For those not familiar with the name Peter Fritz, he was a famous Marx and toy dealer in the 70’s through the 90’s. Peter disappeared and there were various stories about him. We found out that Peter was living in Connecticut and his health was not good. A good friend Bob Mulero tracked him down and has given us reports. This week I sold an item to Peter and checked in on how he was doing. This is his reply.
I wish I was well enough to do Allentown one more time! I have a touch of lung cancer Paul, they were going to operate last week but said my 9mm “mass” (and you know how small that is) should be simply watched for a few months since now or 6 months from now its all the same. I expected to be in surgical recovery at this date so I did not ask Robert Mulero to make travel plans for us. Assuming I have surgery next year, I expect to recover and “hopefully” make a public appearance somewhere. Allentown would be my choice as it is available by bus (I no longer drive).
I have a little but qualitative collection that grows at the rate of 2 toys a month which is closing in on my space available. I still do my own shopping, cooking and walking about but I quit drinking 5 years ago and lost all my teeth in the process. I get by since toys are always a joy. I miss the old (aging?) crowd. I’ll bet the young ones who are “tech savvy” still haven’t mastered the psychology of collecting. We could teach them a lot, Paul. Days gone bye were awfully good ones, I cherish the memories. Tell the folks a grand “HELLO” from me and, I hope to see them all next year. Thanks PAUL!!”
I have suggested Hackensack over Allentown as more of the old gang is there. We will keep you posted.
I really would truly be interested in hearing what Peter Fritz means when he refers to the “psychology of collecting”, and what he is referring to when he says, “We could teach them a lot, Paul.” It appears Peter isn’t connected to this website, but if Admin knows what Peter is talking about, I would enjoy hearing an elaboration.
Don
I have received another email from Peter, that I will post after I get permission. Peter has not connected to my web site for comments yet.
Let me answer the second one first What Peter is saying Peter and I could teach the younger generation of collectors and dealers a few things what we went through in the earlier stages of the hobby. The psychology of collecting one aspect is what most people collect it is the items that they grew up. If it was action figures they will collect action figures. If it was comic books then they will collect comic books. They may collect items like paintings because of the desire to own things. Hopefully I will get Peter to comment more on that in the near future.
Thanks, Paul. I’m looking forward to hearing Peter’s follow-up email as well, once you get his permission to post it.
Incidentily, I (and I’m sure a few others too) are expecting to see from you nice, long, comprehensive, highly- detailed reports on the Allentown and New Jersey shows. A few photos wouldn’t hurt, either.
Don
I have just put up Peter’s comments. I hope to do Allentown Toy Show later today. It will have no pictures. Hackensack will have pictures.