“The people here – the ones who came by, the conversations” – part of what Ed Scroggins will miss the most about Wild Bill's Nostalgia on Newfield Street in Middletown, Connecticut. “Wild Bill, of course, is missed. He was one of a kind. Did you know he went to Woodstock? Then he went to the second Woodstock and he invited me and my wife, Jane. We've known Bill for 20 or more years.”

Ed Scroggins closes a gate at Wild Bill's Nostalgia on Sept. 30, 2018.

On the closing day, a finale of sorts with live music by Ray Paris (“Amazing Song Stylist”) performing in front of the book and record barn.

Bittersweet for the community and employees, those who set up as vendors at the outdoor sale component, customers from far and near – and the couple who had a spot on the lot for their Cards & Collectibles and interesting objects for sale. Barn hooks of carved wood and a cotton weighing device with two weights made in New Haven. “Church keys” sporting various beer brands and designs on them for 75 cents each. Spigots of wood, a bin full of assorted sizes. (Note: Look for an upcoming story about these objects along with more photographs.)

Scroggins, in charge of the gate, closed it and placed the lock for the side field as he spoke about the acreage, collectibles, Newfield Street, a pond on site, Bill.

On the label “Rare. Old cotton scale. Sargent Co. New Haven CT, with 8 lb + 4 lb weights.” From the vendor table of Ed Scroggins and his wife, Jane, outdoors at Wild Bill's. Always good to ask question – this was originally described differently, but as Ed knew it wasn't made to weigh a calf – he did some research and learned the purpose of this object. CB/MDP

“Forever strange” – the late Bill Ziegler was (among many things) a walking-round human encyclopedic compendium of popular culture. There's no replacing him, and the unique store and grounds, the community he crafted and created (with a devoted staff, artists plus customers) closed forever on Sept. 30, 2018. The collection of a lifetime, all for sale.

Bill's birthday was/is Sept. 19 (we sure wish that someone could purchase the entire property and the contents, plus the columned structure next door – and make it live once again as a combination entertainment and cultural destination. Even a Book Barn Central because the location is perfect – plus plenty of parking.)

Somewhat hidden at Wild Bill's Nostalgia store on Newfield Street in Middletown is/was the book and records collection – housed in the back building that once served as an arcade. Vintage magazines, newspapers, 45 records in sleeves and on the wall – and seemingly endless vinyl records – some highly collectible. A place that was a living museum of art, music, knowledge, and quirky humor, but with all for sale. Books, records, posters, cassettes, eight-track tapes, oddities are everywhere. Yes, cookbooks, shelves full of them.

The main store was full of toys, pins, banners, posters – Wacky Wobblers, T-shirts. Pee-wee Herman's bicycle. (Or so Bill said.) Vintage games. Memorabilia. A mash-up of culture and a talking tree.

Editor's note and update: The store closed Sept. 30, 2018, the end of an era. “One moment in time” as Ray Paris sang, a soundtrack for the final day.

But the end is the end; liquidators arrive Oct. 1, 2018. Sure hope each reader who was interested got there to see the collection of culture that took a lifetime to amass and display. The quirky art, the push-the-boundary humor, and the people who made this place like no other. Bill had deep intelligence and knowledge behind his showman persona; those who met him knew this.

Wild Bill's Nostalgia closed Sept. 30, 2018 forever. No place on earth like it because of the late Bill Ziegler, founder.