Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums Showcase and Stories, Petroliana Mr. Earl Cheese

Today my father and I went to an auction in Odell, IL that had quite a bit of gas and oil pieces. We were standing around talking, and out of the blue a gentlemen came up and asked us where we were from, and started a conversation. After a few minutes he introduced himself. My dad and I were flabbergasted to find out we were standing in front of one the pioneers of this hobby Mr.Earl Cheese. He was kind enough to talk awhile and personally invited us up to see his collection. It was truly a pleasure to meet Mr. Cheese and Mr. Ball. They were some of the most friendly people I have ever met. Meeting a Pioneer like him beats anything we bought today and truly made the day special so if you read this Thank you Mr. Cheese and Mr. Ball and we will see you in the spring.

Jerry Wheeler

Jerry thats one of the best things I have found in this hobby also "the people"!!!!!!!

Jerry I was at that auction as well. Are you the one that bought the Johnson can? As for Earl that is one collection you do need to see. Super Guy with a Super collection! We walked around for about three hours visiting and looking the first time I was there. He does enjoy talking with others and showing and telling about this stuff. Make that trip you won't be sorry.
Jerry

Jerry,

Yes sir I was the one who bought the Johnson can. Wish I would have known a fellow old gasser was there haha. Brads right the people i've had the pleasure to meet or talk to is what makes me stay in this hobby. I will be making my way up to see Mr. Cheese in the spring.

Jerry

Earl lives down the street from..Super guy as well as collection.

Jerry,
Sorry I didn't walk over yesterday with Earl and Dean.
I thought they were on their way out. Next time I say hello.

Jerry

Jerry, I just got off the phone with Earl and read him your post and the responses that followed. You made his day. He is looking foward to givng you the "tour" of his collection. Thanks - Dean Balduff

Being a relative newbie, I am not familiar with Earl Cheese. Is "The Big Cheese" his son?
John

no he's not.i have met earl at peatone and iowa.really nice guy to talk to. mick

Don't feel bad, I have been at this since around 1989 and I have never heard of him. can someone shed a little light on what he is well known for?, I'm curious now

I've never met the gentleman, but know somewhat of his collection. Also one of the auctions that "showcased" some of his items.
Checkout this link to see some of the items in that auction;

http://www.aumannauctions.com/tmp_site/i...2&ap_sub=fp

Hey Jerry
Welcome to the hobby,I have been here around 25 + yrs.Haven't know Earl that many, but the years I have a very good friend.And by the way,I'm suprised you got that can away from Earl (Earl likes Johnson items !)
Jim
PS Have fun in this hobby

Since I have known Earl, my son(Dustin 18 yrs.)and I have been to hundreds of auctions,swapmeets and tours with him.What he is best known for to me is the things he taught Dustin about petoliana history- what the items where used for-how they used items-why they did things the way they did-what the value is (how much is it worth)-stuff that could never be taught in a classroom. We can be at an auction in the middle of nowhere and he ALWAYS has someone come up and say hello. Dean

Yeah, his collection is ok if you like rare signs,cans,globes and pumps in great condition. lol
He sounds like a cool guy. He has a cool name too. Mr. Earl Cheese. Has a certain ring to it.
John

Being from Illinois , the same place Earl is from, I have known him for about 10 years. One of the most enjoyable colectors around. And he knows this hobby! The first time I met him, I "thought" I would outbid him on an Indian, globe. I didn't get it and we still laugh about it now. Since then I have Bought from him and sold to him. A real gentleman. He is also an avid license plate collector. I was trying to find a certain year of truck plate and called Earl, he mailed me an excellent set exactly what I needed. and said pay me when you decide you like them. Earl gets to about all the sales in the mid west, and once you meet him he won't forget you. A real pleasure to know.Norm