Willard Suitcases / Rodrigo L.
Rodrigo was an extremely literate man. His collection of books was so interesting.
He was a writer as well, as this editorial from his Salt Lake High School yearbook illustrates.
Rodrigo’s collection of books tells us so much about his view of the world.
From reading his writings, I got the sense that he was a bit lonely, and deeply spiritual.
The autographs page of his yearbook had only his signature.
I love the logo for Oliver R. Meredith’s Trunk Factory. I looked for information online about the business, and didn’t find much about the company, but did come across this great gallery of photographs of trunk manufacturers.
From time to time I like to post a nice photo of Peggy Ross, whom I can never thank enough for her help throughout the years that we have spent documenting the collection of suitcases. I literally could not (and would not) have done this work without her help.
Thanks for following. Check out all of Rodrigo’s collection here. Moving on to Michael B. tomorrow.
Jon Crispin's Notebook 
Meredith was part of the Caricatures of Men in Utah: https://collections.lib.utah.edu/details?id=428936
David, I didn’t put this in my post, but check this out! A bizarre twist to the story. Hope you are well. Jon
I saw that, but hadn’t read through it until now! Seems to be a classic Utah story…I lived in SLC for 2 years in the 1980s, during the forgery bombings. Always an interesting place.
All is well here on the west coast, enjoying our last day of sunny weather for a while.
What an interesting set of books! I remember that my paternal grandparents had a set of Riverside Literature books in their attic which was a wonderland of collected things. He seems to have so many interests judging by the book titles. And I envy him his handwriting. I remember when mine looked like that (in grade school!) but I have typed so much since that my handwriting had devolved tremendously! Dhyan
The single autograph, pressed leaf and lilac, deep sigh…
Ani,thanks for the comment. I feel the same way. It is interesting that when I was shooting these objects I had a unique emotional connection to them, and when I look at the photographs I have a slightly different response (which is more like what you feel). My approach to this kind of work is that without making a connection to the items while shooting, there is no way I can impart an emotional connection to the folks who look at the pictures. It is kind of an out of body experience for me to edit the images; I know I was the one who touched them and set them up, and yet their power comes through as if I am just a viewer. I love that!