I began collecting license plates at around 7 years old when I found a 1936 rusty plate in my great-grandfather's barn. My collection now is around 1,500 South Carolina plates, of all types (Bus, Truck, Trailer, political, Veteran, etc.) My 'prize' plates are the 1972 plate of Governor West and a recent Pearl Harbor Survivor plate. I also have plates from all 50 states and a few foreign countries.
We plate collectors have shows/meets all around the country, and ALPCA (Automobile License Plate Collectors Associaton) is our club. I try to attend as many as I can find time for. I have attended meets in Atlanta; Charlotte; Greensboro; Crossville, Tennessee; Huntsville, Alabama; Jacksonville, Florida; Arlington, Texas; and have hosted meets in Spartanburg and Lexington, SC.
If I can help you track down something, please ask.
-Ben