Various Gathered Treasures: October 2017 Edition
In the heart of Southern California, Dr. Howard Knohl and his wife Linda have amassed an extraordinary collection of over 80,000 items across 17 diverse collections, including a unique and extensive collection of match safes. This remarkable assemblage, which includes over 22,000 match safes and more than 130 little people match safes, has been passionately curated over several decades.
The Knohls' passion for the arts extends far beyond their collection, as they are also committed to promoting and sharing art with their community. Linda Knohl, president of the Anaheim Performing Arts Center Foundation (APACF), plays a significant role in this endeavour. The mission of APACF is to build and maintain a performing arts venue in the city of Anaheim, enabling the Knohls to bring world-class musical theater to their community for over fifteen years.
Dr. Howard Knohl, a leading radiologist, and Linda, an interior designer, moved to Southern California after their marriage in 1960. They lived frugally for six years before Howard was drafted to serve in Vietnam. Upon returning home, they settled down and had four more children. The family has dedicated significant time to curating, cataloging, and preserving their collections.
The Knohls' match safe collection is a fascinating testament to the history of this everyday item. Invented to safely hold early friction matches, match safes were commonly used between 1850 and 1915. These small containers were made in countless shapes, sizes, and styles, and could be found in various materials such as tin and celluloid. Match safes were often adorned with advertisements, political endorsements, or images of famous tourist attractions, providing a snapshot of the time period in which they were produced.
The Knohls' collection is not just a static display; it is a constantly growing artifact of history. The family is eager to share their collection with a wider audience, aiming to educate and inspire people about the rich history of match safes and the stories they tell.
In addition to their match safe collection, the Knohls' private residence houses four libraries with over 4,000 English language first-editions printed before the year 1700. This collection, too, is a testament to their passion for the arts and their dedication to preserving and sharing history.
Howard and Linda Knohl are committed to helping broaden the art world in Orange County, California, and their collections serve as a vibrant testament to their lifelong dedication to the arts. Their work with APACF and their extensive collections provide a valuable resource for the community, offering a unique insight into various aspects of art, history, and culture.
- The Knohls' fascination with the arts is not confined to their match safe collection, as they also have four libraries filled with over 4,000 English language first-editions printed before 1700, showcasing their passion for literature and history.
- The Knohls' home is not just a museum for their collections; it's a vibrant space that reflects their lifestyle, which includes not only a unique collection of match safes but also a dedication to fostering relationships within their community through the Anaheim Performing Arts Center Foundation.
- In the realm of fashion and beauty, Linda Knohl's role as the president of the APACF is a testament to her ability to transform the city of Anaheim by introducing world-class musical theater, making a significant impact on the cultural landscape of the city.
- In their travels, the Knohls have brought back a diverse array of items, from match safes to first-edition books, which serve as a testament to their love for exploring new destinations and their commitment to preserving the history of various objects, including those related to food and drink, home and garden, pets, cars, and shopping.
