Daniel is a college student in California and already a longtime fan of mid-century architecture, decor and collectibles. He wrote in to share his story. I’m impressed!
Hello!
My name is Daniel and I’m a 22 year old college student in CA! I’ve been collecting mid-century furniture and ephemera since I was 14 or so. I visit your site everyday…
I love all the information you give out and all the great pictures… Most people my age don’t appreciate this kind of stuff, so it’s nice to finally find people who do. I’d love to show some of my finds if you’d like!
Sure, Daniel, I say… and can you tell me more about your story? He zips right back:
More about my story, hmmm…Well I’ve been passionate about the 1940s/50s/60s since I can remember! It’s my dad who really got me into it, with music such as Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, and Tommy Dorsey. From there I started buying and restoring vintage cars in high school, and would frequently go local antiquing.
I also was good friends with an antique radio repair store owner, and he gave me all the radios he no longer wanted for free! I received 8+ mid century radios from him all in working condition! That really started me saving up and going out to the antique stores to buy different things for the home.
I figured that sooner or later I would need something, so I bought everything from lamps to a vacuum cleaner haha. I’ve kept most of my stuff, giving some things away to make room for others, but I’m continually expanding my collection. My dream is to own or rebuild an Eichler home and fill it with nothing but original furniture, appliances, and fixtures.
There’s something so special about home living in that era, that’s no wonder people are going crazy over it. And although its become a fad again, I feel like I, and people like me, are living in the wrong era in someways, you know? Well I hope you enjoy these pictures, and I’d love to hear more about your story as well!
P.S. If you have any questions about the items in the pictures feel free to ask! Hope to hear from you soon.
I get the photos and I think, oh my gosh, is that really an apartment? Of a college student? It is way tidier than I remember my college apartment. I had, like, a TV, an army trunk, a portable stereo, a wastebasket, and a ratty sofa. Ah, the traveling light years. But, you are way waaaay ahead of me, Daniel. So… I ask Daniel, is that really an apartment and oh, do you have a photo that I could use, if you want? I forgot to ask him – is that a hamster cage? What is the name of your hamster? He zips back:
Ya it is a rental apartment probably from the early to mid ’60s. Unfortunately it has gone through many renovations since then, so its original charm doesn’t show all too well. I’m a Graphic Communication major concentrating in Print & Image Management…. Funny, I don’t have any pictures of me in the house on my computer haha!
But here’s a picture from last year from a WWII dance my friends and I always go to, hope that’s OK!
Sorry the pictures are such low quality, I took them with my computer because my camera had died. I can retake them for better quality if they didn’t turn out so good. Talk to you soon!
Actually, Daniel, I like the grainy dreamy quality of the photos. And, I didn’t even know you could take pictures with your computer. Like, you walk around with your laptop pointing it and hitting the enter button? I call myself a Geek Girl, but I am such a poser.
Daniel, once you get your diploma, I think you should set the graphics communications thing aside for a few months — you need to be on Design Star. We’ll all vote for you. I’m serious. BTW, is that a hamster cage? What is the name of your hamster?
Daniel says
Hi Aunt Carol! It is Marilyn’s Beatle Poster, but the picture is of my dad’s mom Patricia. There’s some pictures of Ruth in the living room : ) Hope all is well, miss you!!
Mick says
Daniel,
WOW!!! Im so jealous of your chiar!!!! Thats a lie…im jealous of EVRYTHING!!!! haha You’ve done an amazing Job! Im so glad to meet some one else out there (being a fellow college student) that is int to the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. Its a realife to knwo im not the only one! lol Send my your email please at JahJah_jordan@hotmail.com ,Id love to show you my little 1943 Lake home! I live in the dorms and DONT trust my roommates at ALL haha so all my treasures are kept there. 🙂
-Mick-
Aunt Carol says
Danny, Love your Apartment. Is that Marilyn’s Beatle poster up on your wall? And Ruthie’s picture? I am so farklempt, Aunt Carol
Jo Ann says
You truly are my hero!
Ariana says
Danny i looooove the photos! you always have had the cutest apartments. i miss going antique shopping with you! can’t wait for the WWII dance!
Daniel says
Here’s the link for the WWII dinner/dance held every year in Dos Palos, CA.
http://www.eaglefield.org/index.htm
Johnny says
Your apartment looks awsome. Great photos. I’m curious where is the WWII dance held? I love Swing dancing and always looking for new places to go dancing.
Daniel says
That sounds awesome, can’t wait to see! Ya, I agree with Shane, I wish my place had an interesting exterior haha
Happy Daze says
I’ll send in some pictures when I’m a little farther along. My house is a disaster area right now. I’m currently repairing water damage from some roof leaks. Next, I plan to repaint the interior (I can’t afford wallpaper right now), then I’m having the wood floors re-done.
Muffy says
You have done a wonderful job with your apartment. Very impressive. All those years of collecting certainly have paid off. Loved the photos and all the responses on the site.