Woman’s ‘mind’ about late grandmother’s salt and pepper collection – more than 1,000 pieces

A woman has discovered her late grandmother’s salt and pepper collection, which amassed 1,150 pieces.

Sharon Tidwell, who has died aged 80, started her collection in her mid-40s after inheriting some shakers from her mother.

The collection boasts an incredible variety from classic ceramic sets with intricate floral designs to shakers modeled after pop culture icons to holiday themed sets.

One of the most valuable pieces from the collection is a vintage strawberry hanging salt and pepper set that is estimated to be between $150 and $200.

Sharon’s granddaughter Rachel Whitten, 33, was stunned by the revelation.

She said: “We knew she loved them but we didn’t realize how many there were until we counted them.

“I was amazed to see how massive the collection is.

“She had a shaker for every occasion and interest whether it was Christmas, Halloween or even the odd souvenir from her travels.

“But her favorite was the one my dad carved by hand using deer antler when he went deer hunting.”

Sharon, who passed away last month, grew her collection over the years through flea markets, yard sales and gifts from loved ones who contributed pieces to her collection.

The collection was proudly displayed on the walls of her home in custom-made wooden cabinets carefully arranged by theme and style.

Rachel, a teacher from Rover, Arkansas, USA, said: “It was like walking into a museum.

“She had them lined up perfectly and could tell you exactly who gave each one and the memories associated with it.”

Dusting shakers became a childhood chore for Rachel and her sister Sarah Cole, 34.

She said: “If you got into trouble, you’d be put to work cleaning it up.

“We accidentally broke a set of teepees once and had to put them back together!”

Rachel and Sarah have already taken home dozens of kits, and they plan to donate or sell more to enthusiasts.

The collection even includes a set that moves and is painted when returned, which Rachel plans to give to a woman whose similar shakers were lost in a fire.

Rachel said: “We’ve had people reach out via TikTok saying these remind them of loved ones.

“It feels good to pass that joy.

“That’s what makes this special, seeing how something so simple can bring so much happiness to people.”