PRINTERS' PASTIMES -- Outside the Lines

"I became interested in antique toys when my uncle took me to my first auction in 1991," Place recalls. "I loved how the toys from the 1920s were constructed."

Place says he quickly fell in love with old Gas Station Petroliana. This led to the purchase of a 1910 Texaco "Rest Room" and Texaco "Marina" sign. Since then, Place has been an avid collector. Over the past decade, he has dedicated his spare time to acquiring more than 800 toys and 300 signs.