'Dynasty' relics on display in Nevada
By Steve Moyer
Nevada Daily Mail
High fashion glamour combined with scathing repartee and more intrigue than a James Bond marathon and you have a typical episode of "Dallas" or "Dynasty." Here in Nevada you can get a glimpse of some of the jewelry and clothing that women on the shows wore at TK's Variety Store. Micheal Reed is displaying some of his collection at the store.
Reed, a Nevada native and graduate of Nevada High School, lived for a time in California and worked for a time at Universal Studios amusement park, among a large assortment of other occupations. He acquired the costumes and jewelry at an auction.
"Universal always has an auction after a show has been closed for 2 years, and it's open to the public," Reed said. "I went to their auction and made a bid on a crate. I thought I was bidding on a crate of men's costumes, it had an 'M' on it but when I got it I found out it was a 'W'."
Inside the crate Reed found a costume worn by Joan Collins as well as a dress worn by Linda Gray. Jewelry included a large selection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings including a large rhinestone necklace.
Store co-founder Kathy Rayburn said that Reed had a huge collection of memorabilia in his home as well as what was displayed at the store.
"You wouldn't believe the things he has in his house," Rayburn said. "The statuary and other things are remarkable."
Reed said he used to have a collection of African art that was quite extensive that he picked up on trips to the dark continent but that he had reduced it to a collection of drums.
"I went to Africa with a companion and picked up some great things but I got rid of a lot of it," Reed said.
Reed used to design Franciscan China, he designed the Strawberry and Desert Rose patterns among others. His love of the stage, incubated here in NHS productions such as the Sound of Music, led to his working at the amusement park.
"For my hobby I would go out to Universal Studios," Reed said. "I auditioned and I got the job as Woody Woodpecker. That suit was hot in the summer, all it had were these two tiny fans to bring in air."
Gourmet cooking is another hobby, Reed worked for a time as a flambé cook at Brennan's in Houston, a five-star restaurant. Reed likes to square dance and is a member of the Mo-Kan Square Dancers.
"I took the word retirement to heart," Reed said. "I have a lot of interests that I like to explore."