Founders Collection-Last Call

According to the email I received Monday, the pieces remaining after the June 30 deadline will be destroyed...unbelievable...

Good Thursday Afternoon!

In the 27 plus years, I have been in the Collectible Industry, I have been responsible for destroying many MILLIONS of product!

Before we became eco conscience, the Collectible Industry threw hundreds (if not several thousand) rubber molds into the St. Joseph River in South Bend at the International Collectors' Exposition!

When i managed, the MI Hummel Brand, we would go to a local harware store, puurchase several hammers, spray paint them gold, and in a "cermony" then break a plate or figurine in order that collectors understoodd, we were protecting the collectible integrity of the piece and brand!

The cost of warehousing is expensive, yes, even in Maine.

Some Replicas are being donated to Museums, we are archiving some Replicas, Saving some for Prizes BUT some will be destroyed! That's a reality!

If you want write me tconstantino@harbourlights.com

Speaking of archiving....

Here's a thought.... replace all the old HLs sitting in the display cases at the Lighthouse Depot store in Wells Maine (the ones not for sale) with a low single-digit numbered piece.

And sell the ones from the display case to any customer that is looking for these retired No-Longer items. This way, the display case will be like a mini-museum dedicated to the founder himself, B. Younger, which any customers visiting the store can enjoy!

Naturally, not every piece could be exchanged (as many of pieces from the Founders Collection are no longer available), but it would save several "Founders Collection" pieces from the wrecking ball!

The real question is, "Who is going to get the HL102 Cape Hatteras, NC pieces (2 Available) from the Founders Collection?" And why were these not found or available earlier during the other 5 offerings in the past 5 years. Hummmm......

going.... going..... gone!

I imagine both the HL102's are now gone. As soon as the e-mail arrived I called knowing it was a futile attempt to try to get those. So far I've left three voice mails and even sent an e-mail today with no response. I guessing it's because the phone is ringing off the hook. I'll just wait my turn now since I've picked some other pieces to purchase.

According to information I received and my understanding regarding the Founders Collection, you would say you wanted one and was willing to pay so much money and they would send you one. Now out came the list of what was left. I don't have a Blackberry in my ear, so when I opened my email that evening I sent an email back immediately asking for one of the 102 Cape Hatteras. They sent me automatic responce email and then later called me on the phone explaining,'you can imagine how many requests we got, etc.', and that piece is no longer available. Even though I'm a Charter Member of Harbors Lights Collectors Club, I didn't even know about the Original 17 until after I moved here to Arizona and then I tried the best I could to get the best possible. Now I have all but HL#102 and HL#111.I feel very badly that there wasn't some way for the buyer to inquire and receive, if possible, one of the Founders Collection by name instead of potluck. As for the wrecking ball, "NO". Save them for the cruise or the next Reunion.

I received a call today and placed my order for two pieces. Though I missed out on the HL102, I'm still satisfied to get two pieces that were part of the founders collection.

Patty called today to tell me I got three pieces -Morris Island Then and Now and my all time favorite Thomas Point. I am especially excited about Thomas Point since I just started being a docent on the tours and have helped some with the restoration (and hope to do more!).

ginnyanne, CONGRATULATIONS on your new docent position!! Hope you post about your experiences!
Rick

Thomas Point is one of my favorites as well (the LE version is much nicer and larger than the open edition version). I couldn't resist in not ordering one. I look forward to receiving one of these as this is also B. Younger favorite lighthouse.

Congrats on the docent position... hopefully someday we can meet if I ever get down to Annapolis for a day excursion out to the light or through the Chapter.

Received a #4 Dry Tortugas, FL and a #4 Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, NC yesterday. I'm thrilled!

Could somebody please send me the email with the Founder's Collection list to flacoastie@embarqmail.com. I seem to have deleted it by mistake.

Okay Rich
List is on its way.

I received a

Admirlity Head HL 101 #3

Old Point Loma HL 105 #6

North Head HL106 #4

As I said on another post they are all California made.

I received a North Head, WA #3 yesterday - a gorgeous, California-made version of one of the original ugly ducklings - with the lantern room ball/lightning rod completely snapped off at the roofline...it wasn't protected well at all when wrapped/shipped...after a call to customer service, I ordered a replacement Whaleback, NH.

Rock
Sorry to hear about your broken North Head.
My three also were not protected very well with just a wrap of spongy stuff held together on the top with a rubber band. I was very surprised that it wasn’t wrapped better. I would see if you could still keep the North Head and hire Rich to fix it up for you.

Today is officially the last day to order from the Founder's collection.

I added to my list yesterday.

Remember:
This is to be the very last time they are to be offered before they are destroyed.

Do you have one? Why not? Every Harbour Light collector needs at least one.
Are you a collector of Areas? Do you have one for that Area? This is to be your last chance.

I for one hate to see the founder's collection go, but I feel that Harbour Lights have been more than generous and very supportive in salvaging and distributing the founders collection. I feel we can ask for no more of them. Good work Harbour Lights and thank you for giving us the Opportunity to own one of the most collectable Harbour Lights, “The Founders Collection)

Personally, I think it is wrong to destroy these pieces. Rather than destroy them, give them to dealers who have stuck by the line and let them offer them for sale. Imagine the thrill of walking into a dealers store and finding a single digit flag#. STOP THE DESTRUCTION IDEA! THESE HL'S DESERVE TO BE SAVED AND PUT INTO SOMEONE'S COLLECTION!

Bob

I think it would be nice to give a replica to the matching lighthouse association for display somewhere in the actual lighthouse, museum or gift shop. With the certificate explaining the Founder's Collection and its value I would think that would be nice for people to see a H.L. replica when they visit a lighthouse. Another idea might be to give them to lighthouse associations to use as fund raisers for lighthouse preservation only. I know molds are broken and pieces destroyed but maybe a better use could be made of these special pieces.

Judy

I'm assumming it's going past June 30th, as I'm still waiting for Patti to get back to me on my requests.

Now that's interesting.... I wonder if she is off for several days or she has forgotten about you. If I was you, even though it is past the June 30th deadline, I would be calling ASAP.

I had sent my email and had not had a response, when I phoned on Monday I was told Patty was on vacation last week and was just back to work that day and I would bet she is going through emails and voice mail messages trying to get caught up. I say trying calling her.

Patti, called me today about my request so I know she is working. She told me earlier in the week that the society pieces had come in and they where working on them, so that was taking up some of her time.

I have been waiting to hear from her as well. Hopefully I will get the two pieces I asked for. They took my credit card number so I am assuming I will get them soon.

Judy

Patti called and emailed me today. My three pieces are on there way.

The notice that the Alaskan cruise is a 'GO' says there will be a charity auction. Wouldn't it be great if the last (or some)of the Founders Collection made it aboard for that auction?

Angels Gate
I think you can count on it.