Meggan Monday: Long Beach man’s collection all bottled up

A Long Beach man’s whim to bring home a keepsake from a business trip has turned into a lifelong hobby. Let’s head over to Long Beach to meet Joe Fleming — and see his impressive collection of mini bottles.

I have in excess of 8,600 and they’re all different.

In the 53 years I’ve been collecting, it’s probably cost me about $20,000.

I was on a business trip to Europe. In London, I’m walking down the street and I said, you know I ought to get something to remind me of my trip.

It can’t cost a lot of money, it can’t weigh a lot and it can’t take up a lot of room, cause my suitcase is pretty near full.

I walked passed this liquor store right on the sidewalk I was walking on and it was full of miniature liquor bottles. I said that fits all three of my criteria.
I walked in there and bought one, brought it home, set it up on the kitchen counter, and then it sparked — maybe this is a good hobby.

I’ve gotten them as cheaply as 19 cents and one most expensive bottle is just short of $300.

Just the different kinds of bottles I get, different kinds of labels …

The oldest one I got is a Jose Cuervo tequila that was distilled in 1908 and it was bottled in 1912.

Every liquor store that I pass that’s outside the local area, I see a little bottle in there that I do not have, I just light up. It may only cost a dollar, but man, it’s a dollar well spent, as far as I’m concerned.

I would really like to find a museum that I could donate this to, because I think it warrants somebody to take joy in what I’ve done.

My goodness! What a collection! Mr. Joe also tells us he has the bottles catalogued and cross-referenced, which is even more impressive! Our thanks for allowing us to share his collection.

This came in from a viewer as an idea for a Meggan Monday, so if you have a suggestion, please email me at megganmonday@wxxv25.com.