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The passing of time and the acquisition of targeted vehicles will
inevitably require us to adjust our collecting needs. As our knowledge
about collections objects and the interpretations of the past change,
our diverse collection will evolve to give us the means to offer our
audience the kind of panoramic look into our rich automotive
heritage that can be found nowhere else. More profoundly, it will
inevitably spark interest among individuals both young and old who
could be inspired to challenge the existing personal transportation
paradigm with an entirely new approach to motoring or one of the
countless disciplines to which it relates.

The Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd.
Hot rods are among the vehicles most closely associated with Los Angeles car culture. Los Angeles, CA 90036. More information can be found online at
Extreme examples like the 1959 Outlaw built by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth epitomize www.petersen.org or by calling 323-964-6331.
the innovative, pioneering spirit of many Southern California enthusiasts.
among universally revered vehicles such as the ex-Shah of Persia 1939
Bugatti cabriolet, the 1952/56 Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton,
and the 1971 DeTomaso Pantera that Elvis Presley shot three times
with his personal firearm when it would not start. By seizing oppor-
tunities whenever they were presented, Mr. and Mrs. Petersen were
able to acquire a large number of vehicles that others had overlooked
or dismissed.
Considered as a unit, the methodically-grown collection of the
Petersen Automotive Museum has a far greater educational and social
value than each car individually, but would only serve a fraction of its
usefulness if the vehicles were never operated. This is why the
Petersen Automotive Museum places a high priority on bringing the
automobiles in its collection to reliably running condition without
compromising their originality or putting them in harm’s way. More
than mere static showpieces, Petersen Museum collections vehicles Muscle cars such as this 1967 Dodge Coronet Dragcar are highly prized by
are driven regularly and displayed at car shows and concours enthusiasts for their rugged good looks, fierce performance, and rarity.
d’elegance events worldwide to educate as many people as possible Since they are based on otherwise ordinary production cars, finding a
about the role of the automobile in modern culture. well-documented, correctly restored example like this car is essential.

Souvenir boot salt and pepper shakers made from the same mold, but not bought from the same place. The list consists of: Texas, Niagara Falls, Mountain Park in Holyoke, MA,
Oklahoma, Louisiana, the Astrodome in Houston TX, Coney Island NY, and the now-closed Roy Rogers Museum in Branson, MS. Most sell online for around $7.95.
Collectomania continued from page 30
Souvenir Hunting
and desk clerks simply add the price of a missing initialed shrimp fork For the travel-weary (or wary), souvenir-hunting is
or fluffy robe to the final bill. Faces saved, and no questions asked. as close as the nearest family attic or basement.
Back to that breakfast buffet on the island cruise and my acquain- Wooden napkin holders stamped “Souvenir of the
tance with the plastic fruit-filled handbag. The time seemed right for Black Hills” and Opryland sun visors were long ago
a cautionary tale about over-zealous souvenir-hunters. consigned to a box of yesterday's memories. Now,
“Each year,” I told her, “the Higgins Glass Studio in Chicago they await rediscovery.
holds a Holiday Open House. Even folks who aren’t actively search- Collectability of a vintage souvenir depends on
ing for Christmas gifts usually buy an inexpensive item—maybe an Direct what you’re willing to accept. A much-played-with
ornament—as a souvenir of their journey to this glass Mecca. from the plush Mickey Mouse may be worth keeping, thanks to
“Frances Higgins once told me that, back when smoking was still Statue of happy days at Disneyland. A Golden Gate snow globe,
in vogue, she’d always place a large (and pricey) Higgins glass Liberty, half-filled with murky fluid, may be best left in the
ashtray in the Studio restroom. ‘Good advertising,’ said Fran. Plus, c. 1964: box. The rule of thumb: “Collect what you enjoy!”
cigarettes would be properly extinguished. a lamp/ Once you’re done digging through the boxes at
“One year, a lady emerged from the restroom, her handbag clock, your place (or at Mom and Dad’s), the next stops are
ominously bulging, and quickly vanished. Later, when Fran originally estate or garage sales, flea markets, antique co-ops,
priced at
checked, the Higgins ashtray had disappeared. $12 and thrift shops. Chances are, you’ll find some-
“The next year, the same lady came to the open house and made thing—maybe a Mt. Rushmore fridge magnet, or a
a beeline for the restroom. She quickly emerged, red-faced and Knott’s Berry Farm jelly jar—at a minimal price.
fuming, and nearly ran out the front door, ignoring Fran’s friendly These are the sort of things people didn’t have the
‘Bye now!’ heart to throw away – the memories still lingered.
“I asked Fran what happened. ‘Oh,’ she said, ‘this time I was Instead they were stored safely, waiting to catch the
prepared. I glued that ashtray down.’ eye of a future souvenir collector – like you!
“There,” I told my acquaintance. “See what can happen to a Donald-Brian Johnson is the co-author of numerous
souvenir hunter?” Schiffer books on design and collectibles, including Postwar
“I certainly do,” she replied, popping another plastic guava into Pop, a collection of his columns. Please address inquiries to
her handbag. “Good thing I’m not into ashtrays.” donaldbrian@msn.com Photo Associate: Hank Kuhlmann

32 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles