road.
Through the years, some great walk-ins have come through the doors from show visitors. These items, which were auctioned off on the floor via Seattle Rules auction, include a Truman for Eastern District Judge pin, Lincoln ferrotype, rare Third Party pins, Grant Stanhope and many more items from Northeast retirees who brought the items with them when they retired to Florida.
Tables are $50 for show dealers, and admission is $3 for the public. The show opens at 8 a.m. for dealers and 9 a.m. for the public, closing at 4 p.m.
On Saturday night after the show, dealers and friends take in dinner at a local restaurant and then go back to the Peeling house for Becky’s famous key lime pie, and bread pudding, and a chance to look at Tom’s Theodore Roosevelt collection and Becky’s Fostoria glass collection.
For information about the show, contact Tom Peeling at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 561-707-3090 (evenings). For hotel reservations, call the Best Western Palm Beach Lakes Inn, 1800 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach, at 561-683-8810 and ask for Rosalie in sales in order to get the special $105 a night room rate. Be sure to mention the show to get this rate.
