| American Society of Appraisers: Philadelphia Chapter Serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey |
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 American Society of Appraisers — Philadelphia Chapter —
We appraise:
• Personal Property • Real Estate • Gems & Jewelry • Business Valuation • Machinery/Specialties 
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A Philadelphia Chapter Tribute to Shirley Sue Swaab, ASAPhiladelphia had its own Shirley Sue Swaab and, unlike little Cindy Lou, once you say the name in these parts, no one asks "Who?" Shirley Sue Swaab, ASA (PP) was our little jewel; a razor sharp wit coupled with unbridled generosity, a perpetual Chapter cheerleader, a favorite teacher, an unselfish mentor. Our ace in the hole.
Shirley was a woman of many talents, interesting observations and a history of collecting that was, endearingly, a bit off center. Shirley's love of objects and their history encompassed every level. She collected air-sickness bags, museum entry buttons and yo-yo's right along side of Asian art, early needlework and antiques. Although she held a B.S. in metallurgy and retired from Monsanto as a chemist specializing in stainless steel, Shirley seemed more pleased by the fact that she had a license to fly an airplane or that she had taken up the Japanese Language shortly before her death. Shirley identified closely with death and dying? Yep. Collected it and gave talks on it, complete with samples. Child's coffin? Check! Posthumous photos? Check! Hair jewelry? Morning needlework? Check and double check! "Oh, how depressing," you say? No way! One of her favorite things was Gravedigger's Ball, a fundraiser for a Philadelphia cemetery. Who else but Shirley? We'll miss you, Shirley. You were one of a kind and it was an honor and a pleasure to have known you. Other Tributes to Shirley Sue Swaab, ASA• Renowned lecturer Swaab dies at age 87 Montgomery Media, Wednesday, March 31, 2010 By Kaitlyn Foti • A Treasure in Life's Collection Montgomery Media, Wednesday, March 31, 2010 By Ann L. Rappoport, Ph.D. |
The buzz in the Chapter was, if you didn't know, you went to "She Who Knew All." Just what did Shirley know? Just ask those who attended her seminars on Silver/Silverplate, Chinese Porcelain, Delft/Delftware, Ivory and its Look-A-Likes, and her specialty talks on delft and delft tiles and, well, just about everything in the decorative arts. Did I mention that Shirley also gave talks on tattooing (body art) and its history? And claimed to have a tattoo? Shirley was a collector and had scads of her own examples of the decorative arts she lectured on because she wanted students to have a hands-on experience.