What Do You Collect?

September 24, 2012

If you have more than two of something, does that make it a collection? Like most of the homes in our area, my home has a few collections. Some I’m proud of, some that need a little help.

My husband has a collection of glass telephone insulators in a beautiful rainbow of colors. For years, they sat in boxes stored in the basement and attic. It was a shame to hide these interesting items from view, so we finally had a lighted display case made. Now, he proudly shares his collection with anyone who visits our home. He has also collected several precision scale model Farmall tractors. This collection of small red farm equipment is now housed anywhere there is a flat surface. Since these are not cheap children’s toys, I am encouraging him to have another display case made.

One day we were discussing what value these collections might have. I checked MCPL's catalog and was amazed at the list of books devoted to collections and antiques, over 2,000! Everything from fine art to Kewpie dolls to yo-yos. I checked MCPL’s Online Resources and found a listing for antiques. At the bottom of the page, I found links to recommended websites. While searching I found Creative Walls: How to Display and Enjoy Your Treasured Collection by Geraldine James and Living With What You Love by Monica Rich Kosann.

Maybe, there is an idea in one of these books that will help me learn to love living with small red tractors.

Cindy K.
Camden Point Branch