Baseball cards have a long history in Williston, North Dakota dating back to the late 19th century. Some of the earliest baseball cards produced featured players from the Williston Peawees, a semipro team that was popular in the region in the 1890s. While the specific cards are now extremely rare, they helped spark interest in baseball card collecting among the youth of Williston.
Into the early 20th century, the most widely available baseball cards were included as inserts in packages of cigarettes. Many general stores and corner markets in Williston stocked brands like Sweet Caporal, Piedmont, and Old Mill that included baseball cards as incentives to buy their tobacco products. Kids would eagerly await the newest series to see if any of their favorite Williston Peawees players from past seasons were featured.
During World War II, baseball card production was limited due to rationing of materials. The sport remained quite popular in Williston and cards from before the war continued to circulate extensively. Trading among collectors became a favorite pastime and helped build community during a difficult time. After the war, production ramped up again and new sets included players who had seen action in the military as well.
The 1950s were the golden age of baseball cards in Williston. More children had disposable income from allowance and odd jobs to spend on wax packs at drug stores and convenience stores all around town. Star players on the Williston Braves like Bobby Thomson and Whitey Ford had their own cards that were highly sought after by local collectors. Complete sets of Topps and Bowman cards from the decade can still be found in the attics and basements of Williston homes today.
Into the 1960s, the introduction of colorful, team-specific designs on cards from Topps was a major development. Having cards that matched your favorite team’s uniforms added another layer of excitement for collectors in Williston. The Minnesota Twins were becoming a popular team to follow as well with the likes of Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva appearing in packs. Star players from the Williston Peawees amateur team also received their own custom card designs.
The 1970s saw baseball cards truly explode in popularity across the country, and Williston was no exception. More children had allowances to spend and the hobby had grown into a big business. Expos cards were popular as a Montreal farm team played in the area. New variations like action cards added to the thrill of the chase. Some of the first sports memorabilia shops and card shows also emerged in Williston during this decade, further fueling the booming market.
In the 1980s, the arrival of high-number parallels, oddball issues, and inserts featuring current players immediately after their rookie seasons kept the hobby fresh and exciting for collectors all over Williston. Local card shops like Bob’s Baseball Cards became popular weekend hangouts. Stars of the Minnesota Twins continued to be hotly pursued, while nostalgia for old Peawees players remained strong too. The first official licensed NFL and NBA cards were also a major event.
During the early 1990s, increased mass production led to a card crash that devalued collections. Shops in Williston stayed busy as collectors traded duplicates and soured on the glut of available products. The rise of independent contractors like Upper Deck helped stabilize the industry. Interest in vintage cards from the town’s amateur history also grew steadily. The internet was also beginning to connect collectors in new ways.
In the 2000s, online auction sites like eBay further boosted interest in vintage Williston cards and players. Prices rose steadily for key rookie cards and rare regional issues. Modern parallels and autos attracted many collectors as well. Independent regional sets paid homage to the town’s baseball roots. Card shows drew collectors from surrounding areas to Williston. Several prominent Hall of Famers with connections to the area like Kirby Puckett had their plaques enshrined, fueling nostalgia.
Today, baseball cards remain a popular hobby and collecting interest in Williston. While the heyday of pack searching may have passed, appreciation for the town’s baseball history lives on through its classic cardboard treasures. Both vintage Peawees stars and modern Twins players hold value. Online groups help preserve regional memories. Card shops have adapted to the current market, and the roots remain deeply embedded in Williston’s sporting culture and memories of generations past. The history of baseball cards in Williston is one rich with community and tradition.
