Back in the early 80s, I was a collector – of scented rubbers.
No sniggering over there in the US! By rubbers, I mean erasers (the British word is rubber, because they rub things out).
I can’t remember how it started – probably with an innocent rainbow pencil-topper, or a strawberry-scented lipstick rubber, but from about 1980-1986 my collection bred like rabbits.
When I’m staying at my parents’, it always astounds me that my Mum has kept so many of our childhood things – and each year we stay, she brings out the most amazing vintage toys for the boys to play with.
Last year, I marvelled at my china tea set and 100-year-old antique rocking horse, while BB and LB spent many happy hours parking dozens of lead-painted matchbox cars in my old dolls’ house. This year, it was my rubber collection’s turn to see the light of day again.
I pored over my rubbers, turning them over like precious stones and smelling each one. Some had kept their scent, even after 30 years! Goodness knows what chemicals they were made with – probably something quite addictive to a 9-year-old girl.
“Which one do you like best,” I asked BB, showing him the miniature Ariel box with a white t-shirt inside, the milk carton, the Coca Cola-scented can of coke, the cassette, LP and the camera with a roll of film.
“The cheese burger,” he replied – and immediately did a taste test.
Childhood pals: Just a fraction of my collection – I was very careful never to use them. The more delicious grape or watermelon-scented rubbers really are quite tempting
I remember the scented lipstick rubbers were banned at school because people were shoving them up their noses….
I collected stickers – but have no idea what happened to my beloved sticker books!
My brother collected marbles – and I remember him swapping his digital watch for four ‘moon’ marbles, to my mother’s horror!
I think BB’s reaction to your rubber collection is one of the reasons they fell out of favour – some people tried to eat them!!
My thoughts exactly! They smelt so good…
i have been enjoying reading your blog entries over the past few days.
I stumbled across it, due to my sudden interest in everything UAE, as friends have moved to Abu Dhabi and there is a slight possibility of us coming over with husbands job.
I felt the need to comment after seeing this entry, as I used to collect rubbers in the eighties too! Looking at the picture I even have some of the ones you have, the burger being one of my favourites and the coke still smells doesn’t it?
Olivia x
Hello! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I was so excited to see my rubbers again. Amazing, isn’t it, how the smells take you back?! Good luck with the moving decision and I hope my blog gives you some helpful pointers. We really enjoy life here! x