Chapter One, The beginning
Once Upon a Time ,getting an autograph from your favorite personality regardless if it is an movie or stage star, athlete or even a President was basically simple and but limited in ways to collect them. You would write them in the mail and ask for a photo(many of them were secretarial) or wait for them by the stage door at a play where they may be starring in or a ballpark and have them sign your autograph book or trading card. That has all changed.... You have the internet, TV, newspapers, book signings, and conventions where if you took the time can find out who and where a star may be. Before E bay in 1996, there were many reputable dealers who sold autographs mainly historical letters, signatures and documents which really was an investment to the avid collector. Today there are Internet and catalog auctions varying from FDCs, Photos ranging from 5x7 to 16x20s, bats, balls, helmets, magazine covers and anything with a picture or item of a celebrity that can be au