Fifty years and countless visits to communities in dozens of states and several countries have resulted in a collection of keys, locks, door hardware and promotional materials that fill a space in my home and my heart.
Many of us encounter obsolete keys in our home and office environments. Please - don't throw them away! If they have sentimental value, consider displaying them in your home. If they don't, consider gifting them to #KeyOfTheDay. It's more than just a collection. It's a culture!
Many keys and locks have worked hard to protect people and property for generations. With respect and curiosity, I look for great examples from domestic and foreign makers, many of whom have changed ownership or exited the market entirely. As part of my collection, they enjoy a great retirement!
Over the years, I've gained an appreciation for the stories that come with keys - original packaging, code tags, promotional key rings and the oh-so-rich handmade fobs, paper tags, worn string and other reminders that someone cared a lot about the keys I now possess.
My parents believed that all children should collect something; that it teaches discernment and discipline. My father's travels and my mother's keen eye resulted in many great Christmas and birthday presents.
Miss Karen and I first met because of the eight-inch ring of keys she wore at work. All sizes, all styles, the stuff of a ten year old collector's dreams. Over time, she would invest thousands of keys in my collection.
Over thirty-plus years, John has gifted me his late father's locks and keys, contributed generously to my collection, built case furniture for the #BasementMuseum and inspired me to tell this story to others.
In the course of 50 years, countless people have invested in my collection and others have offered good examples for trade or sale. Together, we have saved countless keys from inauspicious ends.
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