Collections

How did my collection of Italian Men start? As I remember, I went to a Niles (a suburb near Chicago, Illinois) High School Band dinner. Quess what they served? Pasta. At that dinner, I won a ceramic container which was in a shape of an Italian cook with a purpose of holding wooden spoons. Later, I purchased two other Italian men items which are displayed on top of the refrigerator in the kitchen. And then the gifts began coming, and coming, and coming. Now I have a clock, a round mirror, two pot holders, a wine container and miscellaneous other Italian Men which make up this unique collection.

Why do I continue to collect this particular item? When I see Italian Men items in a gift shop, their antics make me laugh no matter what type of mood I'm in. At this point because there are so many pieces in the collection, I need to be selective. I don't collect them for an investment. I collect them because they bring me joy.

What do you collect? Where are they displayed? Why do you have this collection? When did it start? Do you keep records?