The Man With the $4,000 Collection of ‘Old, Creepy’ Dolls
 

Different people collect different things for different reasons…and this story is a prime example of that.

Chris Henrie, 26, of Paramus, New Jersey, has always been passionate about dolls—especially since he grew up surrounded by them. He didn’t become fully obsessed until his teenage years when he purchased his first vintage doll, Crusty Marge, SWNS reported.

VNow, a decade later, “I have a large collection of dolls,” he told SWNS. “For me, it felt like a calling.”

However, while Chris might have a felt sense of purpose in his growing collection party of dolls, he didn’t always receive the kindest reactions when he disclosed this information to friends or strangers.

“When I would tell someone I was into dolls—they’d think it was creepy and they were scared of the dolls,” he explained.

“In my mind, they were misunderstood and I grew up misunderstood,” he continued. “I felt it was my calling to take care of these dolls.”

Chris revealed that his current collection likely costs up to $4,000—but he has no plans to sell any of them, as each holds their own importance.

I usually buy them in person so I can feel the energy with them,” he explained. “I like them to be a match with my collection.”

Typically, he visits thrift stores to find his perfect matches. However, he said he will sometimes browse eBay and Etsy for unique ones. Some of Chris’s dolls are even from across the globe, including places like Ghana, South Africa, India, and France.

“I think it’s a way to value history and to express yourself,” he told SWNS. “I think they are so special and priceless.” 

As for those who want to start their own doll collection, “There is a community out there,” Chris assured

Source : https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-man-with-the-4000-collection-of-old-creepy-dolls/

Comprehension

Where is Chris Henrie from?
What sparked Chris’s interest in collecting dolls?
What was the name of the first vintage doll Chris purchased?
How much is Chris’s collection estimated to be worth?
Where does Chris usually buy his dolls?
What countries are some of his dolls from?
How do some people react when they hear about Chris’s hobby?
Why does Chris feel connected to his dolls?

Discussion

What are some common hobbies people collect things for? Do you have a collection of anything?
Why do you think some people find dolls creepy while others, like Chris, find them special?
How do personal interests help shape a person’s identity?
Chris buys his dolls in person to “feel the energy.” Do you think objects can have an energy or history attached to them? Why or why not?
Have you ever had a hobby that others found unusual? How did you respond?
What are some benefits of collecting things like dolls, stamps, or antiques? Are there any downsides?
Chris says collecting dolls is a way to value history and express himself. How do hobbies help people express themselves?
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a new collection?

Vocabulary

Passionate – Having strong emotions or enthusiasm for something.
Obsessed – Thinking about something all the time.
Vintage – Something old but valuable.
Misunderstood – Not appreciated or understood by others.
Priceless – So valuable that it cannot be given a price.
Thrift store – A store that sells second-hand goods.
Unique – One of a kind, special.
Prime example – A perfect or excellent example of something.
Feel like a calling – To have a strong sense that one is meant to do something, often related to a purpose or passion in life.
Creepy – Causing an uneasy or frightened feeling, often due to something strange, unnatural, or unsettling.