Patriotic Collections – The Committed Collector

Happy Fourth of July!

I love the Fourth of July and all of its trappings. That’s why I’m dismayed to realize I have only one box of decorations suitable for July 4th and the other patriotic holidays—and I’m known for my excess of holiday decorations.

Although I’ve obviously been remiss in my collecting, I love the Fourth of July for many reasons. Of course, there are the bits about fighting for democratic principles and achieving our national independence that are so very worthy of celebrating. There’s the appreciation and pride so many of us feel for our military and veterans and the nostalgia evoked by happy childhood experiences as well as the continued opportunity and hope that exists today, yet for me the Fourth of July is all about family.

For a good decade, between the time I was 12 and 22 or so, our Independence Day celebration included a family reunion after my older brother and sister-in-law made the long, hot drive from Upstate New York to Northern Florida to spend their summer vacation with us.

Mom and Dad devoted weeks to getting the house ready and stocking the pantry, especially as the number of grandchildren increased. One of my summertime chores was to give the picnic table a fresh coat of stain, so it would be ready for Mom’s red-checked tablecloth, classic white paper plates, and bowls of farm-fresh blueberries.

Most years, this visit was during the first half of July, so their stay usually included at least one All-American cookout complete with a red, white and blue color scheme, sizzling hot dogs and hamburgers, glittering sparklers, and exciting firecrackers.

With the house full, and friends coming and going, the work increased, too, so the women often opted for grilling out, rather than heating the house, and picnics on the patio with paper products instead of washing the dishes.

A natural-born collector, I loved it when Mom bought paper products printed with patriotic motifs for our holiday table. Unbeknownst to me, I was already drawn to a popular category of collecting—ephemera—which covers a great variety of items, like party napkins, wall calendars, and fast-food packaging, that are meant to serve their purposes and be discarded afterward.

A natural-born party planner, too, I longed for more than flying the flag out front. I wanted Old Glory in all her guises everywhere possible. I tried to convince the menfolk that hanging bunting from the eaves would be easy, but I had to settle for small handheld versions of the Stars and Stripes.

I suggested to the womenfolk that bouquets of red, white, and blue flowers from the grocery store would be prettier on the table than the bright yellow marigolds from Mom’s garden, but I often had to settle for stacking the buns in baskets lined with red cloth napkins as a way to bring more holiday color to the party.

For me, the weeks when my whole family was around were often the best of the year. They also included outings to the beach, trying new recipes, playing board games, and going to the movies or renting videos together.

Over the years, I’ve collected the recipes that fit our American color scheme, such as fruit salad with strawberries, honeydew, and blueberries, and my sister-in-law’s Black Forest cake topped with bright red cherry pie filling and served with white whipped cream on blue paper plates, of course.

My big brother’s a movie buff, so we always rented several family favorites, like Yankee Doodle Dandy, American Graffiti, or Patton. Dad was a Marine and fought at Guadalcanal, so we also always watched any WWII documentaries shown on our local PBS channel.

If I had the space today, I’d put together a video collection of patriotic movies and documentaries, but I don’t, so I rely on the fine selections available through the Monroe County Library System. Stopping into our branch library to borrow a DVD is a bit like going to Blockbuster to pick up a VHS tape or two, so the errand brings back fond memories.

If I had even more space today, which I certainly don’t, I would collect a variety of Americana including vintage ads, signs, and posters depicting icons like Uncle Sam, the American Eagle, and the Stature of Liberty. As it is, I barely have room to house the single Fourth of July postcard and trio of Liberty Bell statuettes I’ve picked up over the years.

If I had unlimited space, or the resolve to let go of things, which I definitely don’t have, I would also collect contemporary patriotic decorations. I still like to host picnics and cookouts for family and friends, and I love the trimmings of patriotic celebrations, so I could easily amass a collection of All-American accessories and party goods to help set the stage.

Now that I, the committed collector, consider my strong patriotic feelings, fond childhood memories, and continuing love of the American colors, I’ve forgotten why I don’t collect Americana and go all out with my decorating for Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.

Oh. Actually, I do remember why: I simple don’t have the space for any more collectibles.

If I want to maintain our home as comfortable living space, which I do, I have to hold off on building a collection of Americana and accept using disposable decorations, practical but thematic vinyl tablecloths, and cross-over pieces like red glassware that I can also use for Valentine’s and Christmas as well.

Perhaps when The Collectors of Western New York opens, and my existing collections are out of storage and on exhibit, I’ll have more room to house a new patriotic collection, but please don’t tell my husband. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, right?

Happy Birthday, America! Happy Collecting!
-from Patti, the committed collector

How about you? Do you collect any Americana that reflects your national pride and patriotism or gives the holidays more meaning? Do you have an assortment of decorations that make your celebrations more festive? We’d love to hear from you, so please leave a comment and let us know.