Cade Oliver with his booth at W.D. Pickers mall in Platte City, Missouri. (Submitted photo)

By Jason Combs

(This article was first published in the Collector’s Journal)

For this essay I am happy to share Cade Oliver’s (Missouri Mule Antiques) story with everyone. I grew up with Cade’s dad – Kurt Oliver – in Fairfax, Missouri. Our family farm was a few miles southeast of town and Kurt and his family lived on a farmstead less than one mile away. Kurt and I raised hogs (O.C. Hog Farm) and went to a few flea markets together in the 1980s. One was in Bedford, Iowa, where Kurt purchased a bass guitar that was missing a few strings. We graduated from high school in 1989 and Kurt ended up one notch in front of me in our class rankings even though he cheated off me in Mr. Holtz’s chemistry class. Leaving that aside – along with the fact that Kurt “scammed” me out of my comic book collection in 1981 and a cool Schlitz beer sign a few years later – I am thrilled to share Cade’s story.

Kurt and I have remained good friends and a few years ago he commented that Cade really enjoyed antiques. Kurt obviously knew that I have been an avid collector/dealer for years and have been fortunate to publish several journal articles about antiques, eBay, and postcards and now write columns for the Collector’s Journal as well. Like many in the business, I was (and am) willing to share information and knowledge about the antiques trade with Cade. Not that he needs my help, with an ability to sell ice to an Eskimo he is a natural.

Cade will be in the eighth grade this fall in Smithville, Missouri. Cade, like so many of us, picked up the collecting “bug” from his grandfather Duane Ridnour from Sidney, Iowa, who was an avid coin collector. And after watching several episodes of American Pickers on television, Cade was hooked. Cade enjoys the hunt and finding the unexpected, but really enjoys time on the road with his dad and learning from other collectors and dealers. Cade likes signs and advertising pieces, general store items, soda fountain collectibles, and Jack Sprat items, in particular. Cade and his dad scour antique shows for items, as well as, buying privately and attending public auctions. Even though younger than most of us in this arena, Cade has already started to refine his collection. Focusing on more rare, elusive items rather than simply accumulating possessions. Cade and Kurt have now done several shows over the last few years and Cade describes the show atmosphere as a “community.”

There is an important lesson in Cade’s story for all of us. One speaks of his parents. They have invested in Cade and encouraged him to learn the history and significance of items. What they reveal about family, history, and place. In a greater sense, we as “older” collectors and dealers (how about more mature rather than older?) have a responsibility to build into the next generation. To teach younger folks about items and their importance. Over the years, I have spoken with a number of collectors and dealers and a common concern is what will happen with my collection? If we do not share that knowledge, much of it will be lost. For now, we have Cade Oliver from Smithville to encourage. Reach out to Cade if you are searching for a treasure or if you have something to sell . . . just as long as it is not something I want!