Feb. 19 (UPI) — A man from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has secured a Guinness World Records title for his impressive collection of slide charts, earning recognition for amassing a staggering number of these unusual and practical curiosities.
Dale Rupert, the proud owner of the collection, explained how his journey with slide charts began in 2002, when he stumbled upon a box of them at a local used bookstore. “I pulled one up. I thought, ‘Oh, that’s sort of cool. I think I’ll get that.’ And as I thought further, I realized, ‘Oh, I can get this whole box for under 10 bucks.’ And that’s when the collection began,” Rupert shared with WGAL-TV.
Rupert’s fascination with slide charts—handheld paper or plastic tools that simplify common calculations—evolved into a lifelong hobby. Today, his collection consists of 3,117 slide charts and their related counterparts, wheel charts. His dedication earned him the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of slide charts after submitting 1,111 eligible charts for official counting.
The collection includes an eclectic array of charts, ranging from those designed to convert measurements to ones tracking NFL football schedules. One standout item is a 1970 Miss Clairol chart, designed to help users select the correct formula for hair coloring. Rupert marvels at the convenience these charts provide, saying, “Somebody did all the math, did all the pre-calculations, printed it on this, and now I have those answers right here in my hand.”
Rupert’s world record collection highlights both the practical and nostalgic value of slide charts, a reminder of how past innovations once helped simplify everyday tasks.
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