Collecting Dirt
Back in 1936, Patricia Salter had an unusual hobby for a 12-year-old girl. She collected dirt. Whenever I come across stories like this, it always makes me wonder what became of the collection. I'm guessing that at some point it must have been tossed in the trash, or dumped outside.
But it looks like there are some like-minded dirt enthusiasts in the present day, over at the Museum of Dirt.
Source: The Washington Post - Feb 9, 1936
But it looks like there are some like-minded dirt enthusiasts in the present day, over at the Museum of Dirt.
Source: The Washington Post - Feb 9, 1936
Comments
Alex, I have thought about what happens to large weird collections when their collector (hoarder?) passes. Many things can happen, My favorite is the estate sale!
I also wonder when I read such stories what sort of partner did the collector wind up marrying?
Young Patricia for example. What sort of partner would She think ideal? Today She'd log on to the site you mentioned or dirt-lovinSingles.org and find all sorts of people who share her joy, But back in those days..., What/who would she do? A Miner Maybe? Or perhaps a geologist? :lol: :coolsmile:
I also wonder when I read such stories what sort of partner did the collector wind up marrying?
Young Patricia for example. What sort of partner would She think ideal? Today She'd log on to the site you mentioned or dirt-lovinSingles.org and find all sorts of people who share her joy, But back in those days..., What/who would she do? A Miner Maybe? Or perhaps a geologist? :lol: :coolsmile:
Posted by Tyrusguy on 06/16/14 at 01:48 PM
My professor of soil science at university had a collection of soils from around the world.
Posted by aka on 06/16/14 at 02:29 PM
When I was into metalcasting, I'd gather dust from rafters in attics (it's the best thing for ensuring forms will separate cleanly from molds). Someone who thought it would be funny sent me a sample of dust from the crater in Arizona, and my sister sent me dust (ash) from Mount St. Helens. Over the years I ended up with a tiny collection of semi-interesting dust.
I've toyed with the idea of expanding the collection. Dust from the Berlin Wall and the Great Wall of China. Dust from an Egyptian tomb and the catacombs of Paris. But, sadly, I know that the best prize (moon dust) will never be available, so why bother?
I've toyed with the idea of expanding the collection. Dust from the Berlin Wall and the Great Wall of China. Dust from an Egyptian tomb and the catacombs of Paris. But, sadly, I know that the best prize (moon dust) will never be available, so why bother?
Posted by Phideaux on 06/16/14 at 05:38 PM
You have to love "dirty girls" .. especially ones named patty (patricia).
Posted by BrokeDad in Midwest US on 06/16/14 at 09:19 PM
What? Did someone mention my name?? 😊
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 06/16/14 at 09:25 PM
This was quite a feat back in '36. No interweb with all it's tubes linking the world. No computer with which to type/correct your letters. No printer to run off myriad of copies to be snailed around the world.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 06/16/14 at 11:36 PM
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Category: Hobbies and DIY | Collectors | 1930s