This series has helped me more than you can know. My Father passed away about 10 Years ago and my mother held on to many of his belongings. She was also a lover of nice clothes and had her 3 bedroom home full to the brim with things she could not let go of. She passed away recently and it was left for me to clear her estate. I started out selecting a few sentimental items and soon saw that I would need to either become a hoarder or let go of most of her possessions. I struggled with letting go. Then I watched as you went through this lovely lady's house. It made me realize that to find new homes for my mothers things would honor her memories better than to hoard them. So, I held an estate sale and began boxing things up for charities. I could never have done that if it were not for watching this series. Thank You!
You brought me to tears with this lovely comment. How wonderful that this series was able to help you in such a specific and important way. Somewhere, your mother is smiling.
Bless your heart for doing what you did for many others by allowing your mothers' treasures to be loved and appreciated by someone else who loves them like she did !! I admire your courage and thank you for sharing this with all of us!!
Same thing happened to me except a so called "friend" who does what Alex does invited someone to help clean out the place. Alot of it was pretty much pretty much junk. But when he started just throwing stuff around???? I told my so called friend, "GET HIM OUT OF HERE, NOW!" This dude had absolutely NO respect for anyone. Alex is properly respectful.
“You never can tell when the eccentric lady down the street is, in fact, a rare flower” - omg that brought a tear to my eye. Alex, you’re a beautiful soul.
Talk about the universe aligning, Alex. You have paid a very special homage to this lovely lady in this video and how you are taking care of her belongings. Bless you .
Thank you for documenting this wonderful, talented, beautiful, passionate lady. You know they say that loss creates hoarding. I agree with this only to the extent that the passion was always there but was restricted by the thing lost. My passions for appreciating the beautiful material world were restricted by and for the passion, respect and love for my husband (divorce). However, although it took me five years to get over the loss of my husband I was then blessed to be able to pursue my passion for the beautiful material world that has filled my life and has kept me very happy and grateful for the freedom I now have to pursue it. Although things got out of hand and others may not see or understand it, I think this beautiful lady was very happy and at peace right up to the end.
Alex, you are a class-act. Instead of focusing on her hoard, you bring back the person behind it and focus on the interesting human she was. Such a beautiful tribute.
How do you honestly think she would feel watching this - having every single dirty dish and piece of underwear put on the internet for the world to see? Yes, what a fitting tribute. I can't believe what some people will do to make a buck.
@@clink76 you obviously have not seen other Curiosity Inc videos nor know Alex nor the family via this channel. Very sad for you! Spend a bit of time looking at what this gentleman and his family produce, then see what judgement you still have! Many Blessings.
@@clink76 what a bitter old woman you sound like. Why would you even watch this? I never saw any underwear shown, or every single dirty dish. They marveled at her collections, and admired her talents. It was handled beautifully, and shown such respect. She was obviously not well, and it's a shame there were no family members to hand things down to, but don't blame someone else for cleaning up the mess. It had to be done. Don't blame Alex for people wanting to find out more about this amazing person, AND her parents. I would love to know more about these fascinating people!
@@investigator77 I wholeheartedly agree. I thought he said in one of his videos that she died when she was 104. Maybe I made that up haha. How did Alex know her before she passed? I just found this channel.
As she had no family left to tell her story, I am so happy that you saw fit to immortalize her on TH-cam. This way, she lives on. Thank you and your family for this heartfelt memorial of her life.
I love the respect and thoughtfulness you have shown towards the ladies in both the Potter’s House and Musician’s house. No matter what, they were people too! You and your family have wonderful hearts, as do the people you have surrounded yourself with.
I fell in love with this lady when she sold you the car! I know she would have wanted it to be you that cleaned out her house. It all makes perfect sense now. Thank you for this even though it made me cry
That was my exact thoughts while watching this video! She knew you would make sure her belongings were going to be cared for and live on! You also gave this women a lovely tribute with the respect that she deserved! You're a very special man there Alex! ...and trust me, Madame Rac, knew this! You can clearly see this was meant to be! Thank you for bringing us along on this journey!
It's been awhile since I've had a true "gotcha" moment.. LOL. The minute I realized she was the lady you had purchased the Caddy from I started to cry. What a beautiful, respectful and outstanding thing you have done here Alex. She was such a lovely lady and it's wonderful to have some of her history filled in this way. Eccentricities aside, it was easy to see she was a light spirit in the world. Bravo!
@@victoriabell8519 The one from August 2019 under the listings for scrap cars, motor bikes etc 1964 Caddy. Hope you find it Victoria, later on there is one where Alex took Bette-Joan on a ride in the restored Cadillac. He did the same for Mary Borgstrom, the Potter, but sadly she had passed away so it was more of a drive past on the day of her funeral. Another marvellous series of vlogs to watch from last year. I honestly do not know how I would have got through this year without them.😣😊
@@victoriabell8519 The second video when Alex takes Bette-Joan for a ride in her Cadillac is called "Driving a ‘barn’ find ‘64 Caddy. 30 day update! Did it blow up?" from October 2, 2019.
Oh wow, Alex that was beautifully put together. I started crying when I realized she was the lady you bought the beautiful blue Caddy from. What a wonderful and highly respectful tribute to her. BROVO👏🏻
I thought she looked familiar when you showed some photos of her, then you revealed she was the piano teacher! You are more than an antique dealer! You are a historian & humanitarian. I think you help souls rest too.
Unfortunately, it is so easy to see the home of a hoarder and only see the mess, the overflow of possessions that is hiding their pain. I appreciate that time is taken in both the Musician's House and Potter's House series to show all of us the beautiful souls of these women and showcase the amazing lives they led. Thank you, Alex, for making sure we see beyond the veil of pain and depression to the person underneath. Both of them would be so proud of you :)
Alex, I have made a living for 40 years writing yet I feel my abilities failing me even as I write this. Your sensitivity, kindness, and love burst through here. You are a treasure, nothing less. Thank you for all you do.
The connection of the house back to the lady who sold the Cadillac is one that any writer would have been proud of in a story. So extra special when it is real.
OMG, I am a 72 year old guy in the UK with tears in my eyes. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. We did not know it was the same lady you bought the Caddy from, that was a complete surprise. Thank you for the time and effort you took in putting this together, it was a brilliant and fitting tribute to her and her life. ❤️
I am struck at the contrast of before and after the loss of her mother. With no family left, the pictures lay before us the depth of the vacancy Madam tried to fill. May we all be kinder and more compassionate because of the lesson your tribute has shown us. Thank you, Alex and crew. So beautifully done.
Once again, you looked past the state of the house and chose instead to reveal the heart and the passions of the woman who lived within. You're a class act, Alex Archbold.
When I saw the Caddy coming out of the garage, I burst into tears. What a lovey tribute. Alex, you are a great human. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
wow, I would never have connected this hoarder house you have been cleaning out to the Caddy and the lovely eccentric women you took for a last ride in it! Awesome
Could have knocked me over with a feather when it was revealed that he had bought the Caddie from her. Glad she got to ride it 1 last time. You are such an awesome human being Alex!
Life goes by so fast. In the end this lovely woman spent her last years clearly in a very depressed condition. It is hard to grow old alone. This was perhaps the most beautiful memorial I have ever seen.
I don't have the words to say, but I'm going to try !! my throat has a lump the size of an apple and my heart is touched beyond whatever I thought possible when you first started to film this hoarders house because I thought "oh dear this time Alex has bitten off more than he can chew" there was so much old clothes and I couldn't see the treasures that this diminutive little lady had left behind to tell her life story with you as the narrator, never dreaming you would recoup your investment with her clothes alone, and continue day after day to discover more and more treasures big and small that will hopefully give you the chance to get the jobs you need to get done on you store in the summer, the beautiful shock was that you had known her and had her car restored and been so kind as to take her for one last trip out in the car that she had loved long ago, well Alex you have amazed me over the years with the kindness and generous way you have helped so many people that we as you viewer's have come to care about and meet through you. All I can say is THANK YOU for all you do .
Oh my, I was floored when it was revealed that the musician lady was the same lady that Alex bought the 1964 Caddy from and took around on a final chauffeured trip. That brought tears to my eyes. This was an incredible and heart-felt video detailing this amazing lady's life, just as he did with Mary Bergstrom. Thank you Alex for being so kind and thoughtful and showing us that there is definitely a story behind every situation that needs to be known and respected!
Alexander, what a beautiful tribute. When you bought the Cadillac, I thought, "What an interesting woman." Who would have realized that she would one day feature again in your life so intimately.
I’m so happy that you gave this wonderful woman a “face” and a chance to meet her and get to know about her beautiful life. It was not Just any hoarded House. It was a home filled with happiness and meaningful items that you purchased. Thank you for caring and sharing. I wondered who lived there and now I know.
Alex needs to make documentaries,oh my I am beyond words how talented he is.I wonder if he had spoken with her after the ride and how he contacted to the guy who was in charge of her estate?.Alex needs to win awards for his film making skills.
A well done memorial of the owner, a beautiful lady. Sometimes we forget that behind a hoarder’s house, there is a beautiful human being with a story. Thank you very much for sharing the story.
I remember when you got the Cadillac, she was such a neat lady then. Had no idea this house was hers. What a lovely tribute to such an interesting lady!! Thank you for being that kind man on youtube. Never miss an episode in Missouri.
@@elvinaescobar He showed in this video his old footage of picking her up and chauffeuring her around for the last ride in the car. He bought this car from the woman that owned the house he is currently cleaning out. I do not have a link. Maybe go to his channel and search for him buying the blue Cadillac. I believe it's been in the past year. It's a great video of her.
there should be an award for this video. You brought a house of things to life, giving it a face. The potters house was a great series, this is a masterpiece.. In part because you of the car ride. It totally took me by surprise, something many Hollywood movies lack. You have a talent for filming real stories. Hoarding, when a person feels like they've lost all they can bear.
I'm just... in awe. Of this beautiful women with sparkling blue eyes, even as a senior, eyes that had seen much sorrow. By how she brought music to countless others, in life and in death. And, most importantly, how incredibly you pay tribute to her here, on this platform, so that her legacy and life continues on. You did that, Alex. You took this woman's life and made it mean even more by inspiring thousands of others with her moving story. You not only do her and her family justice, but you help so many people by spreading your kindness and compassion like dandelion seeds floating in the wind. You are a rare treasure, Alex, and though I will likely never meet you and you'll never know my face... I feel lucky to have found you here on this rare warm and loving corner of the internet. ❤️
Ok, I'm not crying, you're crying! How beautifully worded, and everything so heartfelt and true. You are so right that this is a "rare warm and loving corner of the internet".
Oh my God, Alex! I can’t believe it was her house all along. Your tribute to her has honestly left me in tears, as I remember you buying her car and thinking how pretty she was, while you were driving her around one last time in that very car.
@@angelariley5163 I also thought what a beautiful lady with a love for dressing so chic, it must have been a fun tour with Mme Rac, I could only imagine the conversation
As a relative of a hoarder who left me the task of cleaning her home, I thank you for understanding that this is not shame but a disorder. Thank you for giving Madame Rac dignity and the rest of us clarity into her amazing life.
My heart just broke a little when I realized that this was the lady who sold you the Caddy. You created a beautiful tribute to her. Thanks for sharing with us.
Having watched this series from the exciting start, I am amazed to find out its someone that I used to deal with on almost a daily basis, when I worked at value village. I am however even more surprised you haven't found more gold and silver jewelry because she used it buy it up as soon as it was put out. She would also be donning multiple rings on each finger and have multiple, beautiful necklaces on. She was really a pleasure to deal with, save maybe the multiple times she beat me to a silver rings I was after haha. Rest in Peace Bette.
I'm sure the friend she had willed it to called dibs on more than just the Archie fabric that was later given to Josh. That's good that the intended homeowner got at least something before everyone else was allowed to pick through it.
Thank you for this share & add into what's so relatable beautiful and wonderful about being alive in a ridiculous sorta world... character is a top commodity to be certain. ... touching & appreciating the chuckle about the silver :D
I write this with tears streaming from my eyes. Someone once told me that everyone has their bag of rocks that they carry with them. Such a beautiful and reverent glimpse into the life of Madame Rac. No one is without a story to be told and you told it well. The photos and the interview are priceless treasures.
This touched me. We recently lost my Mom who was a class act hoarder of this level. My Dad called her his 'Whiskey Sippin' Blue-Eyed Texas Rose'. When they moved into his isolated dream house she lost touch with the world and started collecting to make the loneliness easier. My 1950's Texas Beauty Queen, debutant, artist mom moved miles from anyone and while Dad was away doing lawyer stuff, she eased her soul with whiskey and online shopping. And she moved the entire inventory of the small fabric/sewing shop she owned for a short while into the house. There was 50 years of life plus an inventory I could hardly comprehend, in places I didn't know existed! We found so much stuff to go through! Thanks for showing the Lady of the Manor, so like my own Mom.
You had a driving Miss Daisy moment with such a beautiful, talented and well rounded lady. You did her justice with the series, and this graceful, interesting last video. Thank you 🙏
What a touching and moving tribute you created for her. I never would have guessed the Cadillac was connected to her house that you have been working on. It's sad but I know that her items will bring joy to many people and her legacy of teaching others music will live on as well. Thank you for sharing her story.
I knew a pastor who said he could never eulogize his Mother; and a friend who worked in the morgue who feared the day someone he knew came in on a gurney. Both said it would be entirely too traumatic. You have strong resolve Alex. The task of cleaning out the house of someone you cared about must have been very difficult on you.
Beyond all the comments about the incredibly compassionate and heart inspired tribute to our now beloved "rare flower", let's all take a moment to recognize Alex's editing skills and awesome shots that show Madame Rac in photos then into the present day. The creativity and execution from your imagination to screen is becoming more defined and I am here for it!!!
Alex, that was a very kind and sensitive thing to do. Thank you for giving her respect and teaching us to look more deeply at our fellow humans, flawed, vulnerable, beautiful and unique.
Thank you for treating her with the humanity and respect she deserves. I'm binging this series after a horrible day for my country and shortly before the anniversary of my sister's murder and this video has me both in tears and smiling if that makes sense. this video is so much more than just the average youtube clickbait. thanks Alex.
I have cried at more than a few of your videos, but this one had me bawling every time as I watched it over and over. Now an hour or two later I will get up, wash my face and proceed with my day with much more fervor. And I will visit my neighbor who is quite elderly and listen very intently to whatever she wishes to share with me and feel very honoured to do so. Thank you so much for sharing Alex. Peace be with you
Classy classy memorial to this remarkable musician, fashionista, daughter, teacher and beautiful woman. So very pretty. Thank you! Amazing to remember her and her many contributions to Edmonton.
So were all those clothes her dad's? I thought she was a married lady. I guess she didn't marry. I tried to find her obituary online but I think there was no one to write one. That was sad so Alex did it for her. Very kind. How did they become millionaires? Just curious. I don't live in CA, I live in the states, but she seemed much different than how her house turned out at the end.
Thank you for telling her story. She was a beautiful woman even in her later years. When I watched the piece you did on her with her cherished car, I could tell she was a very sweet lady who had a veil of sadness. We never know when a life event may change us for better or worse. She was one of the few hoarders I’ve seen who started off and stayed pretty organized until the illness won and she ran out of room. I feel guilty about thinking my great aunt Lola was just lazy and still don’t know the event that broke her that made the house she lived in look more like Mary’s house. I know the passion she had to preserve our family’s Century farm, and like the potter and fashionista, Aunt Lola lived her early life unlike most women of her time. But I have not solved the mystery, as there is no one left to ask. Your video’s on the 2 hoarder houses have helped me realize aunt Lola wasn’t lazy, but had unresolved issues that her brilliant mind couldn’t work out. I thank you for helping me understand and even get to know my great aunt better after her death. When I first inherited the Century farm I would go into the small town of less than 500 and ask if anyone knew of her. The response 99% of the time was “ your aunt was quite a character!” This little farmhouse that was built by my great uncles for their mother sits in the middle of almost 300 acres. Getting a dumpster across the creek up to the house was not an option, so Throughout the years I have had the house, I donated what was salvageable and burned what was not family treasures or donate worthy. Mice destroyed boxes of 19th century dresses, but I finally compiled and organized family letters, tax receipts ( the earliest 1840’s). I often wonder if aunt Lola is upset with me getting rid of things she had saved for reasons unknown. The house is clutter free now and we stay on the house while we try to bring the property back to s state for the whole family to enjoy while learning about the history of this property my great (x3)grandparents homesteaded in 1837. Thanks again for being respectful of the homeowner. I truly hope you are rewarded in $ as you have worked your backside off. Since my hoarders house was in the family, I was paid by finding out who my family was and their years of hard work. Nothing super valuable, but I am proud to be keeper of family history so I can pass it down to my children and grandchildren. Hopefully in 16 years, the 200th year of this property staying in the family , we will have trails and markers named after ancestors that help tell future generations the story of Boswell’s Bluff.
Thank you for your kind responses☺️. I wish I had the knowledge and skills Alex has when I started clearing out the house. I knew nothing of vintage/antiques until I was an “instant” collector of a wide variety of things. I still have items yet to be identified, sold several things I now wish I hadn’t because I was overwhelmed at the time, but no regrets as I did what I had to do. I have passed down things to family with the info and history I discovered for each item. And the best thing is my grandson and daughter’s are deep into the history of the family treasures and I feel good knowing they will continue to be the keeper’s of the Century farm in the future.
I am a retired nurse and one of the things I loved about being a nurse were the stories people told me about their lives while I cared for them. Going through people's personal belongings is also a very intimate experience. It is so wonderful to see you celebrating people's lives in this way. Loving your videos.
Wow- how interesting life's journey can be, for both you, Madame, and your viewers. I really liked her in the Cadillac episodes- I'm sorry that she didn't have anyone to help her. Maybe she did, and simply didn't want help. Well, she had good luck when she met you- first with the car and now her belongings and legacy. God bless you Alex for your kindness and compassion towards others. I guess we're all lucky to know you!
Many people with a hoarding issue don't realize it's an issue. Some of course do but are so overwhelmed they don't know what to do. She was most likely a proud lady and didn't want anyone to see the inside of her house. What a treasure she was though.
Patti-emmonstrex65 - Many people accept help but end up going back to the way things were a short time later. Maybe that was her, too. Apparently she was one of 6 children, so I would guess she had all of them still in her life. Glad Alex shared all of this with us. I feel like it brought her back to life for a bit.
Bravo! A standing ovation and a gasp when the car pulled slowly out of the garage! It was her!! You honored her like no one could or would have. She was adorable and in her early years quite a jet setting gal! God bless her soul and Rest In Peace.
Alex, that was amazing. Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for giving back her dignity. It's easy to judge a situation, but when you find out the details, you discover the judgements were unfair. I couldn't believe she was the owner of that Caddy. And such a beautiful woman, in so many ways. You knew her more than we realized, so in a way, this is your loss too, and for that I'm sorry. Thank you for sharing her life with us. Rest in peace, Madame Rac.
I hadn't thought of it that way till you mentioned it being Alex's loss. He and the rest of the family have had a roller coaster of loss and wonderful experiences too. But despite how much they are going through and how painfully they are grieving they share with us, I feel honoured to be included. In just over 18 months Alex lost his father, Melissa lost her Dad to Covid and of course the loss of Mary Borgstrom and Bette-Joan Rac. Could it be that Alex has been selected to clear out these 2 houses as he is the perfect person to honour their legacy? A heartfelt thank you to you, Alex, you are a very special person.🙂🏡😊
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said!!!! Some people would think that hoarding is selfishness, but it's not. They don't know how to deal with death, especially sudden death. I loved it when Alex took Mary for one last drive by her house in his Ghostbusters ambulance!!!! You know he would have done something similar with Madame Rac!!! But taking care of her things and sorting them out and giving them to the right people is what she would have loved!! I'm so glad it wasn't a stranger that was handling her belongings!!
I wish someone would do a full-length documentary about her life. I’ve watched this mini-documentary about 6 times. She’s lived an interesting life and I wish I knew more about her.
Alex did a book about Mary Bergstrom's story. It's at Amazon, I think it's called The Potter's House, but it's a little more expensive than your average book. But I am sure it's got very high quality photos in it, of some pottery we didn't see in the series, and more information about her life. Hopefully Alex will do the same thing with Madame Rac, and do a book too. He didn't seem too thrilled with the process of doing another book though. He seemed less than thrilled with the whole publishing racket. We'll have to hope, and see what happens.
Wow Alex, here I am a big tough guy...haha yeah right. The video brought tears to my eyes because like some others i figured out who the house belonged to awhile ago but could not wait to see what you found. Then you said you will make a special video showing who she was and her history. After seeing the other videos you made with her in them and now seeing this video it means so much more to me as a viewer knowing how much you care about her. You truly are a special guy and that is why we all like you so much.
Heartbreakingly beautiful, I remember when you bought the Cadillac and when you gave her that ride after a successful restoration of the same! Thank you for your kindness in putting this together with such a pure & kind heart 💕 and so much respect.
Oh my goodness, this brought tears to my eyes. Alex, I love how you shared her life story and with such respect. I did watch the Cadillac episode and never would've made the connection. I absolutely loved it when you chauffeured her in the car and even more so now. You are a wonderful person, Alex. Thank you for sharing with us!
I know she wrote about wearing a coat her father made. Although now I am curious to know if her father also made fur coats or if she just acquired them because she loved to wear them.
Oh yes I remember that too it was lovely, and now it all makes sense, she was so sweet and the car was amazing to watch be cleaned and back on the road. wow , I cried too, very emotional.
People wonder how this happens, I lost my mother almost exactly 3yrs ago, You can fall into a horrible depression and buying things to make yourself happy happens, only the happiness quickly fades back to depression, so you buy something else and a cycle begins. I know, It has happened to me.
Almost brought me to tears. She had an incredible life and great life with her parents. So sad that she really had no one in the end. But you brought her such happiness when you got her old Cadillac running and took her for a ride. What an incredible person she was to have touched so many lives of young people with teaching them piano. Thank you Alex! You did a great job with this video! A true honoring of her life!
Buckets of tears; they started when I saw the blue fins backing out of the garage and and the connection was made. She was delightful! Knowing her makes what you have done all the more special. God bless you Alexander.
@mksemposki She may not have had biological descendants but she clearly had hundreds of friends and students who miss her. Some people prefer their legacy to remain in their talents, techniques, kindness, or research that they pass on. I think that's just as much of a legacy as passing on one's genetics.
@@suffolknewlarker3608 October 2019. Just scroll down in the video section for a bit, then press Ctrl-F or Command-F on your computer and search for "Caddy".
Oh it was that nice lady you bought the car from, restored and gave her a ride in. I'm sad so many of her years were spent in chaos. Bless you for caring enough to share this tribute to her.
I can relate to Madame Rac’s story. My mother was my best friend, too, until I lost her 23 years ago. I had to fight so hard to keep my grief hidden to give my father a reason to live so I bought a house and we spent every weekend working on the house and garden. I managed to keep him alive for 7 years until he died of Cancer. I have had Depression ever since. I kept his puppy who I lost a week before COVID. She was nearly 17. Since then, combined with grief and isolation due to lockdown for six months, I have lost interest in everything and am now facing the mess my life and house have become. If this series teaches one person about human life, then it has been worth it. You never know what someone has been through unless they show you - and I am good at hiding emotions so as not to worry and upset those who care about me. Thank you Alex for being you. Bless you and your family. 🙏🕊💕🇦🇺
Dear Dianne, I read your comment and had to respond. I'm so sorry for the losses you have suffered. I can only imagine how hard that must be. How amazing are you that you cared for your father for so long. I pray you will find some relieve from your grief. And that you may have people around you that love you no matter what. Have you thought about getting another pet? I'm sure there are plenty of animals waiting for a loving home. I wish you all the best!
You're not alone. This has been a hard year in many ways and it exacerbates the depressions and loneliness that haunts so many. If you've already faced your "mess" perhaps you're on the first step of a road to change. I pray that it might be so for you. And for me and for the rest of us.
I believe in you🙏🏻❤️ You can make it. I am a hoarder and have a life in a mess and sorrow. But I keep trying and I have taken people too help me. It’s hard but they have me staying floating. Much love too you and remember it’s never too late ❤️🙏🏻🥰
Similar story here. Was my mum that had cancer. Was finally bouncing back when I lost my partner in March. I've begged family for help. I don't think they understand that I can't find my way back alone.
I watched your series about the musicians home with curiosity, but this tribute is the most heartwarming sign of respect I have seen in a long time. You did very well there, my uttermost respect, sir.
Alex, hello from Ohio, USA. This was as gripping and beautiful as any film I have watched. Thank you so much for revering this lovely lady’s life. I always wonder when I see obituaries in our newspapers of elderly people, what are their life stories, what experiences have they had that may surprise and/or delight us. Thank you for this tribute. You are a kind person.
Isn't it only natural, for some one who lost that many of her treasures, to hold on to what she got left ? Thank you, Alex, to teach us understanding in stead of judgement.
When I go, I want Alex to clean out my estate and create a TH-cam tribute to me! So beautifully done with the sensitivity and respect of a genuine humanitarian. Bravo, Alex and thank you!
Oh my goodness, this was the lady you bought the car from! You knew her, Alex, and were kind to her as you are to everyone you meet! This brought the tears. It's a remarkable story and a beautiful tribute to her life. Thank you, and may God continue to bless you.
I LOVE how this story has gone full circle, so to speak. I'm going to go back and watch the Cadillac episode again! So cool....and once again, just like Mary, you did good by her! You and your family, including friends, are AWESOME people! Can't wait for the next!
@@nancyposey9466 He picked it up on the Aug 8, 2019 episode...we see her waving. He meets her again in another ep and drives her in the car>>>sweet! Still looking for that one. enjoy!
@@nancyposey9466 I just went to his videos and searched "caddy" and 2 of them popped up. The buying and the 30 days later update. :) They say "about 1 year ago" on the video itself.
This was beautifully done... what a surprising twist that we knew her all along... she was sweet when you first had her in your vlog.... thank you for sharing the human face and lovely story behind this home.... you have done her a great service to leave her legacy this way... classy. Alex... you are awesome!
2.5 minutes in and I'm fully moved to tears. 8.5 minutes in and I'm inconsolable. That was beautiful, Alex. A compassionate tribute and a poem in itself. The pathos you carry for your fellow humans is immense. The adventure in hunting finds was thrilling fun and we're all so happy for your successes. But the way you gave her finds their context and meaning makes you an extraordinary soul. Thank you, from an eccentric old lady on the block.
Oh. Just hearing her voice and reading her beautiful handwriting at the beginning got me. Then tears all the way through. That Alex! We are all so much better for having him in our lives! Just so touching!😭
Alex, thank you for that, I will always miss the chats I had with her every time she passed by my house on her way somewhere, and it's sad to think that I'll never get to see her again. I'm glad I got to chat with you the other day too, and I'm glad you are taking care of her things, she really was a lovely lady.
I have to ask , since you knew her, did you know the condition of the house? Did she seem depressed to you? Was there any indication of sadness and loneliness? I have an elderly neighbor that I will pay more time and attention after seeing this series...
@@tarandondesigns6956 I did actually know the condition of the house, in some part. My husband and I occasionally shoveled her sidewalk last winter, and it was easy to see some disarray just from looking at her in the kitchen windows as she waved and smiled at us. She was always happy, talkative, and more than a bit of a social butterfly. We have lived a few doors down from her and her husband since 2006, and there was no noticeable slide into sorrow or anything of the sort over the years. She just seemed to be able to take everything in stride. After she lost her husband almost 2 years ago, she kept teaching, going out places, and kept herself socially active. She was always very fashionable and put together, often in a lovely wide-brimmed hat or at the very least a flower in her hair. There was always a shawl of some sort, no matter the season. Seeing all the fur coats in the basement wasn't actually a surprise at all, I knew she had quite the collection of furs, I had seen her in many different ones over the years. She giggled and winked at me once and made me promise I wouldn't tell anyone I had seen her in Crocs even though she wore them often. She felt like a star after being on Alex's channel with the sale of her car and said it was a fun experience. I would very occasionally give her a ride to Safeway or Timmies, but mostly would just chat with her out front of either her house or mine. Music was always her favourite topic of conversation. She talked to me about classical piano, and I talked to her about old school blues music and my guitars. Believe it or not, I drove past her house one day last summer, and there she was out front mowing and raking her own lawn. I'm really going to miss her.
@@DeltaDonnaLynn Thank you for filling in the gap of if she was married or not. She seemed wonderful and she was so beautiful. Did she have any children ? In the video Alex mentioned that the owner wanted him to find keys to her bank box. Was he the Heir ? If so why did he not go through the house to find all the jewelry and Cash?
Thank you for protecting her legacy. This is how I’ll remember her. Vivacious, beautiful, and passionate; a collector, a fashionista, a teacher who touched many lives. Beautifully done Alex. ❤️👏
Dear Alex, I’ve been following this series and wondering who this person was....it seemed obvious a rich life. Appreciate your reverence going through the house. Thanks for sharing her life story. It’s important.
I just binged this series and I literally am holding back tears. Thank you for sharing this with us. I honestly will never look at a hoarder's house the same again.
WOW! My jaw dropped when you went to the footage of the beautiful blue car! You came full circle with this lady with the sparkling blue eyes! Thank you for filling in the blanks for us. I think she is resting in peace now.
It is very nice that Alex gave Madame Rac a last ride in the Cadillac. He also gave the Potter Mary a ride in his Ghostbusters ambulance, although it carried Mary's casket. RIP Mary the Potter and Madame Rac the music teacher. 💕💕
Oh, Alex, I gasped when I saw the Cadillac and the footage of her and remembered the story. The tears flowed until the end and now as I am commenting. What a lovely surprise and you did such a nice tribute to her and her life. Thank You.
I also remembered her as the Cadillac lady! A great story on its own, and now we have two stories about this unique and special person. Thank you, Curiosity Inc.!
And this, this is why your channel continues to grow. Better than any over budget tv series, movie, or documentary. Thank you for honoring Bette's life.
This is one of the most beautiful tributes to someone I have ever seen. Thank You! You have been given the blessing and calling to remind us all about special people who might have been forgotten. Your love and compassion for others is a special gift. Continue to put yourself out there so God can put you in the right place at the right time. Blessings to you and your family.
What an adorable tribute to such a wonderful lady. I remember her from when you bought the car. She will be reunited with her loving family now, but her story will live on and indeed her legacy will live on through these videos. Wonderful tribute Alex, you're a gem.
Wonderful tribute, i remember when you got the car and gave her a last ride, i didnt realise it was her house..behind every front door is a story....awwwww..bless her..what a sweetheart RIP lovely stylish Madame Rac
I have to say this. Alex, I am in awe of your work ethic. I don't believe there is a single "TH-camr" that is more deserving of success on this platform than you. I cannot believe the amount of footage you have provided us with regarding the cleaning of this house, in such a short amount of time. And to basically finish it off with a tribute to the homeowner in such an exceptional way. I honestly did not expect you to be able to pull all of this off in such little time- yet you've done this so much since you've started this channel. You, my friend, are the benchmark for what a channel owner should be. I am envious of the life you have created for yourself. To be able to take us on your adventures, and to do it with a morality that goes way beyond what most could ever hope to do is truly something that should be appreciated more in this world. You really do show others how you can live a life that is rich beyond compare- to the detriment of nobody. In fact- you have made a lot of loyal friends because you treat everyone right. Thanks for that. The world needs this channel, it really does. And just one thing before I go- please, please- I want to see that Gibson J45 you found with the headstock back on and playing in perfect intonation. I cannot express how happy I was when you found the headstock. That guitar needs a second life. I don't know why I feel so strongly about this- but I do. I think it's just my affinity for the tone of those J45's- they are remarkable guitars.
I started watching when Curiosity Inc had 10k + subscribers... Followed and loved what I've seen over the years :) No surprise he has surpassed the 365k subs mark!
This series has helped me more than you can know. My Father passed away about 10 Years ago and my mother held on to many of his belongings. She was also a lover of nice clothes and had her 3 bedroom home full to the brim with things she could not let go of. She passed away recently and it was left for me to clear her estate. I started out selecting a few sentimental items and soon saw that I would need to either become a hoarder or let go of most of her possessions. I struggled with letting go. Then I watched as you went through this lovely lady's house. It made me realize that to find new homes for my mothers things would honor her memories better than to hoard them. So, I held an estate sale and began boxing things up for charities. I could never have done that if it were not for watching this series. Thank You!
That is extraordinary! Wow, kudos to you for taking positive action for the better.
You brought me to tears with this lovely comment. How wonderful that this series was able to help you in such a specific and important way. Somewhere, your mother is smiling.
Bless your heart for doing what you did for many others by allowing your mothers' treasures to be loved and appreciated by someone else who loves them like she did !! I admire your courage and thank you for sharing this with all of us!!
❤️
Same thing happened to me except a so called "friend" who does what Alex does invited someone to help clean out the place. Alot of it was pretty much pretty much junk. But when he started just throwing stuff around???? I told my so called friend, "GET HIM OUT OF HERE, NOW!" This dude had absolutely NO respect for anyone. Alex is properly respectful.
“You never can tell when the eccentric lady down the street is, in fact, a rare flower” - omg that brought a tear to my eye.
Alex, you’re a beautiful soul.
Yes I was in tears too! Heartbreaking story but so beautifully told.
Me too!! Agreed!
Sobbing with joy&Sad all at once
Ok How did Alex drive her in her car Did he know her before the hoard
@@bethelin Yes, its in one of his other videos about the Cadillac.
Talk about the universe aligning, Alex. You have paid a very special homage to this lovely lady in this video and how you are taking care of her belongings. Bless you .
As Paul Harvey might say, "And now you know the rest of the story."
Handled with grace, dignity, and respect. Well done, as usual, Alex.
Totally agree 👍
Exactly what I was thinking.
Thank you for documenting this wonderful, talented, beautiful, passionate lady. You know they say that loss creates hoarding. I agree with this only to the extent that the passion was always there but was restricted by the thing lost. My passions for appreciating the beautiful material world were restricted by and for the passion, respect and love for my husband (divorce). However, although it took me five years to get over the loss of my husband I was then blessed to be able to pursue my passion for the beautiful material world that has filled my life and has kept me very happy and grateful for the freedom I now have to pursue it. Although things got out of hand and others may not see or understand it, I think this beautiful lady was very happy and at peace right up to the end.
Yes! The Rest of the Story! I loved listening to that program. He would have done this story justice, just as Alex has . May she Rest In Peace.
Alex, you are a class-act. Instead of focusing on her hoard, you bring back the person behind it and focus on the interesting human she was.
Such a beautiful tribute.
Yes indeed!!!!!
How do you honestly think she would feel watching this - having every single dirty dish and piece of underwear put on the internet for the world to see? Yes, what a fitting tribute. I can't believe what some people will do to make a buck.
@@clink76 you obviously have not seen other Curiosity Inc videos nor know Alex nor the family via this channel. Very sad for you! Spend a bit of time looking at what this gentleman and his family produce, then see what judgement you still have! Many Blessings.
@@clink76 what a bitter old woman you sound like. Why would you even watch this? I never saw any underwear shown, or every single dirty dish. They marveled at her collections, and admired her talents. It was handled beautifully, and shown such respect. She was obviously not well, and it's a shame there were no family members to hand things down to, but don't blame someone else for cleaning up the mess. It had to be done. Don't blame Alex for people wanting to find out more about this amazing person, AND her parents. I would love to know more about these fascinating people!
@@investigator77 I wholeheartedly agree. I thought he said in one of his videos that she died when she was 104. Maybe I made that up haha. How did Alex know her before she passed? I just found this channel.
As she had no family left to tell her story, I am so happy that you saw fit to immortalize her on TH-cam. This way, she lives on. Thank you and your family for this heartfelt memorial of her life.
thank you! that was beautiful!
She lives on in her students and their music legacy and on and on and on.
I love the respect and thoughtfulness you have shown towards the ladies in both the Potter’s House and Musician’s house. No matter what, they were people too! You and your family have wonderful hearts, as do the people you have surrounded yourself with.
Your absolutely right this family is amazeing thank you alex @ curiosity incorporated
A true gentleman is what l would call Alex!
@@kandiwolfe1125 absolutely!!
What a beautiful tribute.
jessica gore I totally agree.
I fell in love with this lady when she sold you the car! I know she would have wanted it to be you that cleaned out her house. It all makes perfect sense now. Thank you for this even though it made me cry
My thoughts exactly. I cried too.
I am watching from the UK it made me cry too so tastefully done.
🥲❤️🥲
Gotta admit..I got choked!
That was my exact thoughts while watching this video! She knew you would make sure her belongings were going to be cared for and live on! You also gave this women a lovely tribute with the respect that she deserved! You're a very special man there Alex! ...and trust me, Madame Rac, knew this! You can clearly see this was meant to be! Thank you for bringing us along on this journey!
"Madame Rac preferred to be chauffeured." A queen to the end. Thank you for sharing her story with the respect it deserves.
It's been awhile since I've had a true "gotcha" moment.. LOL. The minute I realized she was the lady you had purchased the Caddy from I started to cry. What a beautiful, respectful and outstanding thing you have done here Alex. She was such a lovely lady and it's wonderful to have some of her history filled in this way. Eccentricities aside, it was easy to see she was a light spirit in the world. Bravo!
Me too!
Could you please tell me which episode was the one with the caddy. Would love to see that one. Great work Everyone involved.
She had such a beautiful smile, to the end, and was dressed in her fabulous fashions.
@@victoriabell8519 The one from August 2019 under the listings for scrap cars, motor bikes etc 1964 Caddy. Hope you find it Victoria, later on there is one where Alex took Bette-Joan on a ride in the restored Cadillac. He did the same for Mary Borgstrom, the Potter, but sadly she had passed away so it was more of a drive past on the day of her funeral. Another marvellous series of vlogs to watch from last year. I honestly do not know how I would have got through this year without them.😣😊
@@victoriabell8519 The second video when Alex takes Bette-Joan for a ride in her Cadillac is called "Driving a ‘barn’ find ‘64 Caddy. 30 day update! Did it blow up?" from October 2, 2019.
Oh wow, Alex that was beautifully put together. I started crying when I realized she was the lady you bought the beautiful blue Caddy from. What a wonderful and highly respectful tribute to her. BROVO👏🏻
Same here i was shocked and sadened reliseing it was that beautifle woman from your caddy video's bless her soul rip Betty - Joan
I got teared up too.
This helps with the story of this nice older lady! Keep up with what you are doing!
I too had tears, what a beautiful tribute to an amazing lady
This is exactly what I thought when I found out who the lovely lady was. I started to tear up a lot. This was a very good tribute to her!
I thought she looked familiar when you showed some photos of her, then you revealed she was the piano teacher! You are more than an antique dealer! You are a historian & humanitarian. I think you help souls rest too.
Agreed
Absolutely agree
Alex is a great musician too!
Was she his piano teacher?
@@karlchenmuller4059 great question!
Unfortunately, it is so easy to see the home of a hoarder and only see the mess, the overflow of possessions that is hiding their pain. I appreciate that time is taken in both the Musician's House and Potter's House series to show all of us the beautiful souls of these women and showcase the amazing lives they led. Thank you, Alex, for making sure we see beyond the veil of pain and depression to the person underneath. Both of them would be so proud of you :)
AMEN, well said Monica!!
Well said❤
I would have said the same thing you did if you hadn’t already. ❤️
Couldn't agree more!
❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍
Alex, I have made a living for 40 years writing yet I feel my abilities failing me even as I write this. Your sensitivity, kindness, and love burst through here. You are a treasure, nothing less. Thank you for all you do.
Well said Greg. Alex is an inspiration.
Amen!💜
Amen and True DAT!!
The connection of the house back to the lady who sold the Cadillac is one that any writer would have been proud of in a story. So extra special when it is real.
OMG, I am a 72 year old guy in the UK with tears in my eyes. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. We did not know it was the same lady you bought the Caddy from, that was a complete surprise. Thank you for the time and effort you took in putting this together, it was a brilliant and fitting tribute to her and her life. ❤️
That what i thought when i got to this part of the video. I had to come to the comment section and see if anyone else noticed that
@@KnightFall81 Someone mentioned it in the comments on the last video. I hadn't seen the car videos so I watched both before I watched this one.
That was an awesome surprise!
You sir, captured my thoughts exactly in words. A beautiful tribute video that puts the puzzle pieces neatly in place.
Alex comme.ted in the last video that the ar ride was in his Store videos, but I dont know which one. Does anyone know?
This made me cry. What a beautiful elegy to her life. ♥️
Me too
Me, too.
Me three
I did too
@@annedacosta2864 I cried too. Thank you Alex.
I am struck at the contrast of before and after the loss of her mother. With no family left, the pictures lay before us the depth of the vacancy Madam tried to fill. May we all be kinder and more compassionate because of the lesson your tribute has shown us. Thank you, Alex and crew. So beautifully done.
Once again, you looked past the state of the house and chose instead to reveal the heart and the passions of the woman who lived within. You're a class act, Alex Archbold.
When I saw the Caddy coming out of the garage, I burst into tears. What a lovey tribute. Alex, you are a great human. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
I did too!! so glad, I wasn't alone
@@lisamarie0701 me too!!
Donna Scanlon I did too.
Yes...count me in too! beautiful tribute.
ALEX I have HAPPY TEARS 😭!
THANK YOU ♥️ FOR YOU BEING
SO HUMBLE & KIND !!🙏💙
YOU WARMED MY HEART ♥️..!!❣️
wow, I would never have connected this hoarder house you have been cleaning out to the Caddy and the lovely eccentric women you took for a last ride in it! Awesome
Could you link the Caddy video, I think I missed it
@@guylainep1639
Check out his play lists.
Or just watch this one to the end.
Your thinking of mary and the Potter's House. Mary was cremated and I believe alex road with her ashes past the house.
Could have knocked me over with a feather when it was revealed that he had bought the Caddie from her. Glad she got to ride it 1 last time. You are such an awesome human being Alex!
@@elainephleps4705 no, he bought the caddy from this lady and gave her a lovely drive around town after it was spiffed back up.
Life goes by so fast. In the end this lovely woman spent her last years clearly in a very depressed condition. It is hard to grow old alone. This was perhaps the most beautiful memorial I have ever seen.
I don't have the words to say, but I'm going to try !! my throat has a lump the size of an apple and my heart is touched beyond whatever I thought possible when you first started to film this hoarders house because I thought "oh dear this time Alex has bitten off more than he can chew" there was so much old clothes and I couldn't see the treasures that this diminutive little lady had left behind to tell her life story with you as the narrator, never dreaming you would recoup your investment with her clothes alone, and continue day after day to discover more and more treasures big and small that will hopefully give you the chance to get the jobs you need to get done on you store in the summer, the beautiful shock was that you had known her and had her car restored and been so kind as to take her for one last trip out in the car that she had loved long ago, well Alex you have amazed me over the years with the kindness and generous way you have helped so many people that we as you viewer's have come to care about and meet through you. All I can say is THANK YOU for all you do .
Oh my, I was floored when it was revealed that the musician lady was the same lady that Alex bought the 1964 Caddy from and took around on a final chauffeured trip. That brought tears to my eyes. This was an incredible and heart-felt video detailing this amazing lady's life, just as he did with Mary Bergstrom. Thank you Alex for being so kind and thoughtful and showing us that there is definitely a story behind every situation that needs to be known and respected!
Me too!
Casey, you said exactly how I was was feeling after seeing this video. So much love, respect and kindness in Alex's family and his actions! :)
Alexander, what a beautiful tribute. When you bought the Cadillac, I thought, "What an interesting woman." Who would have realized that she would one day feature again in your life so intimately.
I’m so happy that you gave this wonderful woman a “face” and a chance to meet her and get to know about her beautiful life. It was not Just any hoarded House. It was a home filled with happiness and meaningful items that you purchased. Thank you for caring and sharing. I wondered who lived there and now I know.
Alex needs to make documentaries,oh my I am beyond words how talented he is.I wonder if he had spoken with her after the ride and how he contacted to the guy who was in charge of her estate?.Alex needs to win awards for his film making skills.
A perfect memorial. I wept throughout, while filled with admiration for a life fully lived. You sir are a great and discerning filmmaker.
Deborah, I couldn't agree more about this. My experience was the same as yours. Weeping with joy, pain, admiration, pity, and loss.
A well done memorial of the owner, a beautiful lady. Sometimes we forget that behind a hoarder’s house, there is a beautiful human being with a story. Thank you very much for sharing the story.
So moving........what a lovely woman and a lovely tribute..............
This tribute memorial was lovely, lovingly done.
I remember when you got the Cadillac, she was such a neat lady then. Had no idea this house was hers. What a lovely tribute to such an interesting lady!!
Thank you for being that kind man on youtube. Never miss an episode in Missouri.
Hello, would you remember the name of the video or have a link?
@@elvinaescobar l had the same question.
Correct me if I'm wrong people! :)
@@Keela5 wrong about what?
@@elvinaescobar He showed in this video his old footage of picking her up and chauffeuring her around for the last ride in the car. He bought this car from the woman that owned the house he is currently cleaning out. I do not have a link. Maybe go to his channel and search for him buying the blue Cadillac. I believe it's been in the past year. It's a great video of her.
there should be an award for this video. You brought a house of things to life, giving it a face. The potters house was a great series, this is a masterpiece.. In part because you of the car ride. It totally took me by surprise, something many Hollywood movies lack. You have a talent for filming real stories.
Hoarding, when a person feels like they've lost all they can bear.
I'm just... in awe. Of this beautiful women with sparkling blue eyes, even as a senior, eyes that had seen much sorrow. By how she brought music to countless others, in life and in death. And, most importantly, how incredibly you pay tribute to her here, on this platform, so that her legacy and life continues on. You did that, Alex. You took this woman's life and made it mean even more by inspiring thousands of others with her moving story. You not only do her and her family justice, but you help so many people by spreading your kindness and compassion like dandelion seeds floating in the wind. You are a rare treasure, Alex, and though I will likely never meet you and you'll never know my face... I feel lucky to have found you here on this rare warm and loving corner of the internet. ❤️
Well said. I feel the same♥️
I too
Ok, I'm not crying, you're crying! How beautifully worded, and everything so heartfelt and true. You are so right that this is a "rare warm and loving corner of the internet".
Oh my God, Alex! I can’t believe it was her house all along. Your tribute to her has honestly left me in tears, as I remember you buying her car and thinking how pretty she was, while you were driving her around one last time in that very car.
i was thinking the same thing didnt realize it tell i seen the car and her so sad she will be missed
@@angelariley5163 I also thought what a beautiful lady with a love for dressing so chic, it must have been a fun tour with Mme Rac, I could only imagine the conversation
As a relative of a hoarder who left me the task of cleaning her home, I thank you for understanding that this is not shame but a disorder. Thank you for giving Madame Rac dignity and the rest of us clarity into her amazing life.
My heart just broke a little when I realized that this was the lady who sold you the Caddy. You created a beautiful tribute to her. Thanks for sharing with us.
That’s when my heart broke a little too. 😢
I know this will be lost in the almost 6000 comments but what a fantastic and honoured remembrance of a lovely lady.
Not lost. 😌❤️
It was THAT lady! How sweet you got to meet her before she passed. You told her story beautifully Alex.
Having watched this series from the exciting start, I am amazed to find out its someone that I used to deal with on almost a daily basis, when I worked at value village. I am however even more surprised you haven't found more gold and silver jewelry because she used it buy it up as soon as it was put out. She would also be donning multiple rings on each finger and have multiple, beautiful necklaces on. She was really a pleasure to deal with, save maybe the multiple times she beat me to a silver rings I was after haha. Rest in Peace Bette.
I hope that this TH-cam video will spread around Edmonton to let the citizens pay respectful thoughts towards this wonderful fellow citizen❣️
She may have sold it or put it in a safety deposit box.
How adorable 💗😸💗😸 Lady with love of fashion and beauty.
I'm sure the friend she had willed it to called dibs on more than just the Archie fabric that was later given to Josh. That's good that the intended homeowner got at least something before everyone else was allowed to pick through it.
Thank you for this share & add into what's so relatable beautiful and wonderful about being alive in a ridiculous sorta world... character is a top commodity to be certain. ... touching & appreciating the chuckle about the silver :D
I write this with tears streaming from my eyes. Someone once told me that everyone has their bag of rocks that they carry with them. Such a beautiful and reverent glimpse into the life of Madame Rac. No one is without a story to be told and you told it well. The photos and the interview are priceless treasures.
This touched me. We recently lost my Mom who was a class act hoarder of this level. My Dad called her his 'Whiskey Sippin' Blue-Eyed Texas Rose'. When they moved into his isolated dream house she lost touch with the world and started collecting to make the loneliness easier. My 1950's Texas Beauty Queen, debutant, artist mom moved miles from anyone and while Dad was away doing lawyer stuff, she eased her soul with whiskey and online shopping. And she moved the entire inventory of the small fabric/sewing shop she owned for a short while into the house. There was 50 years of life plus an inventory I could hardly comprehend, in places I didn't know existed! We found so much stuff to go through! Thanks for showing the Lady of the Manor, so like my own Mom.
So that's why you called it the musicians' house. This was a moving tribute, Alex. Well done. May she rest in peace.
You had a driving Miss Daisy moment with such a beautiful, talented and well rounded lady. You did her justice with the series, and this graceful, interesting last video. Thank you 🙏
🙏
Yes, she was fantastic! I love that she was remained so colourful in her later years!
What a touching and moving tribute you created for her. I never would have guessed the Cadillac was connected to her house that you have been working on. It's sad but I know that her items will bring joy to many people and her legacy of teaching others music will live on as well. Thank you for sharing her story.
So nice that you had met her while she was still alive. It makes a difference when you go through all the things.
I knew a pastor who said he could never eulogize his Mother; and a friend who worked in the morgue who feared the day someone he knew came in on a gurney. Both said it would be entirely too traumatic.
You have strong resolve Alex. The task of cleaning out the house of someone you cared about must have been very difficult on you.
Thank you for giving a fair tribute to the owner who even only 5ft tall, was a Great woman! Thank you Alex & Mellissa.
Beyond all the comments about the incredibly compassionate and heart inspired tribute to our now beloved "rare flower", let's all take a moment to recognize Alex's editing skills and awesome shots that show Madame Rac in photos then into the present day. The creativity and execution from your imagination to screen is becoming more defined and I am here for it!!!
I agree 100%! I love his editing. Such a treat to get on you tube.
Alex, that was a very kind and sensitive thing to do. Thank you for giving her respect and teaching us to look more deeply at our fellow humans, flawed, vulnerable, beautiful and unique.
I thought so to. Seeing all that stuff in the house, but then you saw her, she had a life she was somebody.
Thank you for treating her with the humanity and respect she deserves. I'm binging this series after a horrible day for my country and shortly before the anniversary of my sister's murder and this video has me both in tears and smiling if that makes sense. this video is so much more than just the average youtube clickbait. thanks Alex.
"I wore the coat that Daddy made." What a beautiful, tailored coat!
My time was after black and white photos, so it struck me that they would record the colors of things because that didn't show up in the pictures.
*I'm not crying, you're crying* Alex, this was such a beautiful homage to this lady! ❤❤❤
Me, too. I mean, not me, too.
Ditto here!! sniff!
Agreed. A beautiful tribute that brought me to tears.
It was so well-done and touching. Just amazing!
Same here...😢
That was marvelous. Madame Rac was so much more than a hoarded house. You have helped us see that treasure
I have cried at more than a few of your videos, but this one had me bawling every time as I watched it over and over. Now an hour or two later I will get up, wash my face and proceed with my day with much more fervor. And I will visit my neighbor who is quite elderly and listen very intently to whatever she wishes to share with me and feel very honoured to do so. Thank you so much for sharing Alex. Peace be with you
Pass the tissues
Classy classy memorial to this remarkable musician, fashionista, daughter, teacher and beautiful woman. So very pretty. Thank you! Amazing to remember her and her many contributions to Edmonton.
Very well said Gianna. I was very moved by the simplicity and beauty.
So were all those clothes her dad's? I thought she was a married lady. I guess she didn't marry. I tried to find her obituary online but I think there was no one to write one. That was sad so Alex did it for her. Very kind. How did they become millionaires? Just curious. I don't live in CA, I live in the states, but she seemed much different than how her house turned out at the end.
Alex, that was beautiful. She was beautiful. I remember her. You made me cry for a woman I never met. But I kind of feel like I have met her now
Thank you for telling her story. She was a beautiful woman even in her later years. When I watched the piece you did on her with her cherished car, I could tell she was a very sweet lady who had a veil of sadness. We never know when a life event may change us for better or worse. She was one of the few hoarders I’ve seen who started off and stayed pretty organized until the illness won and she ran out of room. I feel guilty about thinking my great aunt Lola was just lazy and still don’t know the event that broke her that made the house she lived in look more like Mary’s house. I know the passion she had to preserve our family’s Century farm, and like the potter and fashionista, Aunt Lola lived her early life unlike most women of her time. But I have not solved the mystery, as there is no one left to ask. Your video’s on the 2 hoarder houses have helped me realize aunt Lola wasn’t lazy, but had unresolved issues that her brilliant mind couldn’t work out. I thank you for helping me understand and even get to know my great aunt better after her death. When I first inherited the Century farm I would go into the small town of less than 500 and ask if anyone knew of her. The response 99% of the time was “ your aunt was quite a character!” This little farmhouse that was built by my great uncles for their mother sits in the middle of almost 300 acres. Getting a dumpster across the creek up to the house was not an option, so Throughout the years I have had the house, I donated what was salvageable and burned what was not family treasures or donate worthy. Mice destroyed boxes of 19th century dresses, but I finally compiled and organized family letters, tax receipts ( the earliest 1840’s). I often wonder if aunt Lola is upset with me getting rid of things she had saved for reasons unknown. The house is clutter free now and we stay on the house while we try to bring the property back to s state for the whole family to enjoy while learning about the history of this property my great (x3)grandparents homesteaded in 1837. Thanks again for being respectful of the homeowner. I truly hope you are rewarded in $ as you have worked your backside off. Since my hoarders house was in the family, I was paid by finding out who my family was and their years of hard work. Nothing super valuable, but I am proud to be keeper of family history so I can pass it down to my children and grandchildren. Hopefully in 16 years, the 200th year of this property staying in the family , we will have trails and markers named after ancestors that help tell future generations the story of Boswell’s Bluff.
Wow what a great story and good that you sorted it all out 🙏🏻🥰
I doubt she would be upset with you at all. She probably just couldn't deal with sorting all those things.
Thank you for sharing. 💗💓💕
You have a great story.
Thank you for your kind responses☺️. I wish I had the knowledge and skills Alex has when I started clearing out the house. I knew nothing of vintage/antiques until I was an “instant” collector of a wide variety of things. I still have items yet to be identified, sold several things I now wish I hadn’t because I was overwhelmed at the time, but no regrets as I did what I had to do. I have passed down things to family with the info and history I discovered for each item. And the best thing is my grandson and daughter’s are deep into the history of the family treasures and I feel good knowing they will continue to be the keeper’s of the Century farm in the future.
I am a retired nurse and one of the things I loved about being a nurse were the stories people told me about their lives while I cared for them. Going through people's personal belongings is also a very intimate experience. It is so wonderful to see you celebrating people's lives in this way. Loving your videos.
Wow- how interesting life's journey can be, for both you, Madame, and your viewers. I really liked her in the Cadillac episodes- I'm sorry that she didn't have anyone to help her. Maybe she did, and simply didn't want help. Well, she had good luck when she met you- first with the car and now her belongings and legacy. God bless you Alex for your kindness and compassion towards others. I guess we're all lucky to know you!
A beautiful and fitting tribute. It was lovely to hear her story.
Many people with a hoarding issue don't realize it's an issue. Some of course do but are so overwhelmed they don't know what to do. She was most likely a proud lady and didn't want anyone to see the inside of her house. What a treasure she was though.
Patti-emmonstrex65 - Many people accept help but end up going back to the way things were a short time later. Maybe that was her, too. Apparently she was one of 6 children, so I would guess she had all of them still in her life. Glad Alex shared all of this with us. I feel like it brought her back to life for a bit.
@@annwithaplan9766 I thought Alex said recently she was an only child.
@@cblaney3931 at 6:39 the paper says she's an only child.
Bravo! A standing ovation and a gasp when the car pulled slowly out of the garage! It was her!! You honored her like no one could or would have. She was adorable and in her early years quite a jet setting gal! God bless her soul and Rest In Peace.
Alex, that was amazing. Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for giving back her dignity. It's easy to judge a situation, but when you find out the details, you discover the judgements were unfair. I couldn't believe she was the owner of that Caddy. And such a beautiful woman, in so many ways. You knew her more than we realized, so in a way, this is your loss too, and for that I'm sorry. Thank you for sharing her life with us. Rest in peace, Madame Rac.
I hadn't thought of it that way till you mentioned it being Alex's loss. He and the rest of the family have had a roller coaster of loss and wonderful experiences too. But despite how much they are going through and how painfully they are grieving they share with us, I feel honoured to be included. In just over 18 months Alex lost his father, Melissa lost her Dad to Covid and of course the loss of Mary Borgstrom and Bette-Joan Rac. Could it be that Alex has been selected to clear out these 2 houses as he is the perfect person to honour their legacy? A heartfelt thank you to you, Alex, you are a very special person.🙂🏡😊
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you said!!!! Some people would think that hoarding is selfishness, but it's not. They don't know how to deal with death, especially sudden death. I loved it when Alex took Mary for one last drive by her house in his Ghostbusters ambulance!!!! You know he would have done something similar with Madame Rac!!! But taking care of her things and sorting them out and giving them to the right people is what she would have loved!! I'm so glad it wasn't a stranger that was handling her belongings!!
I wish someone would do a full-length documentary about her life. I’ve watched this mini-documentary about 6 times. She’s lived an interesting life and I wish I knew more about her.
I agree there had to be many more photos and documentation of such an interesting life !
Alex did a book about Mary Bergstrom's story. It's at Amazon, I think it's called The Potter's House, but it's a little more expensive than your average book. But I am sure it's got very high quality photos in it, of some pottery we didn't see in the series, and more information about her life. Hopefully Alex will do the same thing with Madame Rac, and do a book too. He didn't seem too thrilled with the process of doing another book though. He seemed less than thrilled with the whole publishing racket. We'll have to hope, and see what happens.
Wow Alex, here I am a big tough guy...haha yeah right. The video brought tears to my eyes because like some others i figured out who the house belonged to awhile ago but could not wait to see what you found. Then you said you will make a special video showing who she was and her history. After seeing the other videos you made with her in them and now seeing this video it means so much more to me as a viewer knowing how much you care about her. You truly are a special guy and that is why we all like you so much.
Heartbreakingly beautiful, I remember when you bought the Cadillac and when you gave her that ride after a successful restoration of the same!
Thank you for your kindness in putting this together with such a pure & kind heart 💕 and so much respect.
Oh my goodness, this brought tears to my eyes. Alex, I love how you shared her life story and with such respect.
I did watch the Cadillac episode and never would've made the connection. I absolutely loved it when you chauffeured her in the car and even more so now.
You are a wonderful person, Alex. Thank you for sharing with us!
I know she wrote about wearing a coat her father made. Although now I am curious to know if her father also made fur coats or if she just acquired them because she loved to wear them.
I didn't realize the connection with the Cadillac either until just a few minutes ago!
Oh yes I remember that too it was lovely, and now it all makes sense, she was so sweet and the car was amazing to watch be cleaned and back on the road. wow , I cried too, very emotional.
@@kandiwolfe1125 How can I find the episode with her and Alex in the Cadillac? I would love to see it...
@@tarandondesigns6956 click on the picture of Alex in the circle and it will take you to his homepage. Go to videos and scroll through
People wonder how this happens, I lost my mother almost exactly 3yrs ago, You can fall into a horrible depression and buying things to make yourself happy happens, only the happiness quickly fades back to depression, so you buy something else and a cycle begins. I know, It has happened to me.
You are acknowledging and recognizing. Sorry for your loss and I hope you can rise above the challenges. I get it. All the best to you.
Almost brought me to tears. She had an incredible life and great life with her parents. So sad that she really had no one in the end. But you brought her such happiness when you got her old Cadillac running and took her for a ride. What an incredible person she was to have touched so many lives of young people with teaching them piano. Thank you Alex! You did a great job with this video! A true honoring of her life!
But she did. Her phone has been ringing. Clearly she will be missed not by just us viewers.
Buckets of tears; they started when I saw the blue fins backing out of the garage and and the connection was made. She was delightful! Knowing her makes what you have done all the more special. God bless you Alexander.
@mksemposki She may not have had biological descendants but she clearly had hundreds of friends and students who miss her. Some people prefer their legacy to remain in their talents, techniques, kindness, or research that they pass on. I think that's just as much of a legacy as passing on one's genetics.
Such a fitting tribute -- she deserves to be remembered, and will be, through every note her students play.
I actually got chills when I realized she was the Lady you gave a ride in the Caddy. This was a very moving tribute to her.
I’m still trying to find the video of her car. I’d love to see it
@@linda1541 if you go back about a year through the videos and look for 'driving a 'barn' find '64'caddy'.
@@suffolknewlarker3608 October 2019. Just scroll down in the video section for a bit, then press Ctrl-F or Command-F on your computer and search for "Caddy".
Oh it was that nice lady you bought the car from, restored and gave her a ride in. I'm sad so many of her years were spent in chaos. Bless you for caring enough to share this tribute to her.
@@Ragnar8504 I have seen it. Its @linda1541 which was asking
Video with the owner of this house when Alex bought her Cadillac: "driving a barn find 64 caddy" in October, 2019
Thanks for this info!
ahh this all makes sense now. Rest in peace Madam Rac
I can relate to Madame Rac’s story. My mother was my best friend, too, until I lost her 23 years ago. I had to fight so hard to keep my grief hidden to give my father a reason to live so I bought a house and we spent every weekend working on the house and garden. I managed to keep him alive for 7 years until he died of Cancer. I have had Depression ever since. I kept his puppy who I lost a week before COVID. She was nearly 17. Since then, combined with grief and isolation due to lockdown for six months, I have lost interest in everything and am now facing the mess my life and house have become. If this series teaches one person about human life, then it has been worth it. You never know what someone has been through unless they show you - and I am good at hiding emotions so as not to worry and upset those who care about me. Thank you Alex for being you. Bless you and your family. 🙏🕊💕🇦🇺
Dear Dianne, I read your comment and had to respond. I'm so sorry for the losses you have suffered. I can only imagine how hard that must be. How amazing are you that you cared for your father for so long. I pray you will find some relieve from your grief. And that you may have people around you that love you no matter what. Have you thought about getting another pet? I'm sure there are plenty of animals waiting for a loving home. I wish you all the best!
You're not alone. This has been a hard year in many ways and it exacerbates the depressions and loneliness that haunts so many. If you've already faced your "mess" perhaps you're on the first step of a road to change. I pray that it might be so for you. And for me and for the rest of us.
🙏❤️🇬🇧
I believe in you🙏🏻❤️ You can make it. I am a hoarder and have a life in a mess and sorrow. But I keep trying and I have taken people too help me. It’s hard but they have me staying floating. Much love too you and remember it’s never too late ❤️🙏🏻🥰
Similar story here. Was my mum that had cancer. Was finally bouncing back when I lost my partner in March. I've begged family for help. I don't think they understand that I can't find my way back alone.
I watched your series about the musicians home with curiosity, but this tribute is the most heartwarming sign of respect I have seen in a long time. You did very well there, my uttermost respect, sir.
100%! Crying over here at the thoughtfulness of this video.
Alex, hello from Ohio, USA. This was as gripping and beautiful as any film I have watched. Thank you so much for revering this lovely lady’s life. I always wonder when I see obituaries in our newspapers of elderly people, what are their life stories, what experiences have they had that may surprise and/or delight us. Thank you for this tribute. You are a kind person.
Isn't it only natural, for some one who lost that many of her treasures, to hold on to what she got left ?
Thank you, Alex, to teach us understanding in stead of judgement.
When I go, I want Alex to clean out my estate and create a TH-cam tribute to me! So beautifully done with the sensitivity and respect of a genuine humanitarian. Bravo, Alex and thank you!
Me, too!
ME TOO 😂♥️🙏😪!!
Karen Rodgers , you could set up a camera and tell your story. Everyone has a least one good story in them.
Oh my goodness, this was the lady you bought the car from! You knew her, Alex, and were kind to her as you are to everyone you meet! This brought the tears. It's a remarkable story and a beautiful tribute to her life. Thank you, and may God continue to bless you.
I LOVE how this story has gone full circle, so to speak. I'm going to go back and watch the Cadillac episode again! So cool....and once again, just like Mary, you did good by her! You and your family, including friends, are AWESOME people! Can't wait for the next!
well said, Connie! I was thinking the same thing.
When did the Cadillac episode air? So that I may watch it too. Thx
@@nancyposey9466 He picked it up on the Aug 8, 2019 episode...we see her waving. He meets her again in another ep and drives her in the car>>>sweet! Still looking for that one. enjoy!
@@nancyposey9466 Oct. 2 is the one where her drove her in the fixed up car. YAY! found it.
@@nancyposey9466 I just went to his videos and searched "caddy" and 2 of them popped up. The buying and the 30 days later update. :) They say "about 1 year ago" on the video itself.
This video is the coolest part of this TH-cam journey. Thank you for honoring her, and sharing her beauty with us. What an amazing woman
This was beautifully done... what a surprising twist that we knew her all along... she was sweet when you first had her in your vlog.... thank you for sharing the human face and lovely story behind this home.... you have done her a great service to leave her legacy this way... classy. Alex... you are awesome!
2.5 minutes in and I'm fully moved to tears. 8.5 minutes in and I'm inconsolable.
That was beautiful, Alex. A compassionate tribute and a poem in itself.
The pathos you carry for your fellow humans is immense.
The adventure in hunting finds was thrilling fun and we're all so happy for your successes. But the way you gave her finds their context and meaning makes you an extraordinary soul.
Thank you, from an eccentric old lady on the block.
I finally lost it at 8:29 myself.
Same. 💜 stay safe my eccentric lovelies. 💜
OMG! Just OMG! What she said!!!!😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 The sweet little lady with the Caddy!!! 😭😭😭Just heart wrenching.
Oh. Just hearing her voice and reading her beautiful handwriting at the beginning got me. Then tears all the way through. That Alex! We are all so much better for having him in our lives! Just so touching!😭
Alex, thank you for that, I will always miss the chats I had with her every time she passed by my house on her way somewhere, and it's sad to think that I'll never get to see her again. I'm glad I got to chat with you the other day too, and I'm glad you are taking care of her things, she really was a lovely lady.
I have to ask , since you knew her, did you know the condition of the house? Did she seem depressed to you? Was there any indication of sadness and loneliness? I have an elderly neighbor that I will pay more time and attention after seeing this series...
@@tarandondesigns6956 I did actually know the condition of the house, in some part. My husband and I occasionally shoveled her sidewalk last winter, and it was easy to see some disarray just from looking at her in the kitchen windows as she waved and smiled at us. She was always happy, talkative, and more than a bit of a social butterfly. We have lived a few doors down from her and her husband since 2006, and there was no noticeable slide into sorrow or anything of the sort over the years. She just seemed to be able to take everything in stride. After she lost her husband almost 2 years ago, she kept teaching, going out places, and kept herself socially active.
She was always very fashionable and put together, often in a lovely wide-brimmed hat or at the very least a flower in her hair. There was always a shawl of some sort, no matter the season. Seeing all the fur coats in the basement wasn't actually a surprise at all, I knew she had quite the collection of furs, I had seen her in many different ones over the years. She giggled and winked at me once and made me promise I wouldn't tell anyone I had seen her in Crocs even though she wore them often.
She felt like a star after being on Alex's channel with the sale of her car and said it was a fun experience.
I would very occasionally give her a ride to Safeway or Timmies, but mostly would just chat with her out front of either her house or mine. Music was always her favourite topic of conversation. She talked to me about classical piano, and I talked to her about old school blues music and my guitars. Believe it or not, I drove past her house one day last summer, and there she was out front mowing and raking her own lawn.
I'm really going to miss her.
@@DeltaDonnaLynn Thank you so much for sharing your memories of her...
@@DeltaDonnaLynn Thank you so much for sharing your stories.
@@DeltaDonnaLynn Thank you for filling in the gap of if she was married or not. She seemed wonderful and she was so beautiful. Did she have any children ? In the video Alex mentioned that the owner wanted him to find keys to her bank box. Was he the Heir ? If so why did he not go through the house to find all the jewelry and Cash?
I love how people write back then. My grandmother left valuable information about our family that way
Thank you for protecting her legacy. This is how I’ll remember her. Vivacious, beautiful, and passionate; a collector, a fashionista, a teacher who touched many lives.
Beautifully done Alex. ❤️👏
Dear Alex, I’ve been following this series and wondering who this person was....it seemed obvious a rich life. Appreciate your reverence going through the house. Thanks for sharing her life story. It’s important.
Thank you for treating treasures like Madame Rac and her treasures with dignity and sharing them both with us.
That is so well said.
I just binged this series and I literally am holding back tears. Thank you for sharing this with us. I honestly will never look at a hoarder's house the same again.
Alex I’m lost for words 😪 you did a magnificent job 🙏🏻
So well done, love that you make them people instead of a hoarder.
Well said!!!
WOW! My jaw dropped when you went to the footage of the beautiful blue car! You came full circle with this lady with the sparkling blue eyes! Thank you for filling in the blanks for us. I think she is resting in peace now.
It is very nice that Alex gave Madame Rac a last ride in the Cadillac. He also gave the Potter Mary a ride in his Ghostbusters ambulance, although it carried Mary's casket. RIP Mary the Potter and Madame Rac the music teacher. 💕💕
Maybe Josh could do a painting of Madame Rac as a child, in her middle years and as the beautiful 76 year old lady going for a ride in the Cadillac.
Wonderful idea!!!
that would be a great idea!
Oh, Alex, I gasped when I saw the Cadillac and the footage of her and remembered the story. The tears flowed until the end and now as I am commenting. What a lovely surprise and you did such a nice tribute to her and her life. Thank You.
I also remembered her as the Cadillac lady! A great story on its own, and now we have two stories about this unique and special person. Thank you, Curiosity Inc.!
Alex: well done for such a beautiful tribute. I remember her smile when you chauffeured her in the Cadillac...
She still had a beautiful smile in her older years. It stood out to me too.
And this, this is why your channel continues to grow. Better than any over budget tv series, movie, or documentary. Thank you for honoring Bette's life.
Bravo, this was the best part of the whole adventure.
Such a fitting tribute to a woman who proved that big things come in small packages. Gonna try to stop crying now.
Exactly Audra Berreth!
Alex, with the information and memories so close at hand, perhaps you could create a Wikipedia page for her, preserving her memory forever.
Genius, David!
This is one of the most beautiful tributes to someone I have ever seen. Thank You! You have been given the blessing and calling to remind us all about special people who might have been forgotten. Your love and compassion for others is a special gift. Continue to put yourself out there so God can put you in the right place at the right time. Blessings to you and your family.
I didn't realize you got to give her a ride and meet her! What an amazing lady.
What an adorable tribute to such a wonderful lady. I remember her from when you bought the car. She will be reunited with her loving family now, but her story will live on and indeed her legacy will live on through these videos. Wonderful tribute Alex, you're a gem.
Wonderful tribute, i remember when you got the car and gave her a last ride, i didnt realise it was her house..behind every front door is a story....awwwww..bless her..what a sweetheart RIP lovely stylish Madame Rac
I have to say this. Alex, I am in awe of your work ethic. I don't believe there is a single "TH-camr" that is more deserving of success on this platform than you. I cannot believe the amount of footage you have provided us with regarding the cleaning of this house, in such a short amount of time. And to basically finish it off with a tribute to the homeowner in such an exceptional way. I honestly did not expect you to be able to pull all of this off in such little time- yet you've done this so much since you've started this channel. You, my friend, are the benchmark for what a channel owner should be. I am envious of the life you have created for yourself. To be able to take us on your adventures, and to do it with a morality that goes way beyond what most could ever hope to do is truly something that should be appreciated more in this world. You really do show others how you can live a life that is rich beyond compare- to the detriment of nobody. In fact- you have made a lot of loyal friends because you treat everyone right. Thanks for that. The world needs this channel, it really does. And just one thing before I go- please, please- I want to see that Gibson J45 you found with the headstock back on and playing in perfect intonation. I cannot express how happy I was when you found the headstock. That guitar needs a second life. I don't know why I feel so strongly about this- but I do. I think it's just my affinity for the tone of those J45's- they are remarkable guitars.
Well said!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I started watching when Curiosity Inc had 10k + subscribers... Followed and loved what I've seen over the years :) No surprise he has surpassed the 365k subs mark!
Tottaly agree!!
That was a very beautiful and moving memorial to this woman’s life and legacy!