Collections Prompt Man to Create Theme Rooms in Home!

The outside of Larry McLendon's home looks normal, but as soon as the door is opened, it's easy to see that this house isn't like any other.

"Every room, including bathrooms, is covered floor to ceiling with autographs and memorabilia," said McLendon.

McLendon has been collecting autographs for about 50 years, but he can still name the first one he ever got.

"My first grade class was assigned to draw a picture of President Eisenhower," McLendon said. "My teacher sent my picture to the White House, and a few weeks later I actually got a note back from President Eisenhower thanking me for the picture. That was my first autograph."

He said he got serious about collecting years later when he got a few more autographs.

"I met Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris in 1961, right before Maris broke Babe Ruth's home run record," McLendon said. "I also met Jack Dempsey, the world heavyweight boxing champion, that year. Since (my family) lived in Washington and my dad worked for the government, I just kept meeting people."

Soon enough, McLendon had enough autographs to start creating themes for certain rooms, and since moving all his collection into his new house four years ago, the themes have expanded in each room.

"Every era is tied into the autographs," McLendon said. "For example, in the entertainment room, there are crushed velvet drapes similar to the ones in the theatre where Gone With the Wind premiered in Atlanta."

It doesn't stop there. McLendon has also named rooms in his house, like the 1960's dorm room and the Lincoln bedroom, but he said one special thing has come from his collecting.

"I've been a Christian speaker for about thirty years, and this has turned into a ministry because of the youth and church groups who come from all over," McLendon said.

McLendon said the house is his pride and joy, except for one downfall.

"You wouldn't want to dust this house," McLendon said.

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