Stein
Collectors International |
~ Show and Tell ~
Library Display Garners Interest
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July 2000 - from Jim Gasowski
On one of my recent visits to the local library, which I use frequently when
trying to research the history behind one of my steins, I noticed a display case
at the entrance with an attractive display of model boats. My compulsion to
share my stein-collecting interests and the history that they contain got the
better of me. I approached the head Librarian and questioned her about the
possibility of putting on a display of steins. She became quite interested after
I told her how much history could be involved in different steins. Within a
month, she contacted me and requested that I put a display out for the month of
May. I was thrilled at the prospect, but was also concerned about security for
the steins at such a public place. She assured me that the case would always be
locked and that there was an alarm system at the library itself, plus the local
Police Department routinely checked on the facility. With that assurance, I
proceeded to set up the small exhibit shown to the left. I also did not post my
name or phone number, so I would not be contacted - or visited - by unfamiliar
people. All questions regarding the display were conveyed to me through the
Librarian.
I was enthusiastic about displaying some of my steins because it gave me the
opportunity to share information with others about our hobby and about SCI. Of
course, it also held out the possibility that I would be asked to help someone
who needed an evaluation on grandfather's stein, or wanted to sell a piece they
had picked up at a flea market.
I chose pieces from my collection to give viewers a sense of the variety in
steins, and the history which they have captured. I also included Gary Kirsner’s
recent "Beer Stein Book" and Ron Heiligenstein’s "Regimental
Beer Steins". Next to each stein I placed a small paragraph explaining the
stein and its history. I also included information about Stein Collectors
International, taken from the Web Site.
This was very enjoyable for me, and is something that could be done by any
collector. One German lady told me of the fond memories the display brought back
for her, and I had numerous comments relayed to me by the Librarian indicating
that most people had no idea of the beauty and history related to Beer Steins.
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