I fear that people believe I am exaggerating when I say, “I love Sociology 100 pictures more than Non-Poster figures.”
It is not an exaggeration; not even close. That’s why I was so excited when Bill Raeth sent me some pictures. I don’t think we’ve seen anything like it since Nathan’s childhood doodles and notes from over a decade ago.
When Bill shared the pictures, I was instantly reminded of similar books my parents and teachers had forced me to write.
Book Cover
Cover Page
Story
Bill’s story is transcribed below:
We take video games like Ping Pong, Skeet Shot and Highway to keep us busy on the flight.
We will be there for two months. I just can’t wait! I’m going to take some money with me. I hope my grandmother will let me buy twenty-eight muscle men. They are neat! One guy had a hole in his head – really neat! I especially want the boxing ring where the muscle men will fight.
I’m excited about going there but I’m scared when I go to sleep. I think there might be a big bear out there in the country and he might come in and eat me.
I’m going to go anyway though and have a good time at my grandmother’s.
THE END
It’s such a sweet story.
Bill added a little bit more to his recent discovery:
I was going through some of my stuff from my elementary school days, and I found this book I wrote in 1989. The story is about my sister and I traveling to Cornell, MI to spend the summer with my Grandma. In the story I mention wanting to get a 28 pack, a figure with a hole in its head, and the ring. This is so funny because it’s only at the Kmart in Escanaba, MI (a city near Cornell) that I remember buying 28 packs with my Grandma. I don’t remember ever having the ring.
I love it. I love it all.
Maybe I’m reading into it, but I can feel that childhood desire. I can feel that excitement. I remember those emotions as a child M.U.S.C.L.E. collector.
I know, as a child, I would have spent that earmarked money on something else completely ridiculous. I would have bought $10 of taffy. Or a whip and necklace that would never be touched again.
Thank you Bill. This is one of my all-time favorite M.U.S.C.L.E. discoveries.
#1 by Walker26 on July 30, 2019 - 3:37 pm
When I found this part in the book I was amazed. Kind of like finding something rare on Ebay. It reminded me of how much you like finding M.U.S.C.L.E. ads in old magazines, and people sharing childhood photos of them with M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. Your Elmo gif is hilarious and fitting to the story.