Mercheum history, conclusion
Continued from part 2:
While I was learning the basics of WordPress, I started paying closer attention to websites I visited already. I examined their layout, and the features they offered. I also tried to determine if they were using WordPress or some other platform.
I also browsed the Internet looking for comic- or toy-related websites, and for “virtual museums” of all sorts. I found quite a variety of websites, from simple HTML pages to elaborate galleries, and all sorts of collections.
While researching rack toys, I stumbled across Brian Heiler’s website Plaid Stallions. He had just sent out last call for submissions to a book he was putting together. I submitted several pictures, and while they did not make the final cut, Brian claims to be considering a sequel, so there is still a chance! You can read an interview he did with Collectors Weekly here, and read about and buy the Rack Toys book here. Brian has been running Plaid Stallions for eight years, congratulations Brian! Very impressive considering he updates almost every day!
It was through Brian’s website (this post) that I found his friend Steve’s website Collecting Superman (from the Internet Archive Wayback Machine). This was much closer to what I envisioned for the Harvey Mercheum, and I emailed Steve and told him so. We’ve been emailing on and off ever since. I must admit I’m jealous of Steve, as his personal collection is large enough to allow him to do several updates a week. My collection is not, that is why it is so important for this website to get guest submissions.
One thing Brian and Steve have both done is to publish their own trading cards. Some day I would love to do a set of Harvey Mercheum cards. I would also love to do a coffee table book as well, if such a thing still exists when I get around to it!
Meanwhile, Mark Arnold updated the look of his blog, Fun Ideas. Mark is owner of the Richie Rich Yahoo Group, and as close to an expert on all things Harvey as I know. This expertise comes from years as editor of the Harveyville Fun Times, the best of which has been collected into a book available through Amazon.
Group member GloriaGladRich also started her own blog, featuring some of the best Richie Rich stories. You can visit her blog here.
And now the Harvey Mercheum is up and running! I hope it becomes a valuable resource for Harvey fans and toy collectors alike!
Featured image credit: clipart.email
