OT - Pawn Stars, I'm disgusted

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: OT - Pawn Stars, I'm disgusted
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Sunday, October 26, 2014 - 11:54 pm:

First off, this is one of two forums I participate on (Early Ford Registry is the other), so anyone reading this is stuck with my rant. I don't typically watch TV, but tonight, the wife and kids are out of town, and I was watching "Pawn Stars."

A young guy (OK, aprx. 40) shows up, and wishes to sell his grandfathers WW2 uniforms. His grandfather was a WW2 aviator, and the uniform had aviator 2LT insignia.

The pawn store (Rick) fellow offered $400, and this "grandson" immediately took it.

I'm disgusted. Evidently I'm out of touch. This fellow didn't appear to be in dire straights, but it just didn't mean anything to him.

I'm afraid I've become old............

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Garrison on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 12:18 am:

Rob, every time I see that scenario played out on these shows I fear for our future. I've tried to stay away from being political but always fail. And now at my age I've started to feel a sadness in my heart because of the sacrifice some of us have made for this country only to see them so totally disregarded by a young liberal population. I know things have to change in order for our country to survive but I also know that those who forget the past are destined to repeat it. I recently contacted the Veterans Administration and my friends at the Disabled American Veterans to have Veterans Honors performed at my fathers grave. Of my entire family, including my children and those of my brothers and sisters, I was the only one that attended. And when I think that my brother, several of my cousins, nephews and uncles were veterans I have to wonder what could have held them back on a beautiful June day. I guess the lake was a little more important. After being presented with the flag, having the rifle salute and a prayer from our chaplain I went to a childhood friend who's also a disabled veteran and asked if what I'd seen was par for the course. He said fewer and fewer young people are being involved at these memorials and some even leave before the honors are presented. I'm a proud disabled American veteran who will never forget what my family and friends sacrificed for this country. God bless our veterans and God bless the United States of America.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A. Gustaf Bryngelson on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 12:20 am:

Rob,
Pawn stars is fake, but the fact is most young people now would rather have a few dollars in their pocket to spend on x boxes and the like rather than having any family history. I would not sell any of my family's history, but I have bought a lot of other people's history on the webernet, and even though I feel bad to be taking it from future generations of their family, it is better than it ending up in the dumpster.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 12:42 am:

The lack of caring is apolitical. The saddest thing I see at auctions is old family photos and personal letters being sold because nobody in the family wants them. It's a safe bet those younger relatives fall into all political camps.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Garrison on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 12:53 am:

I'm sorry Steve, I respectfully submit; a liberal society finds it much easier to disregard history and it's lessons. However, after giving it some thought perhaps your right. Perhaps I'm confusing liberal with progressive. It's so easy to do these days.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Graham Lloyd on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 01:13 am:

Guys, I have a couple of things to add to this.

Not all young people think this way. Thankfully. My son and I are sorting my late wife's possessions which include her parents and previous generation's things of family history. All of it has been kept.

I grew up with "Get Smart", "Mr. Ed", "Batman" and a host of other mindless shows. But this "reality" stuff is completely in another level of stupidity. The only reality I can see is the arrogance displayed in "Restoration Garage" by the owner. Only watched it because it is filmed near me and I have met some of the "cast". Got through 15 minutes before I shut it off. Wouldn't let any of them check the oil in my car, let alone work on it. "Counting Cars" and all the rest of them are the same. A sad commentary on what people see as quality entertainment now.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 01:13 am:

This is Kansas. I'll bet if you asked those uncaring folks I mentioned what their political views are, very few would describe themselves as either liberal or progressive. As for disregarding history, I see plenty of so-called "conservative" Facebook posts based on fake quotes and "history" that never happened. My observation has been that apathy and willful ignorance are endemic and non-partisan.

Which is worse, ignorance or apathy? I don't know and I don't care.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary White on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 01:17 am:

I've also seen the same scenario played out with folks who are 'old enough to know better'. I.E., the middle-aged man who wanted to sell his great-grandfather's Civil War officer's field desk.

Greed has no boundaries when it comes to age/generation; it's part of the human condition.

Besides, there are some of us young folks that appreciate our history. My grandfather's WWII items are among my most treasured possessions.




Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary White on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 01:17 am:



Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By samuel pine on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 03:20 am:

This is amazingly hard to beleive! As I read this
post This comes on the TV? thats scary.

wait till the grandfather gets hold of that kid
someday!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 06:36 am:

Steve, I like your quote. Not sure what you meant, and don't know if I'll take the time to figure it out, but I liked it :-)

The sad thing is, his grandfather's dress uniform was well cared for, in pristine condition. Until this joker appears on TV selling the gear, someone took exceptional care of it.

Oh well, nothing lasts forever. Hope you all have a good week,

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Justin Heim on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 07:28 am:

Heirlooms are worthless unless you know the history and feel a connection to the past. I am one who hoards these things because I am fascinated with the past but I know many others who could care less because they don't know any better.

If you have an heirloom or something of great importance to you, pass it along to someone while you are still around, don't let it become just an "inheritance". Tell them the story and what it means to you. I guarantee that whoever gets it will appreciate it much more. Then it is all up to them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By G.R.Cheshire on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 07:41 am:

What upsets me more than any of the above is when some organization holds a "gun buy back" and you see a civil war or WWI or WWII artefact headed for destruction because someone sold it for $25 or $50 that really saddens me as Rodney D. said NO RESPECT!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ed in California on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 08:15 am:

Don't get too excited. The show is fake. They frequently pull a random person from the tourists outside, match them with an interesting "pre-purchased" item from the warehouse, or from a private collection, and have them present the item "as just found". Sometimes you can even see a little white inventory sticker on the item when they present it!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Cole ---- Earth on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 08:39 am:

It is disgusting how little respect the youth have for history.
But it is not all their fault. They are not exposed to it in public schools in a way that provokes them to probe further or wonder.
From what I understand American history is not taught in the local schools beyond 1900. Duh, when was our freedom from the english won? When was the civil war fought and the south lost? All very important facts that should be taught.
Funny thing is sometimes when a young person is exposed to something old,such as a T, they are like, "wow! what is that? How does it run?" and sometimes you will find 1 that later becomes interested.
Another thing. War veterans hid their stuff and seldom talk to their family's about it. So when it is found in the closet, they think it must not have meant much to their dad or he woulda showed it off more often or told them about it.
I for example,have only saw my dads army suit once in my life.I am 47.
And you dont see cable tv or satellite in this house and never will. I can go out in public on any given day and get a free dose of BS and so forth without paying a cent.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By john kuehn on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 08:42 am:

When I worked in maintenance at a local college we had to go in students rooms who had graduated or left for various reasons. The maintenance crews would check the ac units, plumbing and etc.

The ex students would usually take most of their belongings that I guess mattered to them but would leave their birth certificates, high school diplomas, bibles or family momentos given to them in a pile of clutter in the corner or wherever. Memory type books were fairly commonly left there also.

This happened pretty often. We just scratched our heads why.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By George John Drobnock on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 08:46 am:

"We want to live in the present. The only history that is worth a tinker's damn is the history we make today. (Henry Ford)" from Wm McCarty (University of Texas) "Where the Tin Lizzy Took Us." McCarty went on to state for a young person, any thing that happen before their birth is meaning less, the history of importance for youth is what has happen since their birth. America has history but many have a history of forgetting the past.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Russell Prideaux on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 09:03 am:

Same here in Australia. In real terms my T is worth far less today than it was 30 years ago. Same with our antique furniture.
I think we baby boomers were far more interested in the past than gen x. etc.
Then again, Our school teachers taught us far more about history than my grandchildren are being taught!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 10:06 am:

Amen to what everyone said above. I feel the same way, but feel Mike Garrison (in his first post) said it best.

Sometimes there's a delima with family artifacts. For example, my Uncle was a Medic in WWII in the South Pacific. As a Medic, he usually wasn't in direct combat, but was helping the injured. One peaceful Sunday morning on an island in the South Pacific when there wasn't anything happening, they were suddenly shot at by a Jap Zero. My Uncle, never trained on any armaments other that a pistol and small carbine, went to a machine gun mounted on a Deuce and a Half, and shot down a zero. Later, he cut out the fabric "Meatball" Japanese icon from the side of a Zero and brought it home with him after the war. His Son, My Nephew, has it now, but he doesn't and will not be having any children. Who gets the "Meatball" someday? The local History Center? Perhaps a more distant relative who didn't even know my Uncle and has no respect for this historical piece and may not care? This is a very real problem.

I respect history, my ancestors, and these historical artifacts, but what happens after I and the others are gone?

Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 10:08 am:

I tried to correct the spelling on "dilemma" above, but my blankety-blank computer wouldm't let me. Bummer.

Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 10:09 am:

I tried to correct the spelling on "dilemma" above, but my blankety-blank computer wouldn't let me. Bummer.

Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Rosenkrans on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 10:33 am:

My whole family and I do WWII re-enacting and I think I can safely say that while there are those who have no sense of history or tradition, there are many that do - including a lot of young people. We have been the lucky recipients of several "named" uniforms from the war years including a treasure trove of artifacts from one of the very first ARC Motor Corps drivers including her log books. We also have my Dad's Air Corps uniforms, log books, spiral bound notebooks, and all his ephemera.

I'm always pleased to talk to young people at events who are genuinely interested and often talk about having "Great Grandpa's" things to treasure. Sure, there are the others too, but there are enough that value the history to keep it going I believe.

What disturbs me is when I ask my young students what happened on certain dates, like Dec. 7, 1941, and they don't know - even the high school students. They don't cover WWII in their history class. How can we expect them to value history and tradition if we don't teach it?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary H. White - Sheridan, MI on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 10:34 am:

At least they took that Baby Boo Boo, or whatever it was, off the air. Sadly it wasn't due to loss of watchers. Or so they say.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary H. White - Sheridan, MI on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 10:37 am:

I know it wasn't history related but just another one of those stupid "reality" shows people seem so enthralled in.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 10:47 am:

One of the history teachers here told me she starts her U.S. history class with post-Civil War industrialization. I assumed that the first part from exploration to colonial settlement to the Civil War is covered in a previous course. After reading all the comments here, I'll have to ask and find out if I assumed correctly.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Burger in Spokane on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 11:04 am:

You guys CLEARLY hold expectations for humans at a much higher level than reality delivers.

Humans are intrinsically parasitic scum. They would throw their own mother under a bus for a beer or a cigarette. Sure, there are exceptions, but by-and-large, humans are not the civilized, ethical creatures we like to tell ourselves we are. Just do a few ridealongs with your local police or hang out at any ER admitting area to watch humanity in action.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charlie B actually in Toms River N.J. on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 11:40 am:

"We're all just chimps that talk". Don't know who said it but I use it often. To toss a little more fuel on the fire and to let you know American schools aren't the big bad monsters some think they are: On a recent visit to Pearl Harbor the guide told us they get very few Japanese visitors. They believe it's because the event isn't taught in their schools. To back this up there was a young Asian (assuming Japanese) family that came in when the movie they show began. I watched the father sink lower and lower in his seat as it progressed and they left just before it ended. They never made it out to the Arizona. We're not alone in selective teaching. As to selling heirlooms: As stated above numerous times if Grandpop, or whom ever, didn't relate what the items meant to them they are just $.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Garrett F. on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 11:48 am:

Mack,

In my American History class (that I took last year) we had to learn everything from the Civil War (they taught us the Revolutionary War in 8th grade Social Studies) all the way up to the Vietnam War.

~Garrett Fuller


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mark heathman on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 12:05 pm:

WHERE CAN I GET A MANIQUIN THAT IS SHORT ENOUGH FOR A WWII
UNIFORM. TODAY THEY ALL SEEM TO BE 6'4"+? THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GIANT BACK THEN.
WANT TO HONOR MY UNCLE HAROLD BEAN 185TH FIELD ARTILLERY SERVICE BATTALION, 34TH RED BULL DIVISION, 5TH ARMY...AFRICA, ITALY.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mark heathman on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 12:06 pm:

Opps MARK HEATHMAN
CEDAR RAPIDS IOWA


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mark heathman on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 12:19 pm:

KIETH..
LOOK FOR A MUSEUM. EITHER ONE ASSOCIATED WITH THE UNIT OR DIVISION HE WAS IN OR THE WWII MUSEUM IN NEW ORLEANS I AM SURE WOULD BE HONORED TO HAVE YOUR PIECE OF HISTORY AND THE STORY ATTACHED TO IT.
THIS WAS TO GREATEST GENERATION WE EVER HAD..FROM WHO SERVED ALL THE TO THOSE WHO SACRIFICED AT HOME!!!
WOW!
MARK HEATHMAN
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By George John Drobnock on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 12:31 pm:

Just remember, that mostly, if history is taught Ford invented the automobile, Edison invented electricity and the electrical grid, Marconi invented the radio. Jobs and Gates the computer. Attached is a replica radio constructed by Russian Popov one year before Marconi. But History is always in the eye of the Historian.popovradio1896oneyearbeforemarconi


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James Chochole on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 12:58 pm:

Back to your question: On a helpful note- bear in mind that Pawnstars is not real, it is fully trumped up for ratings. Do people really devalue historical items from generations before them- yes, is it really happening on Pawnstars- not that much. Reality TV is not real, it is fake.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Zachary Dillinger on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 01:09 pm:

I'm a young (about to turn 31) rabid liberal/ progressive, and I wouldn't trade my few family-related treasures, including my 2nd-great grandfather's Elgin pocketwatch, for anything. Heck, I spent $250 to repair that watch that is worth, at best, $125 on a good day. I don't think it has anything to do with political ideology here, guys... just my opinion.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By wes heustess on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 01:18 pm:

What if this fella still held his grandfathers service pistol or the flag that covered his casket at the funeral? How much is required to keep patriotism and respect? I thank a servicman or woman every time I can. Gentlemen I urge you as you gain more years to let go of the little resentments that you hold onto. Your lives will be more full as you empty unneeded things.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By wes heustess on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 01:35 pm:

What if this fella still held his grandfathers service pistol or the flag that covered his casket at the funeral? How much is required to keep patriotism and respect? I thank a servicman or woman every time I can. Gentlemen I urge you as you gain more years to let go of the little resentments that you hold onto. Your lives will be more full as you empty unneeded things.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Frank Harris from Long Beach & Big Bear on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 03:05 pm:

I had a cousin now deceased from a race car accident in 1983 at Riverside Raceway, now a shopping center. Things come and they go. My cousin used to have things, property , items of interest, cars, and stuff, etc.

If he didn't use it for six months he either sold, traded, donated or tossed it. They were throwing away a solid oak platform rocking chair. and I asked why and they said it was from our Grandmother but was broken. He had Swiss modern and the chair was 100 years old and out of style and not worth keeping.

Our Grandmother worked for Brigham Young's wives in Salt Lake City in 1890. He was dea d but there were still several ladies left. When she got married in 1896 they gave her the platform rocker as a wedding gift. After many years it now had a broken back sprocket and they were tossing it into the trash. I took it home and fixed it, put new tapestry on the padding and upholstery and it is a piece of history. I will not sell or throw it away, but to my cousin it was junk and he was going to throw it away. So here is the skinny . . . . . Some folks cook snails in butter and garlic and others step on them with their big boots on. It is not our business to judge other's actions. As my buddy Humble Howard says, don't try to drive the other guy's car, while following him. The Indians tell us to not judge another man until you walk in his moccasins for a year.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A. Gustaf Bryngelson on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 03:41 pm:

Mark Heathman,
I build all my own mannequins to fit the uniforms rather than try to make a small uniform fit a modern mannequin. A friend posted some instructions of an early version of the simple mannequins I make on the webernet a few years ago. You can find them here, http://ugca.org/03jan/gusinstructions.htm
Best
Gus


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ed Fuller on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 03:53 pm:

I don't think it is generational or political. This is nothing new.

People have been throwing away heirlooms and antiques for hundreds of years. No one really knew it happened that much because there wasn't always a T.V. show about it.

Lets face it, the reason items from the past have any value is because not everyone keeps stuff. If every person kept every possession from their family, no one would have any desire to seek out antiques and pay people for them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Eckensviller on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 04:08 pm:

In my mind there's nothing wrong with finding a better home for something that is surplus to your interests or needs. Some collector or museum will hopefully end up with that uniform where it will be well looked after for decades to come.

Just think of all he antique cars out there that are being hoarded for one reason or another while they slowly rot...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Norman T. Kling on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 04:30 pm:

My parents had inherited my great grandfather's handgun from the Civil War. They passed it on to my nephew, who sold it for drug money. If I had received it, it would still be in our house.

That's what the younger generation thinks of heirlooms.

Our daughter expressed interest in our 26 Touring. Then later she told us her X husband wanted to make it into a "Rat Rod"

That's what some younger people think of Model T's.


Norm


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John H. Nichols on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 04:34 pm:

Often, far too often, as they travel down the road called life, people seem to think nothing about stopping and looking back, but instead look back as if they see something or someone trying to catch them. They have no interest in the past, or even think about the future.

Everyone needs to stop and look back and reflect upon who were their ancestors, where did they come from, and what did they do to make America
a better place.

I am in full agreement that the younger generations seem to care not about family traditions or other things. My grandfather Fuller
and his brothers Frank and Ambert married three sisters named Parker, All three left numerous children whose children have now intermarried and refuse to believe they are kinfolk even when you provide proof that they are.

I am a retired Army Sgt, 90% disabled Veteran of
Vietnam War. I have four daughters, 2 in Fl, I in
GA and 1 in OK. When I die I expect that my daughter in Georgia will attend my funeral by
herself. Many of my possesions, I have already
donated to a local Historical Society and they were very thankful to receive them, espically those items dealing with the Viet Nam era of my career. Most of the family are aware that I spent
more than 20 years in the Army, but there are probably five who knew what I did there, and only because they asked.

John


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth W DeLong on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 04:54 pm:

Almost everyone bitches about young people's values but who tought them?? Bud.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Zachary Dillinger on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 04:55 pm:

Norman, please don't lump us all in with your drug-dependent nephew. Many of us "younger generation" people honor heirlooms just as much as you.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By George John Drobnock on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 05:12 pm:

Ok 2 cents.
About conserving your historic stuff. If it has a monetary value it will be sold. If not by you, then your family member, or the museum you donate it to. If it is given to a museum and it becomes redundant, it will be sold to keep the museum in operation. OR if the museum is poorly managed it will be sold by an auction house for money to pay off the debt the trustees created whilst operating "their" museum. Or worse yet the whole collection will be sold to collectors, who then are visited by pickers who really want that "stuff" so they can place it in their store to be sold at a mark up. In the store it is bought by a collector, and the collector as the new owner then begins the cycle all over. When the new owner is asked about the history, what do they know, they bought it from another collector. The item has lost its history. Because what was seen was the thing, and not what thing's historic value was from the beginning. Is there a solution? If you do have something of importance to you, write its history and keep it with your heirloom. Hope that when it make the auction house your story is part of the sale.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Frank Harris from Long Beach & Big Bear on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 05:32 pm:

As I said . . . some people eat snails with garlic and butter and other folks step on them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 05:38 pm:

George,....you're absolutely right! I don't like it, but you're right!

Zachary - I'm sure Norm realizes that there are exceptions like yourself. If he'd said,....THE MAJORITY of the younger generation, he'd have been exactly right. Certainly there are young folks that respect and honor family heirlooms as much as you and I do, however, what I don't like is that there are becoming fewer and fewer that feel that way, and more and more that couldn't care less about history, but only see monetary value in historic or heirloom items. That's why our hobby is mostly older guys like me, and why there is so much discussion on the forum about "how to get younger folks involved" in the Model T hobby. In fact, ask anybody who owns or manages an antique shop. Our society is changing; it's not exactly "wrong",...it's just a fact of life,....things change! My $0.02 for what it's worth,......harold


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 05:45 pm:

George,....you're absolutely right! I don't like it, but you're right!

Zachary - I'm sure Norm realizes that there are exceptions like yourself. If he'd said,....THE MAJORITY of the younger generation, he'd have been exactly right. Certainly there are young folks that respect and honor family heirlooms as much as you and I do, however, what I don't like is that there are becoming fewer and fewer that feel that way, and more and more that couldn't care less about history, but only see monetary value in historic or heirloom items. That's why our hobby is mostly older guys like me, and why there is so much discussion on the forum about "how to get younger folks involved" in the Model T hobby. In fact, ask anybody who owns or manages an antique shop. Our society is changing; it's not exactly "wrong",...it's just a fact of life,....things change! My $0.02 for what it's worth,......harold


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 05:47 pm:

Sheeeesh! I did it again! My wife keeps distracting me with other discussion and I do the double post thing! Sorry,.....harold


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Norman T. Kling on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 06:22 pm:

I can't complain too much. I got more than my share of heirlooms and it was probably because of that I researched the family history. Interestingly, my son and his wife recently inherited their great grandmother, and great-great grandmothers china and china cabinet. They will take good care of it, but I don't know where it will go after they leave this lifetime. Sadly, some of the younger generation have very poor jobs and don't even own their own home. Even with a good education, the jobs are just not there. The opportunities are not as good in our country as they were in past times. They don't have space to store things and they need the money, not always for drugs, but for food etc. Also with the incidence of divorce and remarriage, or children born out of wedlock, the family ties are just not as strong as in the past. If anyone has visited antique shops recently, they will see many pictures of people taken about 100 years ago. Who are those people? I guess those who sold them either don't know or don't care.
Very sad.
Norm


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By keith g barrier on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 06:54 pm:

Guys when it comes down to it, it's just stuff. The only control we have over it is limited to the time we have here. When we are gone it doesn't really matter because the things we hold dear will never be seen by us again. You really never know what the next generation will count as valuable to them. Remember we were that generation when we were young. KGB


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 07:32 pm:

I'd like to comment on something touched on earlier in this thread. I am embarrassed by the number of my fellow Americans who are fascinated with reality TV. I hope people visiting here from other countries don't think we are ALL so shallow. I am embarrassed to admit that Honey Boo Boo lives less than 100 miles from me. What little I've seen of that show (Preview commercials) proves white trash is alive and well in Central GA. Lord, I hope everybody doesn't think we are all like that.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Mc Willie on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 07:35 pm:

There is also the possibility that the person that sold this item on Pawn Stars genuinely needed the money for something that day. Just because someone looks comfortable doesn't mean they aren't experiencing some financial hard times or are experiencing some stressful financial situations. Maybe his lights or water were being shut off that afternoon, he was behind in his rent or mortgage or was about to loose his car if he didn't immediately come up with 400.00. After all, that is the reason Pawn Shops exist. Not everyone is vintage car collector with disposable income.
Also, I am sure that eventually this uniform will find its way to a collector that might use it in re-enactments or put it on display somewhere that other people can see and learn from it. How many people would appreciate it in the former owner's house?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 07:36 pm:

I usually get too "wordy" on the forum. This is one topic I can "narrow down" pretty good,.....three words in fact!

"Reality TV isn't!"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By George John Drobnock on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 07:39 pm:

My final thoughts on the matter, why leave it to family or sell to a future picker, I'll take it with me, I need a large shipping container... and room for myself.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Hjortnaes, Men Falls, WI on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 09:28 pm:

My father, his 2 brothers, and my mothers 7 brothers all fought in WWII. One of them died at Great Lakes north of Chicago. None of them ever talked to us about the war. Didn't wave the flag or push patriotism on us.

However, as I grew older I learned how important it was to them and how proud they were of the flag they served under. But they kept it to themselves. Perhaps it was because they lost so many friends. I do not know.

I can understand why the young man sold grandpa's uniform. It just did not mean anything to him.

I was too young for Viet Nam and now I work with Vietnamese and Hmong descendants. They are just like you and me, trying to make a living and enjoying life.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charlie B actually in Toms River N.J. on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 09:36 pm:

While reading this post further a line from a racing movie came to mind. When asked why he didn't have a rear view mirror the driver replied "what's behind me don't matter". Seems to sum up the age we live in. I recently gave my Father's shaving mug along with the little soap suds applicator brush that came with it to my Son. He never met my Dad who died many years before he was born but he proudly displays Grandpa Vito's mug on a shelf in his home. It all depends on how you bring 'em up guys. Not that I'm that great but he's a good kid.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Garrison on Monday, October 27, 2014 - 10:52 pm:

Charlie B, you're right on the money. As far as veterans flying the flag? I fly my American, POW, and Minnesota State flag everyday in honor of those who served. I'm very proud of my service and though I have to deal with the results of the effect those months had on me while in Viet Nam, that still doesn't stop me from respecting our flag, our veterans and our serving military. I have no problem with people's country of origin, color of their skin or age. It's not worth getting worked up over. Will my children respect my medals, uniform, photographs, etc. That's up to them. My history is what it is and not so important people need to become concerned. But this has become a country where I've noticed a lot of ambivalence and lack of caring for what I always thought important. And it's this ambivalence and lack of caring that makes a hero out of a president who pulls our troops out of Afghanistan and Iraq for his own political good. That in turn makes a mockery of the families who sons and daughters have died and of the soldiers and marines themselves. This country has become self-centered and complacent about our past and many only look to what's in it for me and disregard the future. And that attitude makes it very political for me. We didn't get this president because of his qualifications. We got this president because of an ignorant public who made an emotional decision to vote an unqualified man into the presidency without understanding his background. That guy that sold that uniform on that phony show concerned himself with his own pocketbook and totally disregarded others in his family who may have thought it was important. He was complacent about his past, and self-centered in regards to his family.

Excuse me, would you mind grabbing that soapbox and help me get out of here quickly. I'm not sure I'm seen in a good light at the current time. Especially considering my attempt to prove this a political thread. This isn't the place to do that. Sorry!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Burger in Spokane on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 12:16 am:

Taking this topic a little sideways ....

How many of us drive our T's and encourage those who show interest in old stuff, be it getting involved with T's
or anything else ?

My interest in old junk goes FAR beyond Henry's T, and I enjoy the rewards of mentoring many along the way who
have come to "see the light" because they catch my enthusiasm.

I have a real problem with phonies and contrived, cutesy stuff. It is quite popular in the old car scene. T people
seem way more down to earth, but of those commenting about the disconnected youth of today, how many actively
try to mentor those who show interest in the past ?

Drive that old dog like a rental car and encourage all who come asking questions to take a big bite of historical pie.
It's the best ride they'll ever know. :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mike dixon on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 06:40 am:

At one time your grandpas shaving mug was new. Do we have anything today that we bought new that well be valued in the future? if not, why do you keep the mug? If everyone kept all the stuff from their ancsstors, in 300 years people would have to have large warehouses to store stuff in. I have a great oportunity to aquire my grandfathers shotgun. My mom has it, shes 90. I dont want it because my grandpa was a miserable jerk. so, it goes on, who cares?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 07:21 am:

Give ya $20 for the shotgun, sight unseen.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John H. Nichols on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 09:36 am:

At least in a museum, some others will see your
heirlooms and then if they are later sold, you are right, the backstory will be last, but then hopefully they will end up in a beautiful collection.

Regarding THE ORIGINAL THREAD. I never watch Pawn Stars or American Pickers and rarely American
Restoration or any of the other s0-called reality
shows. I will admit to liking NCIS and Law and Order and documentary shows. I used to be an av id viewer of both the local News and the National News too. After a while, I came to the conclusion
there are always 4 sides to every news item and three of them are wrong.

My 5 Cents worth

John


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Zachary Dillinger on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 09:40 am:

Harold, you are probably right. But I would argue that the lack of interest in historical stuff is hardly the exclusive realm of the "younger" generation, unless "younger" means anyone under the age of 60. :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joseph Geisler on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 09:20 pm:

The young crowd today is NOT at all interested in our old cars. I even build hot rods that LOOK like the old stuff. They do not even want that UNLESS you practically GIVE it to them!!!
They want these cars goofy and drivable and CHEAP! Why? I don't know.
They go on dates and eat at the restaurants doodling on their Droid or I-phone. And this IS while they are waiting for their food! I watched two couples (all with an I phone EACH!) They were very quiet and all reading their E's or text's. All 4 not talking to each other much. ???? They are a weird lot but that is the way it is.
I rode around in someone's VW kit car MGTD (red) and we got all types of smiles and waves. All from young, 20 somethings, cyclists or pedestrians walking on the sidewalks. Some were sitting on their steps to where they rent. I don't get that in a restored Model T that often either. I was learning something about the younger generation. The price he wanted for his shaky and screwed together kit car? $2,300.00. Which to them IS affordable. I think that the affordable part is what they are interested in.
I seem to be seeing MORE motorcyclists today because it is cheaper to drive then the old cars. I count about 20 to 50 every week end by my shop. Or more!

Come to think of that for a second that was when most of us got into these old cars they were THEN affordable too. Maybe that is the difference.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary White on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 10:26 pm:

Here's a rhetorical question...might the perceived
lack of interest among young people have something
to do with the above attitudes?

Honestly, I'm pretty shocked at the generalizations
being made here. For the record, there are at least two young
people who have spoken up in this thread, yet here we are
still hand-wringing and belly-aching.

I hope we'll all challenge ourselves to think about such things
the next time we look around our club meetings or swap meets and
ask "where are all the young people?" Perhaps they feel unwelcome...

Like any club, organization, or 'cause'; you're either a stepping
stone that leads people to join up - or a stumbling block that
prevents them.

Off my soapbox (for now)...kids are in bed and I'm headed out
to the garage to work on my T.

Signed,
An exception to every 'rule' posted in this thread.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Noel D. Chicoine, MD, Pierre, SD on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 10:52 pm:

I think that in any generation, there are those who value the history behind them and those who couldn't care less. There are a few of my friends and patients who have an interest in old engines, records, guns, tapestry, or whatever that I know, but the majority don't care. A common theme is "If I haven't used it in a year, I throw it away.". I'm labelled by some as a "hoarder", and by others as "caught in history". Too Bad! I have fun listening to an old engine cough and sputter to life after years of silence, whether it be a Model T or 1970 motorcycle. I also have met a number of young 20-somethings that share an interest in the older things. A young 20-ish patient I saw this week surprised me with a discussion about old flatheads and babbit. They're out there. We have to look for the curators of our history. I for one am ENCOURAGED by many of the younger folks I meet!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill Bulick on Sunday, November 02, 2014 - 07:46 pm:

I'm 38 years old, and my grandfather was a Sea Bee in WWII. When he passed away, I ended up with one of his uniforms and a box of things he had saved from the war, including letters and photos. These items are treasured by me, and are not for sale at any price. I don't think it's generational, I think some people just have zero sentiment. Sadly, it does seem more prevalent in my generation.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Georgetown TX on Monday, November 03, 2014 - 06:51 am:

The pawn shop in "Pawn Stars" is a real one, and it really does buy historic items. It really does sell them for more than they paid for the items.

This process is called "capitalism". It is the thing that makes our country great.

The guys who own the pawn shop were smart enough to realize that many of us enjoy seeing these historic items, and learning the story behind some of them.

The guy who didn't want his dad's uniform anymore - should we pass a law stating that he can't sell anything historic? Or is it better that the uniform is now available for someone who appreciates it to purchase?

No doubt most of the items sold to the pawn shop are sold so the seller can lay the money down in a nearby casino. Should we ban casinos?

Why not just confiscate anything of value from everyone and have the government give money to each person as he needs it?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Monday, November 03, 2014 - 07:10 am:

I seldom watch TV, and never "Pawn Stars." However, since it's one of the offerings on "The History Channel" (another issue), I gave it a try. I was surprised the fellow was selling the uniforms, because to me the meaning is obviously much different than it appeared to be to him.

As mentioned above, and I didn't consider it before, the whole event may have been staged, or not.

Meanwhile, I fortunately live in a free country, and exercised my rights by clicking off the show.

I think I'll do the same now........

Click


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ed Baudoux on Monday, November 03, 2014 - 08:33 am:

You never know the whole story. Maybe the guy didn't have fond memories of his dad? Maybe he was a disgrace to the uniform?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charlie B actually in Toms River N.J. on Monday, November 03, 2014 - 09:20 am:

In reference to Royce's posting: Rich Harrison wrote a book called License To Pawn which is basically the story of his and his father's life and concerning the start of the shop they now run. It was a long slow slog and they were doing OK when they were approached by TV. With a little help from Rich. It was like winning the lottery actually. In the book he states " People usually come to a pawn shop as a last resort. Most need cash fast". Vegas is a great location for this and I too have no doubt a lot goes right back into the casino's. The program is by far one of the most entertaining of the reality shows out there and you might learn something to boot. While plenty of excuses have been given here as to why this guy's selling uniforms it's not for Rich to ask. (he sometimes does though). If it saleable & legal he's in. It's business.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A. Gustaf Bryngelson on Monday, November 03, 2014 - 09:48 am:

The pawn shop in Pawn Stars was a real one, it is now an much like what you would find in Disneyland.
Royce is right about how some one should be allowed to sell what ever they own, Selling a family heirloom is often much better than donating it to a museum. Museum warehouses are filled with items that were treasured family heirlooms, but now they are just mundane artifacts.
As far as the chances of being beheaded or infected, yes they have increased very slightly, the beheading thing is only a worry in places where citizens are not allowed to protect them selves. (Australia is an example of one place where a beheading team was arrested before they did anything) Infection is a bigger worry, if any infectious disease is treated like AIDS was, then things could get bad really fast. What is really ironic is that california was very vocal in saying that you can not quarantine anyone just because they have an incurable disease (when it was primarily sexually transmitted) but they are among the first to insist that people who "might" have been exposed to ebola should be quarantined.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John H. Nichols on Monday, November 03, 2014 - 01:19 pm:

I was the Historian of an Army Aviation Unit that was one of the first to go to Vietnam, where they served from May 1963 to Feb 1972 and later that year the unit was re-activated in Panama. In Vietnam this unit were a helicopter assault Company and helped to define the role of the UH-1. In Panama the unit saw duty with UH-60A
Blackhawks and AH1S Huey-Cobras. This unit played a pivotal role in capturing Norreaga
the cleanup of Jonestown and the loss of a UH-1S
Crew some where over the jungle.

When the panama people were identified and were asked to join the association, to a man they have all declined. There reasoning was what they had accomplished was small potatoes compared to the Vietnam vets. I the got to thinking what the members of the original unit formed in 1956, at Ft
Sill, OK would do if they could be located and asked to join. I found one individual who did join and had not luck finding 100 more whose names I had from official rosters, Orders, ETC
All I am saying is one can only extend an invitation, a handshake and a thank you.

my last 1/2 cent


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred McDonald on Monday, November 03, 2014 - 10:29 pm:

Rob struck a real nerve with a lot of folks. It just so happened that this past weekend was spent with my 97 year old Mother and my four daughters. We went through a lot of family treasures and got to hear the history of each item from my Mother first hand. The girls got to pick out items they really wanted to keep. This was a great time for all of us. It is so good to get the history first hand. Now I am searching for the Model T my Grandfather bought new in 1913 and I played on it as a kid in the barn. We know it was sold around 1959 to someone in southern Indiana. My cousins bought it in 1957 and got it running then sold it to someone they thought was named Perdue. I would love to find out what happened to it. The attached picture was taken in 1917 and the baby in my Grandma's arms was my Mother. She is the one now giving my girls the history of family at 97. Thanks for reading my post.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Tuesday, November 04, 2014 - 12:12 am:

Fred, record that history. Maybe even make a written transcript of it. Recently one of my cousins sent me a recording of my mom and some of the other old timers, all gone now, at a family gathering almost thirty years ago. What a treasure to hear again the familiar voices of folks I miss, telling their stories from long ago.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison (Vancouver Washington) on Friday, November 07, 2014 - 02:23 pm:

I can't stand the lack of interest, respect, gratitude or love of history displayed by many these days....but as Gary points out, not all younger people are that way (even though the number are more 80 / 20 if you ask me).

I just turned 30 last month, but I have been deeply interested in my family linage and history since I was a small child. as a result....most, if not all of the family heirlooms, photographs, letters, hand-me0downs and keepsakes have all be past to me from various members of the family. They all know of my love for it and have made sure to pass it to me. My Father recently passed my Great-Aunt's 75 year collection of family tree information (hundreds of handwritten notes, letters, photos) that were part of her life long research project...and for my birthday, my grandmother passed to me The Sanden Family (my Mother's side) Bible....and tons of photographs.

I also have a deep respect for Vets....most notably WWI and WWII. I have relatives that served in both, including a Great Grandfather that served in Burma from 1942-1945 as a B-24 Tail Gunner. His bomber wing was shot down in 1944 and his plane was the only survivor....though his entire crew was killed.

With 2 engines out, no hydraulics, a 3rd engine failing and shrapnel in his hip....he limped his plane home and had to slide it on the runway on it's belly....after dumping his bomb load over the ocean.....all to bring the bodies of his fellow crewmen home. Earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (x2), Air Medal (x2), Purple Heart and the Presidential Commendation.

I have all of his things (including the shrapnel) and have already begun teaching my children.

God BLESS those who served.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chuck Hoffman - Gold Country of Calif. on Friday, November 07, 2014 - 02:41 pm:

Speaking of donating stuff to museums, here's a real life story. My grandfather who died in the '50's patented a unique style of engraving on acrylic sheets. It is beautiful artwork. At some point, some of his stuff ended up in the Smithsonian (I have the documentation). My cousin traced this down and sure enough it's there, buried deep in some inner sanctum. Whether it was ever displayed is unknown, but it has been there for at least 60 - 70 years. When my cousin asked if we could have it back, they refused. So, this will probably never be seen by anyone. Fortunately, I do have some of his stuff so I can enjoy it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erik Johnson on Friday, November 07, 2014 - 03:22 pm:

A majority of artifacts owned by many museums are not on display because they simply don't have the room to display them. They are archived in storage.

However, most museums will let you research their archives and see the items in storage.

For example, the Indianapolis 500 Museum has room in its public display areas for only 40 cars. They have at least 250 cars in storage.

If you donate a collection to a museum with the expectation that it will be on public display, then you will need to donate money to fund the expansion needed to display the collection. The average person doesn't have the resources to do this.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John H. Nichols on Friday, November 07, 2014 - 04:03 pm:

Clayton

You had better watch it or you might have another affliction called the family history Bug.
Basically it means you have a driving desire to find just one more ancestor and its a never ending hobby. I have had for 47 years this bug and have yet to find a cure. I would like to converse with you regarding the package your mother gave you. My e-mail address is john115@hughes.net You are a lucky man to have a real treasure to pass to your daughters.

John


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Freighter Jim on Sunday, November 23, 2014 - 02:23 pm:

' Pawn Stars ' is real ...

Just down the street from ' American Restoration '
in Old Downtown Las Vegas.

Rick has done more to rejuvenate the old downtown area than any other business owner ....

He is a good guy - I have met him and have been to the shop several times.

When you need money on short notice - some folks go to a pawn shop ...

Such is Life



Freighter Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By William L Vanderburg on Sunday, November 23, 2014 - 03:25 pm:

$400 bucks? I've got a whole basement full of them. Maybe I should bring 'em up!


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