Sharing my favorite things
, News reporter
11-13-2009
Verlee Patterson of Richmond was born in December and married in December, so it’s natural that if she were to be a collector of anything it would be nativity sets.“They’re everywhere,” said Verlee, as she looked around at the boxes and tubs containing her impressive collection.
“I have 613 of them,” she sighed. Yes, that’s right. She has 613 nativities.
“It started when I went on a Taiwan mission trip in 1982,” said Verlee. “I got a bamboo and banana leaf nativity and wondered how many different ways they’re made, of what materials and what objects they appear on.”
Looking around, she started checking them off - fabric, wood, table cloths, clothing, bowling pins, lights, cookie cutters, jewelry, brass, porcelain, throws, pewter, music boxes, snow globes, yard art, ornaments, advent calendars, window clings, and she even has wooden shoes that have a nativity painted on them.
What does one do with that many nativity sets? Well, you display them.
“This is the first time they’ve all been displayed in Richmond at once, “ Verlee smiled. “I displayed three or four before, and one time I put out 21, but this is all of it.”
The first time she ever displayed her collection was in 1990, in Burlington, Iowa.
“I started with just 65 nativities then,” she said.
In 1997 she displayed her collection, now numbering 162 sets, in Nevade, Mo. She began a record book once her collection blossomed to over 100 sets.
“I know who gave me each one, what kind it was, and why they gave it to me,” said Verlee. “I also have people sign my book whenever they come out to see them displayed.”
Shelbina, Mo., was the next site (in 2001) and again in 2003 when her collection had grown to over 540 sets.
Now, 27 years later and with a total of 613 sets, Verlee is sharing her ‘favorite things’ with Richmond.
“This will be the eighth time the whole thing has been displayed,” she said.
The public is invited to bring their families to this fabulous exhibit. It opens this weekend, Friday, Nov.13 and Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church.
“We’re going to have a children’s corner, with books, activities, stamping, and stuff for them to make their own Christmas cards,” said Verlee. “So, don’t think you can’t bring the children. They’re welcome too.”
There are many unusual sets, such as a Troll Nativity from the 70s, and the one made from bowling pins.
“I got 50 gifts for my 50th birthday,” Verlee said, as she touched one of the bowling pins. “He (husband Paul, “Spike”) painted them for me.”
“His mother got me a set for Christmas for 10 years. After she passed, my oldest daughter gets me the Hallmark nativity ornament each year,” said Verlee.
As the “main attraction” (the only one with a display) at the church during Holiday Open House weekend, Verlee said baked goods will be on sale as well as Christmas crafts. All proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army. A mailbox will be placed inside, where guests may leave their monetary donations.
Set up begins this afternoon. Verlee and Spike “hope that will be enough time.”
One might think the Pattersons would get a bit tired of storing and moving such a sizeable collection, but Verlee was pretty excited to start setting them up.
“I haven’t seen them all out in six years!” she exclaimed.
Verlee has a special surprise for the first 29 guests that visit on Friday. She’ll be sharing her collection, presenting those lucky early-birds with a Christmas Story ink pen.
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