Sad news - The antiquing world lost Rev. Phil Robinson, of Muncie, Indiana. He passed on May 5, 2008, at age 85.
He had been a fruit jar collector since 1971. As a minister, he even used fruit jars to illustrate one of his best-loved sermons.
A big part of his collection was BALL JARS, so the Ball Collectors Community have written several posts about Phil.
- Here's an article that ran in the INDY STAR about Phil and his fabulous FRUIT JAR MUSEUM.
- Here is a link to his obituary.
- The museum is no more. Greg Spurgeon auctioned off the Robinson fruit jar collection.
- A 2002 article about Phil's jar museum - excerpt:
"His personal collection of more than 4,000 jars has evolved into Muncie's Robinson Jar Museum, the largest and only surviving fruit jar museum in the world today.
Recognized globally as an authority on antique jars, Robinson, now almost 80, said there is no need for a complex, computerized catalog of his inventory. He remembers not just where, when and how he acquired each and every piece in his showroom, but also the history behind the making of nearly every jar in existence.
His arcane knowledge is priceless." [Read more here.]
Below are just a few pix that I took when I visited the museum in January, 2008, when we went to the MUNCIE FRUIT JAR SHOW. You should be able to click on the pic to see a larger view.
It was my first time at the museum, and I am so glad that I had a chance to meet and visit with Phil. He had an amazing collection, and knew so much about fruit jars. He was so gracious and welcoming. I am sad that I won't see him next time. My heart goes out to his family. He will be missed, and long remembered.
