Wilmington in North Carolina across the British Pond is a coastal city with a to to-die-for waterfront, and 250 events annually on its ‘showcase theatre calendar’. However to our mind doughty Michael Bodnar deserves a performance medal for his spirited defence of his hoard.
Michael Bodnar Is No Pushover, Lowell Sun Says
Local newspaper Lowell Sun explains “It’s difficult for Michael Bodnar to let go of things in his possession”. That’s an understatement of his assortment of collectibles.
His treasures include old vehicles, lawn chairs somewhat worse for wear, and diverse junk in the load bay of an ancient white truck. However Michael Bodnar is far from done.
There’s an ‘above ground’ swimming pool in the backyard tastefully set among sundry car engines. There’s even an ancient Maytag washing machine motor some might say belongs in a museum.
Our North Carolina Hero Has Been Checkmating District Council for 20 Years
Michael Bodnar has one over the Woburn District Council. He owns the property, or should we say ‘collectible site’. Director of Public Health Shelly Newhouse says she’s been asking him to clean up for the past two decades.
She had a pyrrhic victory in 2005 when she removed the hens, geese and roosters he accumulated. However the other pieces don’t poo, flap wings or cackle and it’s not easy to break through his defence ‘these are treasure’.
Some surely – especially the old trucks will be valuable if someone preserves them for a decade longer. Is Michael Bodnar a shrewd investor or a hoarder? Our jury is out on this one.
The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu
The founder established the museum when society classified many of the exhibits as scrap. Nowadays it’s become a national treasure chest and the envy of hoarders everywhere.
Edward John Barrington Douglas-Scott-Montagu, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu had the money to bankroll his venture and that helped. Perhaps the Woburn District Court should allow our featured American collector Michael Bodnar the same opportunity?
However This May Not Be the Case as Officials Stalk In
Director of Public Health Shelly Newhouse was more on point during a recent raid. She singled out three mattresses stacked up against an old stove in the garden.
“This is about the seventh time they’ve hassled me about this,” Bodnar told Lowell Sun newshound Amaris Castillo. “I don’t know how to get rid of them.”
We agree it’s a tough call when the ancient white truck is already stacked to the bulwarks with valuable firewood. Moreover you need a permit to burn rubbish or yard waste in North Carolina and that’s a hassle.
“Some people have said this is a mess. To him it’s his life’s collection,” his friend Shay says. “I don’t know what you want to call it.
“It’s memories,” Shay adds. “He’s proud, he’s happy, and he’s content with life. How many people in the world can say that?
Michael Bodnar has lived in his grandparent’s old home for at least 65 years. How many people still own an unrestored 1931 Buick they rode decades ago?
