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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Thingy Thursday: Stan Williams


In May of 2009 I posted a blog about a new book I had heard about called The Find.  A few days later, I received an email from the author, Stan Williams, thanking me for the write up, sharing further that he had a dear friend that lived here in Austin and he would love to see her and make an opportunity to travel from NYC to meet me.  Well, the rest, as they say, is history.  Stan is fond of giving me the compliment of saying that we are "kindred spirits" - I'm more of the belief that he is a long lost, amputated limb that I wasn't aware I was missing.  This darlin' creature and dear friend, also known as The Elegant Thrifter , the blogger/writer of Busy Day Skilett and the maker of the marvelous Hooch Bags, holds a very special place in my heart.

I knew very little of ephemera before meeting Stan.  My educated guess as to the meaning of the word fell between one of two definitions. My initial thought was that maybe it was some sort of urban slang for the little dip just above a woman's collar bone.  But, then I also thought it sounded possibly like what hookers charge extra for.  Turns out neither was correct. After some research I found that ephemera can be described as items designed to be useful or important for only a short time, for example pamphlets, postcards, tickets, etc.  This research triggered a kind of greedy madness in me.  And, I use the word greedy because to any observer it would seem like I already have more than enough collections.  So, to take on another would be like fantasizing about being in love with Robert Downey, Jr. while you're making out with Hugh Jackman, it just seems unbecoming and a little ungrateful.  Frankly, the fact that I even considered adding ephemera to the long list of things a collect (clearly a hoarding-obsessive-compulsive tendency) suggests that I am technically beyond help.  But, with Stan as my mentor, I have learned the value of collecting only what you truly love and not being greedy.  Leaving some for the next treasure-hunter is full of karmic benefits and is only one of the many marvelous traits that I love and admire about this man.

So, without further delay, in today's Thingy Thursday, I would like to introduce you to Stan and his collections and celebrate his undying passion for nostalgia, thrifting, and all things vintage.  Below are his answers to a few nosey questions I posed:



What was your first collection?

Dolly Parton memorabilia. I probably started when I was 12. I do not display this collection, but I do haul it out on occasion to have a "Dolly" moment



How did this collections come about?

I saw Dolly Parton perform in 1977 at the American Royal rodeo promoting her "Here Your Come Again" album. I had seen her on TV and listened to her music, but this was when I officially became hooked. I still have the program. Funny enough, my mom was an original member of the Porter Wagoner fan club and has many of the original materials.



What's the history or story of your collection - is it reminiscent of items or times from your childhood - did you inherit a collection from your grandmother, aunt, mother, etc.?  What's the draw - do emotions, design or function or something else make these items appealing?

Did I answer above?



How much Dolly ephemera do you have?

Hundreds...I have every album she recorded on RCA (and with Porter Wagoner), as well as her albums with Monument. I am only missing a couple of early, early pieces.



Do you use, display or store them?

No. Like I said, I'll pull a piece out here and there. A couple of years ago I through a party that I called Dolly-Rama, celebrating the launch of Dolly's Backwoods Barbie album, and made it all things Dolly.  I do, however, have a signed print of  the cast of "9 to 5" that Veli found at a junk shop in Waxaw, NC and gave me as a Christmas gift, but that's about it.



What is the most you've paid for a piece of Dolly ephemera?

I really don't remember. Probably $100.


What is the least you've paid for a piece of Dolly ephemera?

10 cents...for old publicity photos from the '70s
What is your favorite piece of Dolly ephemera?

The "9 to 5" Print




What other collections are you building?

None. If I find something I like, I pick it up. I don't buy a lot. I do like items with a sense of humor, filled with color and charm.

Would you sell or pass on your collections?

Yes, I would pass on my collections, provided anyone wanted them.  I probably should have mentioned that I do, on occasion, pick up a vintage handbag to make a Hooch Bag with. I make hostess gifts out of vintage bags, fill them with funny money, a vintage surprise, a pack of candy cigarettes and a nip of booze..sort of a naughty but nice little gift that is popular for Mother's Day, wedding parties, special birthdays, or any time gals get together to have fun!  I also like to pick up old pieces of china that I use to give people to take home goodies after a party, or use to give baked goods as gifts, and just let the recipient keep the plate.

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9 comments:

Karena said...

What an inspirational and heartwarming tribute to a dear friend! I love the interview. Really wonderful! So nice to have that kind of kindred spirit.

Karena
Art by Karena

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

Wonderful! I too LOVE this book!

Sasha Milena said...

I agree with you, Stan is awesome! I also love the Hooch Bag idea.

Kate Spears said...

i'm already a huge fan of stan's and as an east tn girl, i call dolly my cousin (surely there's a shared bloodline somewhere...right?) just found your blog but i looooove it....you are the best-est miss thing!

xoxo, Kate a' la Southern Belle Simple

heidi said...

thanks, lady, for this xl peek into stan's parton passion!

The Elegant Thrifter said...

All I can say is that I'm sort of speechless. For those of you who know me and my gift of gab, well, that says a lot. Just to be featured on The Vintage Laundress is a big deal. There are so many amazingly talented people who have shown up in her posts that I am honestly humbled by my inclusion. LeAnn is truly one of the first people in Blogland to have discovered The Elegant Thrifter and my book, The Find. And it's true, I feel like I've known her for ever even tough we've only known each other for one year. I am touched by her undying support, her graciousness and her generosity. To be a part of LeAnn's creative world and knowing her and her beautiful family is truly an honor for me.
xoxo

Stan

Anonymous said...

You two found each other--I'd expect no less from treasure hunters who know gold when they find it!

Reading this made my day--and made me hungry for some pineapple upside down cake--and thrifting!

Ruth

shoes of course said...

I loved reading about him and his collection! You immediately get a good glimpse of how cool and fun he obviously is. Fantastic =)
Hugs, kisses and Shoes,
Rocio

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic interview! And oh my goodness, I LOVE Dolly and now I love Stan!!! This is the best collection ever. Thanks to both of you for sharing it with us!