Steve Hole is a collector of all things Coca-Cola.
By Kog Ravindran
66957
Picture: Stewart
Chambers
LIKE most collectors, 42-year-old Pakenham removalist Steve Hole has taken great pride in his elaborate Coca-Cola collection.
But his reasons for this pride are bittersweet.
The collection was started by his brother Marcus, who died in a car accident 15 years ago.
“It was his collection and when he passed away, mum gave it to me to look after it,” he said.
“I’ve set it all up now and it’s not like a shrine, but when our family sees it, it reminds us of him”
Marcus, who died at the age of 21 in 1996, started the collection when he was 14.
“Our Dad worked as a bar manager in the 80s and 90s, and knew all the Coke reps and he brought something home one day and it snowballed from there,” he said.
The collection which includes pinball machines, salt and pepper shakers and a chess set has items that date back to the 19th century.
“I don’t go out and collect, but if I see something I’ll get it, but most of it has been donated by family and friends,” he said.
“His school friends are still coming over and adding to it.”
Steve hopes the collection is something his family will hold onto as a memory of his brother.
“My first son is named Marcus, so I hope it will go on to him from me and that it carries on for centuries.”
Parts of the collection was recently insured for $45,000, but Steve said it was priceless.
“When I look at it, I don’t think that it’s worth a lot of money and that it’s mine,” he said.
I look at it and think it’s great that people who knew my brother come over to remember him.”
He also said that Coca-Cola was interested in viewing the ensemble that had brought so much happiness to their lives.
“It’s hard to explain to people, you just have to see it to understand,” he said.
“We don’t pray in front of it or mourn, but it makes us happy.”
Among the pieces added to the collection since Marcus’ death, was a ladies brooch that commemorated Coke’s 50th anniversary from 1888-1936.
“I think Marcus would have really liked it, it’s my favourite,” he said.
“He never got a chance to set it up, it was always in boxes so he never got a chance to put it in a nice display,” he said.
“I reckon he’d be very proud and happy.”
He also had something to say about Coke’s arch rival Pepsi.
“It’s revolting,” he laughed.
“They kids aren’t allowed to have Pepsi and if the want it, they can go and live somewhere else.”
