When I was younger, say around fifteen years of age, I began to collect beer cans. At the time, collecting beer cans was all the rage, even though I was relatively unaware that others also shared the hobby. By the time I learned that there was a network (pre internet of course) of other collectors out there, I had already moved out of my parent’s house, leaving my collection sitting in their attic.
When I bought my own house, it did’t take long before I got the dreaded call from my mom, telling me that it was time to collect my belongings (namely my beer can collection). Begrudgingly I made a trip to the house and packed up all of the cans, which I then brought to my new house, packed away in boxes where they sat for years.
Eventually my wife asked me what my plans were for all of the boxes that sat in the garage. It was then (about a year ago) that I decided that I was going to start collecting again, instead of getting rid of them. So I began to display the breweriana in the garage, placing the hundreds upon hundreds of cans wherever I could find suitable spots.
Once all of the cans were brought back into the “world of the living”, I decided that it was time to poke around, to uncover other breweriana collectors in Buffalo. I soon learned that Buffalo has a chapter of Beer Can Collectors of America (BCCA), which has regular meet-ups at venues and homes throughout Greater Buffalo. It was September 1, 2014 that I attended my first collectors’ meet-up. It was also then that I learned that there were more breweriana aficionados out there than I anticipated, and they were looking to attract new members/enthusiasts.
Earlier today, I attended a chapter meeting at Resurgence Brewery, where members gathered to discuss their interest in breweriana (beer trays, cans, bottles, signs, etc.) The Buffalo’s BCCA chapter is called “Simon Pure” after one of our long gone prized breweries. The chapter is run by president Jeff Marbach, who, along with kindred spirits, keeps the art of beer can collecting alive and well in Buffalo.
At today’s gathering, collectors were asked to bring along an item of interest, most of which pertained to Buffalo beer culture. Some collectors brought cans, while others brought signs and the like. I decided that I would bring a vacuum-sealed can that had been given to me many years ago. The can was part of a “pen set” that sat on the desk of the president of Iroquois Brewery. Inside the vacuum-sealed container was a prized can that marked the first “Keglined” can to roll through the production lines at the Fairport, NY plant (American Can Company, March 1958). To add to the significance of the can and the brewery, I disclosed that my friend who once gave it to me recently moved back to Buffalo (his family owned and operated Iroquois Brewery), and upon his return had acquired the naming rights to the Iroquois brewery (that’s as much as I can say at this point).
After hearing all of the stories, sharing a few Resurgence Brewery beers, meeting chapter members, and learning about their passions, I came away with a whole new appreciation for the hobby. Collecting breweriana has always been popular, and today, with the advent of the internet, it’s turned into a lucrative “pastime” for serious collectors. Yes, there are some serious collectors in the Simon Pure chapter her in Buffalo, but for the most part, this gang is more into sharing their stories and a couple of beers along the way. In fact, I ran into one guy who was there with his dad (see below). He told me that his “pop” started taking him to these get-togethers when he was eight years old. Today the two still pal around together, attending these socials, and bonding via their passion for collecting beer memorabilia.
The Simon Pure chapter of the BCCA is always on the hunt for new members. If you have an interest in collection brewerania of any sort, be sure to look into becoming a member and attending these fascination and fun excursions.
You can find additional info at the Simon Pure chapter website (click here). Also, if you have any old cans or a can collection, and you’re looking to find out more about it, trade, or unload, send me an email to Newell@BuffaloRising.com. Regardless, if you have a penchant for brewery items, and want to meet others who share your interest, be sure to attend an upcoming event and share your brewerania stories with a group that is eager to listen.