Chandler Vance is a sartorial time traveler.
The Ashville, OH, retail associate collects vintage postal paraphernalia of all sorts, including old uniforms. “I have almost every complete uniform from the 1930s to the modern day,” Vance said.
These are not just dusty relics.
On special occasions, Vance will don vintage uniforms from the 1950s-1970s.
Vance takes the presentation seriously. “Everything on those uniforms is authentic, so the correct period of shirt, pants, cap, badge, coat or jacket are all of that decade.”
He said customers “love the old uniforms, especially the older folks. … I’ve even had people call me ‘Mr. McFeely Jr.’ from ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.’”
“It seems to bring customers a bit of nostalgia and a sense of happier times and fond memories and the smiles on their faces when they see me is the best thing I could ask for,” Vance said.