GATESVILLE, Texas (KXXV) — Debbie Buster founded the Gatesville Pickers and has been collecting unique and diverse pieces for over a decade.
- Buster was inspired by American Pickers and named her collection after them.
- The Gatesville Pickers specialize in collecting Elvis Presley items.
- Buster values the connection to the people behind the pieces and will continue to find special pieces in the years to come.
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MISSION:
“It’s like going into a time capsule,” said Debbie Buster.
Debbie Buster has been collecting unique and diverse pieces for over a decade.
Inspired by American pickers, Buster founded the Gatesville Pickers.
“When I was trying to come up with a name for myself that would attract everyone and not forget who we are, I thought the Pickers would be really big and well known. I thought it would be cool to be the Pickers and then add Gatesville,” Buster said.
While the American Pickers travel the USA to find items or collections with a story, the Gatesville Pickers have their niche – Elvis Presley.
Through estate sales and collectors’ events, Buster has built her collection. But she said it’s about much more than collecting items. It’s also about connecting with the people behind the pieces.
“It’s a difficult time for the families and they trust us to come into their homes and we take this very seriously,” Buster said.
She decorated Junction 36 just like that, with each item carefully and thoughtfully placed.
Buster said that some people consider it junk, but to them it is a treasure.
The Gatesville Pickers want to build on that and continue to find special pieces that everyone can enjoy.
“I’ll do it until I can’t walk anymore,” said Buster.
The American Pickers return in October.
The Gatesville Chamber of Commerce is sending a message to collectors in our area who would like to attend the show. They are looking for “something they have never seen before, with an extraordinary story.”
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