Post #480107 by uncle trav on Sat, Aug 29, 2009 7:03 AM

Thanks guys.

I hope that this rare experience of mine does not deter other folks from going out and looking for history in their own areas. The good field trips far out way the bad. It never hurts to ask questions. You may get shot down or you may have a person who loves to chat about the past. Personally I don't think my approach is that bad. I had one gentleman open up his closed bar (Mai Kai Lounge) and let me photograph inside for nearly an hour and had a great visit with him and found out some history. As for Tiki Archeology, saving items is a big part of it as allot of folks on TC know. As for my last field trip I don't think the decor is in any danger as it has been there for at least forty years now. I did not offer to buy anything. Personally don't think offering to buy items straight off gets the conversation rolling very smooth. I'm laid off from work at the moment and couldn't afford a Leilani mug. The owner stated that all the items were purchased by her father years ago and since they have remained with the business all these years I'm sure they have sentimental value. I went in looking for a little history and a back story which is worth a trip in it's own right. I did leave a card with my name and number on it, no pressing to buy anything, took a couple of pics said thanks and left. She may get curious and call and maybe not. You win some and you lose some.