Collector Profile: Peter Schmidt

Local History News  |  Posted by: Tedd Long  |  07/10/2021

Peter Schmidt loves collecting Toledo sports memories but he specializes in a sporting event that took place over 100 years ago on a sweltering hot Fourth of July in 1919. We recently caught up with Pete and learned about his obsession with the Dempsey-Willard boxing match and how serendipity played a role when some of his collection showed up in his own backyard. Here's his profile.

Tell us a little about yourself and what you like to collect?

My name is Pete Schmidt and I collect a variety of items connected to Toledo's history. While my wife would disagree, I would call my collection reasonably small and selective. My focus is mostly on sports, glass and beer, but there are miscellaneous items peppered in (from Native artifacts to streetcar memorabilia).

How did you get started in collecting?

My mom had one glass from the 1951/2 Libbey Treasure Island Hostess set that belonged to her mother. I spent significant time tracking down all of the glasses in the set as well as several period advertisements. It took some time, but was incredibly rewarding - and the beast was unleashed.

What has been your single biggest success as a collector, or your greatest ever find?

I have always been very interested in (obsessed with?) the 1919 Willard Dempsey fight that took place at Bay View Park. I have several items related to the fight that I am proud to own (full ticket, ticket stubs, postcards, etc.). However, there are a handful of photographs that I have acquired which I would count among my greatest finds. Several years ago, I was tinkering with search terms and found some strangely listed photographs that were taken in and around the stadium the day of the fight. They offer unique and never before perspectives from a spectator's view. I also found a bada** photo of Jack Dempsey, his trainer Jimmy DeForest, Dempsey’s sparring partners and Dempsey’s dog. They’re walking down a street in Point Place, towards the camera, with canes in hand and confidence in their eyes.

We’ve heard there are three categories of Toledo collectibles. “Oh,” Oh, my” and “Holy Toledo!" How do you know when you see something in the third category?

Fortunately for me, I am easily amused and rather easy to impress. Anything that I want is generally an "Oh My" or even a "Holy Toledo" to me. However, I would say the main difference is how common or available an item is. I try to be patient and do (even minimal) research before purchasing anything over a certain dollar amount - maybe $25. I monitor auction sites on an almost daily basis, and have for nearly a decade - when there is something I've never seen before and/or can't find anywhere else, I might even exclaim "Holy Toledo!" before bidding furiously.

What is the most surprising or outrageous collecting story you have heard?

The most memorable stories are usually regarding collections lost to time, but I'd rather focus on the positive and something found - so, here is a story featuring yours truly. I was digging up a large set of shrubs in my backyard. My children were playing in the hole we had made and arranging stones and other items they had found. One stone caught my attention as it looked to have been shaped by hand. I contacted some local experts and heard back from an archeology professor at UM, who confirmed that the item is a sandstone abrader. It would have been used to sharpen small items like awls, needles and fish hooks. I have been looking for NW Ohio artifacts for years, online, in shops and in creeks and farm fields. This goes to prove that history is, sometimes literally, right under your feet.

If you had to pick one item or group from your collection to designate as your favorite, what would it be?

If I was to pick one item, it would likely be my 1927 signed Toledo Mud Hens ball. If a group, I would pick the Willard Dempsey items that I have collected.

If you could have one item out of someone else’s collection, what would that be?

There is a collector in town with several Lake Erie Casino items including a silver token. That is the casino in Point Place that burned down twice in the early 1900's. I would love to have that token.

How has the collecting scene changed since you got started?

Interest has definitely increased. In past auctions, I was often the sole bidder. That is rarer now. On the flip side, much more seems to be available. There are items that I sought for years that come up much more regularly now.

What advice would you give a new collector starting out today?

Be patient and find good resources. Whether the resource is web or print-based or a fellow collector who is experienced, knowledge is key to your success. As concerns patience, believe me, I know it's not easy to lose an auction or feel like you're missing out on an item. There are only a few instances where I lost out on an item and haven't seen it since. I do remember each but am hopeful, and think its likely, that they will come around again.