Independent Lens Season 7 Episode 10 Short Stack: Lost & Found

Short Stack: Lost & Found is an episode of the seventh season of the documentary series Independent Lens. The episode follows the career of Wes Johnson, a renowned collector of vintage pancake mix labels. Johnson's obsession with these ephemeral artifacts began in childhood, when he inherited his grandmother's collection of vintage cookbooks. He was struck by the cheerful, retro illustrations on the pancake mix boxes, and began to amass his own collection over the years.

The episode delves into Johnson's personal history, including his difficult childhood in rural Washington State and his early career as a graphic designer. It also explores the history of the food industry, particularly the rise of convenience foods like pancake mix in the mid-20th century. Through interviews with historians, food industry insiders, and other collectors, the episode explores the cultural significance of these labels and the ways in which they reflect larger societal trends.

As Johnson's collection continues to grow, he faces new challenges in terms of storage, preservation, and authentication. He travels to pancake festivals and antique fairs across the country, always on the lookout for new additions to his collection. Along the way, he encounters other collectors, some of whom share his passion while others view him with skepticism or amusement.

But when Johnson finally finds what he believes to be a rare, lost label that completes his collection, he faces an unexpected twist that challenges everything he thought he knew about his beloved hobby. The episode ends on a note of reflection and contemplation, as Johnson considers the true meaning of his collection and its place in his life.

Overall, Short Stack: Lost & Found is a fascinating exploration of a quirky subculture and the ways in which we find meaning in seemingly insignificant objects. Through Johnson's story, the episode touches on themes of nostalgia, consumerism, and the search for identity. It is an engaging and thought-provoking episode that will appeal to anyone with an interest in history, collecting, or pop culture.