Newspaper Clipping; Hey pal, could you spare a paper penny? · Greer Heritage Museum collection

Title

Newspaper Clipping; Hey pal, could you spare a paper penny?

Accession Number

2026.31.17.7

Accession Date

11 August 2026

Accession Creator

Sophie Pendergraft

Depositor

Kala Kennemore

Description

Newspaper clipping containing article titled "Hey pal, could you spare a paper penny?"

Contributor

The Sun Coast Gondolier (now known as the Venice Gondolier)

Photography by Craig Nelson

Date

6 March 1978

Storage Location

Box 78, Folder 4

Text

From The Sun Coast Gondolier, Venice, Fla.

Edition of Monday,
March 6, 1978

MY FAVORITE – L.C. Pearson shows off the check he is most proud of. It is signed Lawrence Welk. Pearson hopes to travel to California to attend one of Welk’s shows. (Photo by Craig Nelson)

Hey pal, could you spare a paper penny?

While coin collectors and autograph hounds are daily common these days, L. C. Pearson has found a way to combine the two hobbies into a unique hobby all his own.

“I collect one cent checks,” he explained.

Although the checks are negotiable, Pearson says they will never be cashed. “I collect them for the name of the signer. I know they aren’t worth anything to anyone else, but I enjoy it,” he remarked about his hobby.

Presently, Pearson has 1,068 one cent checks in his collection, and more are coming in every day. Sometimes he gets four or five in one mail delivery.

THE CHECKS are classified according to the surname of the signer. Though he has a book filled with famous people, you need not be famous to get in Pearson’s collection. He has never met most of the people he receives checks from.

“My favorite check, of course, is from my wife,” he commented. Mrs. Pearson’s check is right up front in the “famous persons” book. Lawrence Welk and Oral Roberts came in second to Mrs. Pearson.

Asked how he got started in this unusual hobby, Pearson explained, “My wife and I spent four winters in WEst Palm Beach. We used to go to the Atlanta Braves’ spring training games. I met a gentleman at one game and we had quite a conversation. When he got up to leave, he handed me a one cent check and said it was something to remember him by.” The check was signed by Marion Penny.

After the game, “My mind just went in all directions,” Pearson smiled. Thus began his unusual hobby.

MANY PEOPLE won’t send him checks because they are afraid Pearson will change the amount to a thousand dollars and cash them. Although he assures folks the checks will never be cashed, he admitted that he himself might be a little reluctant to give a stranger a signed check for one cent.

Among the more unusual checks in Pearson’s collection are those from Dr. C. E. Achenbach, a chiropractor; a lady judge in Troutdale, Ore., named Truly Right; and a Des Moines lawyer named Vernes Lawyer. He also has a check from Mr. Spring, Mr. Summer, Mr. Fall, and Mr. Winter, as well as a check from each state in the union.

HIS COLLECTION also includes from Nancy and Ronald Reagan, from Strom Thurmond, from rare car driver David Pearson, and from baseball great Frank Howard.

For all of you famous and not-so-famous people, pearson says he would be happy to add you to his collection. Checks made out for one cent may be sent to L.C. Pearson, Box 453, Greer, S.C. 29651.

Each person that sends a check to Pearson receives a thank-you letter in return. “Every check costs me about 40 cents,” he explained. “When I send a letter to some one asking them to send me a check, I include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and always send them a thank-you note.”

L.C. Pearson is a man who truly enjoys life, and has found a unique and interesting hobby to add to his pleasure.