Thursday, January 19, 2012

Self-confessed Hoarder

I am the first to admit that I am a "Hendryx" Hoarder.  I am fascinated with his work, his creations, the inventors working at his company, the trademarks, the patents, the 'everything' that goes along with the Andrew B. Hendryx Co. of New Haven, Conn.

I don't remember when this 'obsession' hit, but it's been within this last year; more specifically, last 9 months of 2011.  Could it have started with the bird cage 'that got away'? (More about that in a later post.) Could seeds of interest been planted when I saw the delicate work in my friend's two "Hendryx" cages?  Could it have been at an antique show when I started on my initial quest to find a "Hendryx"?  I honestly don't know the answer to these questions?  Or could the Lord have drawn me to this as an interest since I am on disability and not working?  Possible income?  I can't say.

I only know that I live, think, and breathe "Hendryx".  I want someone to talk with who has similar drives and interests.  I want to share items that I have found, and post items that I am looking for.  I want to be able to glean whatever information there is out there that I don't have, and I want to be able to share information I do have with anyone who wants it.  I want my incorrect information corrected.

I know there are at least several of you out there.  I have enough ebay contacts to know that there are people out there, right now, with the same "Hendryx" goal.  I lose auctions to you when you are better bidders than I am.  I am in awe at the prices you pay for "Hendryx" items.  I am shocked at the prices I pay for "Hendryx" items.  All with one goal in mind.

What is this goal that I keep alluding to?  It is very simple.  I want to own a "Hendryx" cage and outfit it the same way the Andrew B. Hendryx Co. did when it left the factory.  I want the same feeders, the perches, the swing, the seed guards, and the same stand.  Put it all together, and I have a piece of historical art that takes my breathe away.  

THAT is what I want.  My initial goal used to include owning one of each "Hendryx" cage made.  40-50 cages later, reality has arrived, and I know it is not going to happen.  My goal takes networking, researching, researching, networking, time, more time, money and more money.  It takes someone willing to share a piece of information that he/she has.  It takes that someone finding this blog and being willing to read,  make an entry, and enjoy the conversation and info exchange.  I want this place, this blog, this area of cyber space, to be a fun place to be.  I want us to laugh, to 'ooh' and 'aah', to be eager to return to our common interest and friends.  To sit and chat a while.

As you can probably tell from this simple design and initial post, I have no clue what I am doing with this blog.  I am stepping out, in faith, that there are those of you out there, not only hoarders and fanatics like me, but regular folks who are interested in my latest find, who are willing to share your latest find, latest tidbit of info, maybe have something for sale, maybe not, maybe just a note of encouragement.  I am looking for people to talk with, share with, and fill the drive within me that sometimes 'screams' for someone to share the creative artistry and vision of the man named Andrew B. Hendryx, his company, his inventors, his creations.

Thank you.  Barbara

2 comments:

keithious said...

Hello Barbara!

I feel like I'm at an AA meeting and standing up to confess I too am a Hendryx hoarder or as of recent a "recovering" Hendryx hoarder" - LOL!

We have e-mailed each other in great detail over the past several months about my birdcage addiction and my special attention to Hendryx cages. They are works of art, a peice of someones past, furniture statments and something that makes me smile :)

I have been collecting for over 6 years now and still come across cages I've never seen. It's very exciting to find that cage thats in GREAT shape and even better when you get a great deal on it! That's not always the case these days but in comparison to other hobbies and collections it could be worse.

I would love to continue sharing stories and hear about your new finds as I'm sure others will follow in these discussions and share their stories as well.

Love the post- please keep it going!

Keith in Boonton, NJ

Barbara said...

Thank you, Keith, for your comments. The information you share with me is invaluable as I continue my quest. Thank you very much.