The Crackpots

While not a nutcracker itself, this nutcracker related piece we proudly have on display in our museum. Dubbed the “Crackpots,” this piece was made by Dr. Mark Cook of Shelby. Dr. Cook’s mother, Margaret Cook, loved collecting nutcrackers and using them in displays to honor veterans and first responders. Dr. Cook would inherit his mother’s collection of 300 nutcrackers, and over the years, grew it to 3,000! The entry room, Christmas room, and far left room at Nutty for Nutcrackers predominantly display Dr. Cook’s nutcrackers, some of which he repaired or customized himself. Including crackable nuts of all shapes and sizes, the Crackpots is definitely one of these treasured and humorous homemade pieces. And just like Dr. Cook, here at the museum, we’re all a little bit nutty - especially for nutcrackers!