‘American Pickers’ seek county treasures

VW independent/submitted information

“American Pickers” will make their way to western Ohio and Indiana and are looking to spend some time “picking” in Van Wert County. The History Channel’s hit television series “American Pickers” will be in the area July 14-27 and is now actively seeking locations to feature in Van Wert County.

The documentary-style show follows professional “pickers” Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz on adventures that bring them to small towns across the country in search of unique Americana and fascinating people.

“We’re looking for people with barns, warehouses and outbuildings full of odd, unique, and interesting collections,” said Anthony Rodriguez, casting associate producer with Cineflix USA. “We also love to explore the history of the locations tied to the items.

“Mike and Frank are always looking for great characters too — the kinds of people within the nooks, crannies and back roads of this big country,” Rodriguez added. “Our favorite picks feature multiple buildings crammed with lots of cool stuff. We love for our guys to really work for what they find, digging through piles and coming up with treasure.”

Mike and Frank are longtime “pickers” or, as they call themselves, “modern archaeologists.” They drive the back roads of America knocking on doors, digging through barns and basements, and sifting through junkyards and warehouses. The dirty, rusty treasures and antiques they pull out of these places are not just given a new life, they’re saved for future generations to appreciate. Along the way, the guys meet the amazing people and interesting places that make America great.

“How exciting for the Van Wert community; many of our county residents have treasure troves waiting to be discovered by Mike and Frank,” shared Van Wert Chamber President Susan Munroe. “The stories and journeys attached to those treasures as shared by their owners is often what’s the best part of the show.”

Although they have some definite ideas of what they’re seeking, here is what American Pickers is not currently looking for: Farming/agriculture items, tools, glassware, appliances, tractors, crocks, stoves, country primitives. The American Pickers do not go to shops, antique malls, auctions or flea markets. The show’s producers will scout the Van Wert area to find the best locations and casting opportunities before filming begins.

Here’s what they are looking for:

Airline collectibles — Pan Am, TWA, etc.; Antique casino or gaming machines; Bicycles — pre-1960s to turn of the century; casino tables; Civil War antiques; classic motorcycle memorabilia; early Boy Scout items; early Halloween items; extraordinary mobster memorabilia; firefighter collectibles; folk art; Hawaiiana or Tiki collectibles; late 1970s and earlier military items; motor scooters — Vespas, Lambretta, Cushman; motorcycles; musical instruments; old advertising signage; old movie posters; old rodeo items; old toys — tin, windup, cast iron; pinball and slot machines; pre-1940s Christmas items; pre-1940s telephones; pre-1950s vending machines; pre-1950s Western or equestrian gear; pre-1960s TV merchandise; pre-1960s vintage diner collectibles; pre-1970s old neon signs; strange woodcarvings; taxidermy; unusual radios — transistor or tabletop; vintage advertising items; vintage BB guns or cap guns; vintage collegiate collectibles; vintage concert posters and T-shirts; vintage election memorabilia; vintage gas pumps; vintage movie memorabilia; vintage police officer collectibles; vintage sports collectibles.

Area residents with items listed above that might be interested in being featured on the show should email their name, phone number, address and a brief description of the items, along with pictures, to chamber@vanwertchamber.com no later than Friday, June 27. For additional information about the show, visit www.history.com/shows/american-pickers.