What Else Do You Collect?

Ancestors. I've been obsessed with genealogy for most of my life.

I used to collect other things -- old records, salt and pepper shakers, stamps, dragon figurines, National Geographics, Asterix comics, books (more of a hoard than a collection), NASCAR memorabilia, rocks and gemstones, etc., but we've been slowly downsizing for a number of years and most of those things are gone now.

Sports cards, vintage Harley Davidson oil cans and recently Harley Davidson Poker Chips.

I first collected Antique documents... and it's still a big love of mine.

Here's a couple of examples:



A very amusing letter from a Captain Cook of the sloop "Beaver" to the ships owners



"Messrs Hawthorn & Kerr} Charleston Oct 13, 1797

Sirs,

I take this first opportunity
to inform you of my arrival here after a long and (illegible) passage.
Mr Ewing informs me he has your orders to sell the
Beaver which I think is the best thing you
can do with hir (her) as without doubt she is the most
unfortunate vessel that ever went to see (sea) and unless
person more fortunate than my self should command
hir (her) she will with out doubt prove ruinous to any one
concerned in hir (her) Since my leaving Rotterdam I have
lost one cable and anchor in the Downs Several of my
Spars & Sails & cc. The anchor & cable I replaced
at Deal giving a draft om Messrs Therwan(SP?) & Sons to
to be placed to your acct which the under writers must
undoubtedly pay for as I was obliged to cut the cable
for the preservation of vessel and cargo ~ What sails
I lost I replaced at sea having canvas on board
belonging to Messrs Hazlehurst & Co. which I must acct
to them for loss. I wrote to you the 20th of September
from Bermuda which I expect you have received
before this. Should you order the Beaver for Philad and
I continue in hir (her). I advise you not to fail to get hir (her) insured
from this to Philad if she is not so now. She is now
in better repeare (repair) then when she left Philadelphia.

I am Gentleman
your obedt
though unfortunate
servant

Wm Cook

P.S.
Should my family be in Philad you will confer a
grait (great) favour on me by supplying them with whatever
thay may be in want of ~


and the original 1740 will of James Jackson, one of the earliest residents of Goshen, NY





If you would like to see more of my documents:
http://www.pbase.com/hblairhowell/historical

Thanks for looking!
Blair

I collect comic books, particularly Green Lantern (hence my silver round avatar). I have a complete set from #1 (1960) through today, though I'm a good five years behind in my reading.

I had most of my run (1976 through 2004) professionally bound. The earlier books are still bagged and boarded in the basement -- too valuable to damage that way, so I have modern reprints on my shelves.

That is impressive, Alpha2814!

I collect guns






etc.... etc

Register of the collector
Quebec Canada