Americana the Beautiful - One state and wacky festival at a time

Just 20,000 or so sets. Is that unusual?

Vegetable Salt & Pepper Shakers Photo Courtesy of the Museum Website

The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is must-see. Why, exactly?

1. Because everything else in Gatlinburg in woefully touristy, neon-y, and kitschy.
2. Because you had no idea that salt and pepper shakers were made in so many styles.
3. Because there are walls dedicated to themes: fruits, bears, birds, & basic pillars.
4. Because when someone takes the time to collect 20,000 of something, you should stop in and take a gander. I mean, seriously.

Southern Belle Salt & Pepper Shakers Photo Courtesy of the Museum Website

One of a Kind
This is the only S&P museum in the world (no surprise, there).

Origins
The woman who owns the collection started it because she was amused by how something so simple garners so much attention and personality. Good point.

Many sets were collected by the owner, but once word got out, even more were given as gifts and sent from people around the world. The kindness of strangers: Red Cross aid and Salt & Pepper contributions…

Bee Salt & Pepper Shakers Photo Courtesy of the Museum Website

Musings on Collecting
A collection says something about the collector; and the culture that inspires it.

Interested in other quirky collections I’ve found on my travels? Check out

• the clock and watch museum in Bristol, CT

• miniature circus settings and full-size sleighs at the Shelburne Museum, VT

What do you collect? Where do you find your pieces? What started the collection?