This 79-year-old hoped to start his own museum of oddities. Now, everything must go.
Willie Kremen, a 79-year-old former Muni driver, is in the midst of a poignant transition as he prepares to sell his extensive collection of vintage oddities from a cramped Bayview storage unit. Once filled with dreams of creating a personal museum, Kremen's circumstances have shifted due to financial difficulties and the recent passing of the building's owner. His eclectic collection features an array of items, including vintage pinball machines, a taxidermied antelope head, and even a "talking hot-dog-condiment holder," each piece telling a story of nostalgia. With the help of local vintage dealer Krystyl Baldwin and a group of volunteers, Kremen is slowly cleaning out the musty unit, which has become a biohazard due to mold. Baldwin has taken the lead in organizing the estate sale, which aims to clear the clutter while providing Kremen with much-needed financial relief.
As he navigates through his treasures, Kremen's bittersweet appreciation for each item highlights a lifetime of memories, even as he struggles to remember their origins. The impending sale marks a significant shift in Kremen's life, transitioning from a collector to a seller, forcing him to confront the emotional weight of letting go. This estate sale not only reflects Kremen's personal journey but also serves as a reminder of the stories and history that reside within our possessions.