Newton man has growing PEZ collection that’s around 90,000-strong

NEWTON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY HOMETOWN) — “I have love for everything.”

It can be overwhelming at first, navigating the ins and outs of Newton Antiques and Collectibles. Though you may not know what you’re looking for, chances are pretty high you’ll find exactly what you need at Walt Cranford’s place.

“A lot of out-of-state people come in,” said Walt.

He calls himself a collector, who specializes in pocket-sized pieces.

“I bought it for $4 and said, ‘I might not want to pay that much for it’. I did some research 30 years ago, and found it was worth $150,” said Walt. “I thought, I need to start collecting those.”

30 years ago, it all started with one PEZ dispenser. Now, he has around 90,000.

“You wouldn’t think Star Wars has anything to do with PEZ, but it says PEZ handler, Star Wars Episode One,” said Walt, holding up one of his collectibles.

His special PEZ section of his store is crammed full of every kind of PEZ you can imagine, and it’s only 8,000 of them. Whether it’s holidays, hobbies, or movies- there’s a PEZ dispenser for that. Though it all started because he thought he could make some money, now what he values most is how they make him feel.

“One kid came in the store,” remembered Walt. “I gave him a PEZ dispenser. I said, ‘Do you want to see my collection?’ I opened that door up and he went, ‘Wow!’ That made my day.”

You’d think with so many PEZ dispensers, he’d have a big sweet tooth. “It’s okay,” said Walt. “I don’t eat a whole lot of it. It’s nothing but sugar with a little flavoring in it.”

Any time a kid comes in, Walt gladly gives a PEZ dispenser away. “It makes me happy,” said Walt.

PEZ are made for sharing and that’s Walt’s specialty. It’s not about being big and bold, but rather handing out happiness like candy.

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