Don Kraack was my bottle mentor. When we first got interested in bottles, he gave us a Duffy Malt Whiskey in exchange for some typing. I thought it was the most wonderful old thing I had ever saw. I spent alot of time with him talking about where to find them and learning what the hobby was all about. Finally he invited me to join him at the dump where he was digging. I got there late. He was preparing to leave but left the hole open and told me to see if there was anything left. I dived in and found a layer about a foot deep and pulled out a World's Hair Restorer! I was in heaven! My very first find!
Don was a writer. He would submit stories about his finds and the history he discovered through the interesting collectibles he had. He had one accepted about a young digger he knew. It was me. Over the years we have had many talks about bottles, digging and life itself. He continues to write about his life, his hobby, and the problems he sees in our society.
His strong code of ethics has been a model for what I aspire to be. His friendship has been the greatest buried treasure of all.
Last year Don Kraack celebrated his 90th birthday. He is still going strong and as feisty as ever.
Thanks Don for the gift of our association!
Although much of his collection has been sold and traded over the years, he still has a few wonderful items.
