Unusual Collectibles That Might Surprise People
Do you have a collection that others might find surprising? Well, you are not alone! People all over the world collect various items for personal reasons, some of which are more obscure than others. Let's explore some of these unique collections and the stories behind them.
Vintage Postcards: A Window to the Past
Yes, I collect vintage postcards which might surprise people! Each postcard tells a story whether it's a scenic view from a place long gone or a holiday greeting from decades past. I love imagining the lives of the people who sent them. One of my favorites is a postcard from the 1920s depicting a bustling street scene in my hometown. Finding these treasures at flea markets and antique shops has become a fun hobby that connects me to history in a unique way!
Fortune Cookies: A Small Library of Wisdom
Absolutely! I collect fortune cookies. Every time I crack open a cookie, I save the tiny slip of wisdom inside. Some people might think it’s quirky, but there’s something magical about gathering these little snippets of luck advice and oddball predictions. My collection is like a tiny library of life’s random musings, and every fortune has its own story. It’s a fun reminder that life is full of surprises and you never know what’s coming next!
Electric Battery-Powered Railroad Lanterns: A Journey Back in Time
My collection of electric battery-powered railroad lanterns never fails to surprise people. I started this hobby by accident when I was living just above the poverty level and found a lantern in my old car. After landing a computer programming job, I started bidding on these lanterns on eBay and soon found myself owning about 45 lanterns from around 16 different manufacturers. I even have some lanterns designed for modern use, such as the Star from 2009, which I purchased directly from the manufacturer.
One of my oldest electric lanterns is over a hundred years old, and it was really interesting to see how technology developed with the lanterns. Some have a zoom lens for adjusting the beam, and several have special bulbs that focus a beam without needing a parabolic reflector. Some use an old style of battery called an F cell, which is like a D cell only longer. The Lanterns I've collected are from different decades, including a Conger from the 1960s or 1970s, an Ecolite by Economy Lantern, and a Justrite from about the 1950s.
The Quest for Knowledge: Unusual Trivia Collectors
Rarely do I feel the need to collect something because I believe I will ever use it, but there is a satisfaction in knowing obscure facts. Sylvia Plath's birthday, or the correct pronunciation of "Xhosa," are examples of trivia I collect, but there are others. For instance, did you know that a now-banned drug was given to Nazi soldiers in bulk, a fact that might surprise many people? The internet has no shortage of bizarre facts like these, and some of them might give you a fascinating perspective on history or life in general.
The Decline of Collecting and the Monastic Lifestyle
Not any more. There was always someone with a bigger, better, or more interesting collection, whether it's stamps, music, rare books, or anything else. I live like a monk nowadays. However, I still maintain some unusual collections like Official Guides of the Railways, maintaining about 40 from 1927 through 1971. These guides were published monthly and were about an inch and a half thick.
There are countless stories behind each item, each reflecting a piece of history or personal memory. Whether it's a vintage postcard, a fortune cookie, or an electric railroad lantern, there's always a story to be told. This passion for collecting can be both joyful and insightful, connecting us to the past and enriching our present.