Photographs and Memories: Autographed Photos from the King of Popcorn and the Hamburger King
Much of the fun and joy involved in the hobby of autograph collecting is receiving autographs from those personalities that you admire, who are not necessarily movie, television, or sports celebrities.
Every so often, I would tire of writing to my favorite television and movie celebrities. I would often change focus and write to my other favorites - politicians, NASCAR drivers, Fortune 500 CEO's and game show hosts.
When thinking of other personalities to write to for an autograph, it occurred to me one day that it might be interesting to write to some of the spokesmen of those products (specifically, foods! -that always seems to be an interest of mine :) that I enjoyed as a child.
Two of the spokesmen that I decided to write to were Orville Redenbacher, "The Popcorn King", and Dave Thomas, of Wendy's fame.
I received responses from both of these men, and both had included some novelties along with their autograph.
From Orville Redenbacher, I received an autographed photo scrawled in ballpoint pen along with Orville Redenbacker stickers and coupons. Sadly, two days after receiving his autograph, he passed away in 1995 at the age of 88 - apparently from drowning in his hot tub after suffering a heart attack.
From Dave Thomas, I received an autographed photo as well as numerous business-card sized coupons for hamburgers, chili, fries, and beverages. Each card was stamped with "Dave Thomas" as the authorized signature. I was so intrigued by the novelty of these items that I decided to add them to my collection rather than to redeem them. Sadly, Dave Thomas died in January, 2002 at the age of 69.
Have you ever received any "novelties" along with your autographed photos?
orville redenbacher
posted by Tom @ 10:56 AM
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