It all started when I was a young girl. My first love of Snoopy and the gang was found in paperback books. I loved to read and got every new Peanuts book that came out. I would save my money to buy the Peanuts books and lucky for me those were the good ol' days when a book cost only 50 cents! I believe Charles Schulz was a genius with words as well as cartooning. My books are my most prized pieces in my collection.

Then I got hooked on ornaments. I began having a “Snoopy” Christmas tree in my bedroom. I knew I was pretty far gone when I moved into my first apartment and someone noted that I only had non-religious ornaments on my tree (all Snoopy) and they said the closest thing to Christmas was a Miss Piggy Angel ornament I used as the tree topper for the Snoopy Tree. Since then I have added a bit more variety to the Christmas tree but the overwhelming focus of the tree is still Snoopy.

I really collect all of the characters but do have a great fondness for Snoopy. I had a beagle named “Shorty” when I was young and when I got married we got “Snookums” . She was the most wonderful and gentle beagle I have ever known. She had full run of the house and thought she was more human than dog. You know…sort of like Snoopy! I really miss Snookums and I will never forget her, she was a very special dog.

How did I become “The Crazy Collector”? A good friend of mine was helping me come up with a name for my business and she thinks I am a bit crazy because of my obsession with Peanuts items and such that the name “Crazy Collector” just stuck. I think it fits - most collectors I come in contact with are a just a bit crazy, in the best possible way. A collector comes alive when you ask them about their collection or their love for the Peanuts gang. Someone that does not collect just does not understand why you want so much stuff and why you would want to go to a swap meet or Beaglefest to get more! I have found every collector has a special story. I keep telling my husband that some of my collection might be valuable one day, but he is on to me, because he says “it is not valuable unless you are willing to sell it”!

I will try to make your interaction with “The Crazy Collector” a pleasant one and will provide the lowest prices possible on collectibles. Please share you comments and suggestions and let me know how I can make your shopping experience more enjoyable. I thank my current customers and I look forward to serving many new customers. I hope I can become your “Peanuts” connection.

Happy Collecting!

Leslie Kaelin
Owner, The Crazy Collector LLC