Reese Chatman, Campus Carrier features editor
According to a survey conducted by Magnify Money, 61% of Americans consider themselves to be collectors. Naturally, college students are no exception to this. Berry is home to a variety of collectors spanning a variety of interests. Many businesses in Rome cater to these students’ interests. One of which, being Into the Past on Broad Street. Into the Past specializes in vintage clothing and memorabilia from the 1980’s, and 1990’s. Founded by owner Blaine Garrett, the business has gradually progressed from an online and traveling marketplace to an actual “brick and mortar” store to become a staple of downtown Rome.
Junior Jonathan Deagle considers himself a jack of all trades when it comes to collectables.
“I have always collected a lot of things. Some would probably say I even hoard but my favorite things to collect are 1996 Olympics merch.”
in Deagle’s hometown. Courtesy of Jonathan Deagle
1996 was the year the Olympics were held in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to opening day, the city built new parks and buildings to properly hold events. Centennial Olympic Park remains one of the primary tourist attractions from that years’ Olympic games.
“Since the games took place in Atlanta, and I am from the area, I just felt a special connection to any merchandise I saw. It is also very easy to find stuff. Many adults that are local to Atlanta lived through the event so they have merchandise from it. I’ve even been to people’s houses and been given things like commemorative frisbees and hats for free.”
1996 was the most recent year the games were held in North America. However, in 2028, the Olympics will be held in Los Angeles for the third time in the history of the games.
“My favorite merch I have are my crewnecks. They are comfortable and stylish, and people are always asking me where I got them. Another one of my favorites are license plates I have. I have one on the back of my car and the others are hanging in my room somewhere.”
Junior Jazmine Riddlehoover has an affinity for clowns, which she expresses by collecting assorted figurines.
“When I was younger, I never really thought clowns were scary. I guess I always loved the eccentric nature of their makeup and costumes. This paired with coming to college and gradually growing into who I really want to be has led to this. I used to look and act a lot different.”
Coulrophobia is the fear of clowns, a phobia that torments an estimated 1 in 10 Americans according to the Cleveland Clinic. Even in light of millions suffering from this fear, clowns have been a staple of horror related media and popular culture for decades.
“I usually find what I’m looking for in thrift stores or antique stores. They actually aren’t usually that expensive either. The first ones I got were a 2 for 1 deal that were probably worth about $2 each. The most I have ever paid for a figurine was probably around $15.”
Riddlehoover’s collectables come in all shapes and sizes.
“I have a mardi gras mask, I have clown earrings, I have a stuffed clown. My collection is probably at about 6 or 7 collectables total as of right now.”
Hobbies are statistically proven to reduce stress and anxiety, while simultaneously improving well roundedness. Collecting things is how many choose to devote this time. Whether it is vintage memorabilia or clown figurines, it seems that there is no item strange or bizarre enough that won’t satisfy one’s interests.