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April, 2020 The Antique Shoppe Page 29
North Lake Blvd.
Political Parade Blue Heron Blvd Greenwood Ave. 1

MLK Jr Blvd.
By Mike McQuillen

Of all of the many collector Congress N. Ocean Blvd.
organizations, clubs, societies and
groups to which I have belonged over
the past 35+ years, the APIC (American
Political Items Collectors) has by far Palm Bch Lakes Blvd. Flagler
been the most rewarding to me from a
networking and collecting standpoint. Not quite enough voters showed-up in 1960 who This colorful 1940 Wendell Willkie license plate
Okeechobee Blvd.
With an APIC number of 8461, I wanted to keep Dick Nixon on the job. It takes $50 attachment is from the McQuillen Collection and
certainly am not one of the longest today to own this great campaign picture button. retails for around $150 in great shape,
standing members, but in over 30 Belvedere Blvd. Flagler Dr.
years of membership I have found it to LAKE WORTH
be most worthwhile.
My involvement in this organization Southern Blvd
runs deep. In addition to being an APIC BKG A1A
member, I currently serve as Vice-President for Region #4, and promoted the Indiana Antique Mall Summit Blvd
& Midwest Regional APIC Shows for around 20 years. When I was first elected to the Come in and see all our 95
Indianapolis City-County Council 12 years ago, I decided to step-back from promoting Antiques & Collectibles Jog Rd Dixie Hwy.
these shows to prevent a conflict of interest when it came to signing contracts with Open 7 Days A Week - Call For Hours Federal Hwy.
hotels. My wife Polly and I still set-up at area shows as well as travelling to buy and 10th Ave. Congress Ave.
sell at shows and conventions. Being full-time dealers of Political Memorabilia, we also ••••
have an eBay presence as well as our own site – PoliticalParade.com. WE MAKE THE PAST A 2nd
Lucerne
As a collector and dealer, I try to serve as an advocate for both sides in my role as an PERFECT PRESENT! Lake Worth Road . Lake
APIC VP and am always glad to hear from members with problems, concerns and ideas. Vendor Display Cases Ave
Member recruitment has long been a priority for me and making sure that we get our Available for Rent! 1
hobby and more specifically this organization in front of as many people as possible. 32 Dixie Highway Malaleuca Ln
Speaking of networking, my good friend (and New Jersey resident) Harvey Goldberg Lake Worth, FL 33466
has a great response when asked what he collects. He doesn’t immediately mention (561)533-7707 Fax (561)533-7578
Kennedy items or one of his other specialties, but instead first answers “I collect janetdesigns@gmail.com Lantana Rd Ocean Ave
friends.” Making friends and collecting contacts is truly what makes this a great hobby. 1
I to, enjoy travelling to shows across the country to not only seek those elusive Willkie Hypoluxo Rd
.
items I need for my collection, but to make friends and add to my collecting network
as well. In an advanced collection such as my 1940 Willkie’s, I sometimes leave a show COOPER CITY
with Zero new buttons, but a handful of new friends.
If you are like me, you may have a specialty area or two of interest, in addition to WHAT THE ADMIRES, THE  DESIRES
three dozen or so other collections! In my case, in addition to Willkie, I seek Indiana Vintage Jewelry, Furniture, Glass,
Governors, WWII Patriotics and Homefront, Indiana State Fair, Indy 500 Race, Indy Artwork, Collectibles, Linens,
Advertising Buttons & Pocket Mirrors, Dan Quayle, GOP Cause buttons, and anything Silver, China & Porcelain
else that catches my eye. Last Spring I even started a tray of 2020 Democratic 33 Years Same Location
Presidential Hopeful Pete Buttiegieg buttons as an “Indiana’s Favorite Son” addition. 25 Dealers Under One Roof
Of the 12 or 13 APIC National Conventions that I have been fortunate enough to Estates Liquidated
attend, the last National (in Springfield, IL) was undoubtedly my favorite to date! A The Fine Lion Antiques
huge bourse full of dealers from across the country, area attractions, seminars, exhibits, 9564 Griffin Rd. 2 1
and a great facility – all planned by two guys that HAD NEVER PUT ON A SHOW Cooper City, FL 33328
BEFORE! It was incredible, and proof for sure that it you don’t have to be an expert to 954-680-6141 • 305-733-5333
hold a political button show. There are countless members of our hobby who are very
OPEN 7 DAYS
happy to offer advice and assist when it comes to planning a new show. No matter Mon-Sat 10:30-6:00
where you live, if you are interested in giving it a shot – GO FOR IT! Sun 12:00-4:30 or by Appt.
Finally, under the leadership of Carter Todd of Nashville, I am very excited to hear Mention this ad
the plans thus far for this year’s APIC National in Tennessee on August 11-15. It sounds for a FREE Gift
like we are well on the way to having one of the best National’s ever. Details to follow. 1
I hope to see you there in August!
On to the Mailbag: Q: When my Grandfather passed away I found this neat little
bug which pictures President McKinley and his Vice-President. I guess it was for
campaigns. Is it worth much?
A: Your McKinley & Hobart Gold Bug mechanical campaign badge features wings
that click in and out of place to show or hide the candidates. A companion piece was
produced in a silver colored metal for the team of Bryan and Stevenson that same
year. Average retail value - $150.
Q: I found this old Dick Nixon picture button in a box at an auction. Is it original? We are a 10,000 sq/ft multi-dealer Antique Mall carrying antiques to meet every taste.
A: Yes! This particular campaign button which dates to the 1960 campaign refers to Cooper City Antique Mall believes in all the R’s
keeping then Vice-President Nixon “on the job” by electing him President. The effort, Rescue - Repair - Reuse - Repurpose - Recycle - Reduce
as we now know, was not successful, and this nice 3 ½” celluloid pin-back button sells Re-Invent - Re-Imagine
today for around $50 in great shape. Antique Furniture and Decorative Accessories dating back to the 18th century.
Also Jewelry, Glassware, Textiles, China, Porcelain, Collectibles, Paintings & Prints, Lamps,
Michael McQuillen has been a full-time dealer, collector and expert in the field of Political Americana for 30 Chandeliers, Architectural, Iron & Garden Accessories plus so much more!
years. His column Political Parade has appeared regularly in a number of antique & collectible publications
since 1992. He invites readers to write or email with any questions or suggestions. Michael J. McQuillen can OPEN 7 DAYS — DEALER SPACE AVAILABLE
be reached by writing him directly at P. O. Box 50022, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250-0022, e-mail: michael@ 9800 Griffin Road, Cooper City, FL 33328 954-252-0788
politicalparade.com or through his web-site: www.PoliticalParade.com www.coopercityantiquemall.com 2