Those of us with enough moss on the north side of our bark have seen this with other hobbies. Civil War collectibles were reasonably priced, until the doctors and lawyers started paying any ridiculous and astronomical price for the most mundane article. It pushed ordinary young people right out of the market and out of the interest in that history. It’s the same way with car clubs and other organizations. It’s probably a poor example, but here goes: Once upon a time, in a VFW Post on Long Island, late 1960’s, a young soldier came to a general meeting.
He had all the credentials needed to be a member, having served in the jungles of Vietnam a few short months earlier. He wanted to join the men he respected and continue to serve the community he loved. He created quite a stir among the “old timers” and the “greatest generation“ seated there. He was ostracized for his service and on the verge of being literally thrown out of the hall. One comrade actually said, “Well, we just don’t need any more members because we’re doing just fine without these hippie types. We’re making the money we need for our Programs.” My dad was last to speak, because he went through the same gauntlet as a Korean War veteran fifteen short years earlier and he had to learn his place... “Comrades. If we don’t welcome these young people into our VFW Post, we as an organization are sure to fail in short time. If we don’t accept this man I will quit this organization never to return.” They reluctantly accepted that young soldier, who remained in the community FD and the VFW. But the damage was done. Today that same Post, like so many others, are facing closing their doors forever because they only have 5 active members. And Civil War items are being thrown out by surviving family members because they either don’t know what’s in their hands or they just can’t be bothered with it.
Kudos for offering the great deal on the seat. There’s a message in that.