by Emily
Luxen
CLARKSVILLE,
Tenn. – One of the most impressive fireworks displays in
Tennessee won't be seen in the sky. Instead, it's the prized possession of a
Clarksville man.
A
lifetime fascination with the 4th of July tradition resulted in a huge
collection of antique and vintage fireworks.
Mark Clark
says he has been fascinated with fireworks for as long as he can remember. As
a Clarksville native, he has vivid childhood memories of watching fireworks
shows at Fort Campbell.
"There
is just something about the pop and boom. It is magical," says Clark.
For the last
20 years he has attempted to capture that magic in the form of fireworks from
the past.
"Firecracker
collecting, like a lot of things, is all about subconscious," said Clark. "What
colors and what individual themes motivate you as a collector?"
His
collection consists of caps, sparklers and vintage labels. Some pieces come
from China, India and Europe, and others from America. One item dates back
to 1885. Each comes with a history lesson.
"I love
the colors and designs," said Clark. "Some of the labels are my
favorites."
A
self-described "hoarder," Clark keeps his collection boxed up and in
glass frames.
"I would
hate to guess how many items I have, or the value of the collection," says
Clark.
Clark scours
antique shows and auctions for that next priceless piece. He said he is
always looking to add to his collection, but he never intends to light up any
of the items.
"I love
popping firecrackers, but lighting anything I have would be like taking a piece
of antique furniture and burning it in the fire place," he says.
Clark marvels
at some of the "modern" labels on the fireworks that fill the shelves
at Allen's Fireworks in Clarksville. It's a place he frequented as a child
and indirectly contributed to his hobby.
"There's
one called ‘one bad mother-in-law.' You wouldn't have seen that one in the
1930s," says Clark. "In many ways the premise is the same, you
provide a colorful label to attempt to sell the fireworks to the public."
Younger
consumers stopping in Allen's to stock up on fireworks stopped to see Clark's
collection. Something he found refreshing.
"Fireworks
reach into the subconscious. It really is magical."
Email: eluxen@newschannel5.com
