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?
Thierry says
You can’t see it in these pictures but the best room in Daniel’s flat is his closet.
Word!
Zulema Skye says
This apartment is so very cool, great furniture, great lamps, and such a big splash of colors with the pink? red? and blue chairs. I love that little bookshelf with hamster cage..with legs meeting legs? Great finds!
Sara in WA says
Pam, any chance of sharing my parent’s love story during WWII that I sent you with these young people? My dad passed away last month and it would be a nice tribute. I know everyone would be inspired/touched by it. And I too used to steal my parent’s big band albums and play them up in my room when no one was home. And there’s nothing like the Andrews Sisters to keep you moving while cleaning the house!
pam kueber says
Sara in WA, let me pull it up out of my email and take a look. I am so sorry to hear about your dad.
Brian says
Hi Daniel – I’m in the same category as you, young and loving a decade that is far behind my time of birth. I’m 29 and have been in love with all things mid-century for as long as I can remember!
That uniform you’re wearing in the photo – where did you get that?
Daniel says
Wow Danny! What a nice little journey this web site has afforded you and all of the other nice folks here. I’m very proud of you. You have a real eye for good design and a wonderful passion for “the spice of life”.
Dad
Kathy Majcherek says
Wow, what a blog. I think Daniel should be a regular contributer to your web site. He has a lot of fans already.
MOM says
Pams grandfather lived next door to the Dorseys when he was a kid. Love you mom
pam kueber says
Wow, Mom, I never knew that. In Shenandoah?
Rebecca Prichard says
I LOOOOVE the light in the last photo. I would love to see a better photo of it when/if you get a chance. And, the dance photo-too cute!
Daniel says
Hey Douglas,
The dance is held in Dos Palos, CA. You can find the event online by searching Eagle Field Dinner/Dance.
You and your gf should come out, it’s a blast!
Hope this helps!
Douglas says
i was wondering where the dances are held? i am 25 and i agree with “our” generation not appreciating vintage styles. i have always felt that i was born in the wrong era. maybe i am reincarnated from someone living in the 50’s? anyways any info on the dances would be great. My girlfriend and i are looking for dances like that. i have my grandfathers wwii uniform i can wear for that event. thanks 🙂
Ps i love this site!