The collection.

Why do people collect?

I have a passing curiosity as to why people collect things. It is often with some amusement to see the extent individuals and groups of people go to in building up their collection of  anything & everything from rocks to records from cars to cassettes. Not being much of a keeper stuff I have viewed them as collectors of ‘what ever’, and, I have to say, with some amusement.

Like lots of people I have a collection of CD’s and books that I am reluctant to dispose of through sentimental attachment. Some of the attachment is those living in the moment experiences that I find are fleeting. There are handful of novels and albums that define those moments and remain sharp in my memory but I don’t go out of my way to add to it like some stamp collector.

I am definitely not one of those nerds who continuously amass what ever collections - I am happy in my normality.

Hang on! Hold your horses! What about…

…On December 28th 1984 I visited the Argos store in Leeds and bought a Texas Ti30 III Scientific calculator. It wasn’t my first calculator and being replaced by a succession of Casio’s it wasn’t my last as I went through school and college. After a year or two the beige nondescript Texas went back in its box, with manual and receipt in the bottom drawer. It remained that way for years in the drawer, under the bed and in the loft. Pulling it out one day, I bought fresh batteries and powered it up. Quite a handy little calculator that I can put to use but it occurred to me that I should buy another one and keep this for best. How daft is that? Positively barmy. But I found one exactly the same on eBay in a matter of minutes and for a few pound’s. My precious was back safely in its box in the cupboard.

Then the collectors creep came up on me. Yes my chosen specialist subject is Texas Scientific Calculators! And excitingly, I have discovered I am not alone - there is a community out there, a gentleman with a website lists every version from every year from every Texas plant. It’s a full on geek fest. 

There is saying nostalgia ain’t what it used to be. But collections are grown from your nostalgia bean. Mine is an ever growing bean stalk but instead of leaves it has Texas Instruments Scientific calculators hanging from it. 

So with my confession for the world to see, what is your nostalgia bean and what are you growing?



PS: check out one of the best websites on the internet http://www.datamath.org/


Comments

  1. Clay Lowe11 November 2024 at 11:26

    Wow! Who knew there are people out there who collect calculators!! A full on nerd fest indeed. I've collected many things over the years from comic books to coins to shot glasses and city patches. I collect hats and Hawaiian shirts. I used to collect cameras (but that got expensive very fast! I still have my very first ever camera...the Pentax K1000 SLR) I would have to say for the reason why we collect things, the one that most resonates with is the joy of discovery and storytelling. I love the thrill of the hunt. Collecting also gives me purpose, a reason to leave the house and get "out there" to see new places.

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