MILITARY COLLECTION ON DISPLAY TODAY AT OLIVER HOUSE

A marine uniform on display at the Oliver House. Every piece in the collection has a story.

Clifton's collection includes old photographs and patches as well.

If you haven't received your fill of patriotism this weekend the Oliver House in Jackson has a collection on display that captures the importance of the July 4th holiday.

Bob Clifton has been collecting military memorabilia for the past 20 years. He has turned his basement into a mini-museum, but today he has brought a sampling of his collection to the Oliver House in Jackson for the public to see.

The Oliver House will be open today from 1-4:30 p.m. for the public to tour the home and view Clifton's collection located on the second floor.

"Most of the uniforms are from people that I know," Clifton said.

Visitors can see military uniforms and other memorabilia of Jack Jenkins, Gene Cooms, George Heyde, Bill Schloss, C.W. Medley and many others.

His collection includes 650 patches from World War I and II, Korea, Vietnam, NASA and Desert Storm.

He has historical pieces that date to the Civil War. He only has imitation guns in his collection because he doesn't want to fool with the real thing. People would break in to steal real guns he reasoned.

Clifton has traveled to many places to acquire his collection of antiquities. He said that Vietnam era memorabilia is the hardest to find because a lot of veterans came back and didn't feel appreciated by the public. So they burned their uniforms.

"I've been to Arkansas, North Carolina, Illinois and wherever I can find it," he said.

"A lot of people donate to me."

He travels to flea markets and estate sales to add to his collection.

He has brought eight uniforms, numerous patches, newspaper clippings and many other historical photos and documents to be viewed at the Oliver House today.

He said he collects the historical items because he wants to keep the history alive and he especially likes to keep the history alive of people he knows.

In the past 20 years he has collected more than 2000 items. Since he retired six years ago, he has more time to collect. He said his hobby is an expensive one, but it is well worth the time, money and effort.

Clifton served in the National Guard for 33 years. When he started collecting he was chief of police in Jackson.

Clifton and his wife Joyce show their private collection of military pieces and figurine dolls by appointment at their home in Jackson.