One Man's Trinket is Another Man's Treasure

            When people decide to collect an item, more often than not, they do it for the sentimental and personal value they attach to that item, rather than monetary value or other material reasons.  Collectors are people who are constantly inputting new experiences, memories and people, and express that desire to store everything by accruing the things that bring them satisfaction.  We found that it’s the quirky and unusual collections that tell the best stories.

            The first quirky collection featured here is Bill Baker’s miniature liquor bottles.  The walls of his home office are plastered with the shelves that hold his ever-growing and ever-diversifying collection of over 4,000 mini bottles that he’s been working on for decades.  Each bottle is unique and has a history of where it’s been and how it ended up on Baker’s shelves.
            Derek Hamm is also a quirky collector found at MU.  He collects musical instruments of all kinds, as well as memorabilia related to his favorite artists.  His bedroom alone is filled with his six guitars, the bedspread is made out of old band t-shirts and the walls are plastered with concert posters.  He continues to develop his musical talents and is always eager to learn a new instrument.
            Finally, Katie Cooney is an MU sophomore who received her first headband during her freshman year of high school.  Five years later Cooney now has three full hat boxes of headbands which house her collection of over 100 headbands.  Her headbands are all unique, ranging in colors and style.  Her collection even includes headbands that she has personally made.