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At deadline it was almost 60 degrees with nary a flake of snow on the ground. Or, for that matter, anywhere else in the area. For the beginning of February, that’s a good thing in these parts.
If the non-snow holds up, next Saturday should be a beautiful day for you to go to a gymnasium in town. Not to work out, but to immerse yourself in military history.
It is time for the almost annual Leavenworth Militaria Show and Sale that has occurred in February for many years now. It has moved back and forth between the fort and the city over the years, and again this year it will be at the Riverfront Community Center.
Dr. Jerold “Jerry” Brown, longtime CGSC history instructor, is again the person putting the show on. It is a family affair, with wife Shirley graciously accepting the $3 donation at the door, and son Trevor turning out those not-so-famous “New Zealand hot dogs” for a tasty repast in the middle of a busy day.
Winter is a terrible time for flea market and yard sale buffs, as normally everything is covered with snow for several months. The February militaria show signals the coming end of the doldrums for those addicted to such sales events. It is a most welcome time.
Going to the show is sort of a gambling operation as Brown never knows precisely what dealers will show up or just what types of military artifacts they’ll bring. Suffice it to say that at every past show there have been quite enough items to entice prospective buyers to attend.
Brown always hopes for between 80-100 tables, which by Kansas City show standards is quite small. Most Kansas City shows have upwards of 400 tables. But for the average history buff and collector 80-100 is enough to make going worthwhile. Cooperating weather adds a nice big plus.
As it was the last two years, the show will be in the RCC gymnasium. It had to be there the last two years as the Frontier Conference Center was closed for renovations. It’s open again now, but Brown said “overwhelming demand” from dealers caused him to return to the RCC.
Something about eliminating a hassle at the main gate getting on post caused dealers to lobby for the RCC again.
Those readers who have attended a show in the past know what to expect. Those who haven’t will likely be pleasantly surprised at what they find. There will be everything from books to uniforms to weapons (all perfectly legal to buy) to whatever else soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen through the years have used, abused, or items that were never issued.
At deadline it was almost 60 degrees with nary a flake of snow on the ground. Or, for that matter, anywhere else in the area. For the beginning of February, that’s a good thing in these parts.
If the non-snow holds up, next Saturday should be a beautiful day for you to go to a gymnasium in town. Not to work out, but to immerse yourself in military history.
It is time for the almost annual Leavenworth Militaria Show and Sale that has occurred in February for many years now. It has moved back and forth between the fort and the city over the years, and again this year it will be at the Riverfront Community Center.
Dr. Jerold “Jerry” Brown, longtime CGSC history instructor, is again the person putting the show on. It is a family affair, with wife Shirley graciously accepting the $3 donation at the door, and son Trevor turning out those not-so-famous “New Zealand hot dogs” for a tasty repast in the middle of a busy day.
Winter is a terrible time for flea market and yard sale buffs, as normally everything is covered with snow for several months. The February militaria show signals the coming end of the doldrums for those addicted to such sales events. It is a most welcome time.
Going to the show is sort of a gambling operation as Brown never knows precisely what dealers will show up or just what types of military artifacts they’ll bring. Suffice it to say that at every past show there have been quite enough items to entice prospective buyers to attend.
Brown always hopes for between 80-100 tables, which by Kansas City show standards is quite small. Most Kansas City shows have upwards of 400 tables. But for the average history buff and collector 80-100 is enough to make going worthwhile. Cooperating weather adds a nice big plus.
As it was the last two years, the show will be in the RCC gymnasium. It had to be there the last two years as the Frontier Conference Center was closed for renovations. It’s open again now, but Brown said “overwhelming demand” from dealers caused him to return to the RCC.
Something about eliminating a hassle at the main gate getting on post caused dealers to lobby for the RCC again.
Those readers who have attended a show in the past know what to expect. Those who haven’t will likely be pleasantly surprised at what they find. There will be everything from books to uniforms to weapons (all perfectly legal to buy) to whatever else soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen through the years have used, abused, or items that were never issued.
The show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Unlike some display shows in the area, virtually everything one sees on a table can be taken home, should seller and buyer agree on a price.
As usual at Brown’s shows, those identifying themselves as veterans of WW II or Korea will not be asked for a donation. Members of “The Greatest Generation” enter as guests of the show. In past years several Army and Marine Corps veterans of WW II have worn their uniform, to the delight of other attendees.
Most folks going to a military show don’t take a camera, but if you do, the vets in uniform will be happy to pose for a picture for you.
Several WW II re-enactors have been at past shows, mostly just walking around and looking for goodies. It is a bit strange to see a German Waffen-SS soldier looking at a WW II German helmet, but it adds another special dimension to the popular show.
So now you have a whole week’s notice to adjust your schedule to attend the show next Saturday. I can hardly wait for another New Zealand hot dog…or two.
John Reichley is a retired Army officer and retired Department of the Army civilian employee.
