Fun With Nostalgia

A dictionary definition of the term nostalgia would say something like it is a sentimental or wistful yearning for the past. This yearning is expressed in the totality of life as it once was.
As we explore nostalgia in its many forms, we take pieces of the past and look at it through memorie or artifacts from days gone by. Some people are concpsumed by keeping or looking for remnants of the past in a topic that they are interested in. The paper collector or ephemera collector likes to find and appreciate the past through examining paper in all if it’s forms.
Because ephemera covers such a wide variety of items,the collector must narrow it down too. Manageable size. Thus becomes the collector of old postcards, letters, documents, advertising, bills of sale, receipts, programs, wrappers, packaging, posters, invoices, valentines, Halloween cards, envelopes, tickets, and oh so much more.

What does the collector get out if this. The thrill of the hunt is often mentioned. This process can have many avenues such as antique collector shows, buy and sell sites, special catalogues and publications, auctions etc.

The collector loves to organize and display the items. The pride in having a vast collection of sone ephemera type is satisfying. Money can be spent on binders, shadow boxes, display cases, albums and so on.

Managing the collectable is important. Keeping a focus helps manage the collection. Going off in different directions in an ephemera topic is not a good idea. Losing focus created a scattered collection.
So nostalgia can be a very satisfying hobby. Nostalgia keeps the past alive.