Owls, Ribbons, and Rock & Roll: Rob's Story
When you step into the library, you never know what stories are tucked behind the shelves. For Robert Budach, that story is told through a collection of owl necklaces that began, quite by accident, in his college days.
A Dollar and a Stage
While attending the University of Wisconsin in the 1980s, Rob was part of a band called The Weeds. One day at a downtown Goodwill, he went searching for something big, gaudy, and fun to wear on stage. What he found was an owl necklace—priced at just a dollar. The quirky statement piece stuck, and soon Rob was known for sporting oversized owls during performances. The necklaces became part of his band persona as The Weeds toured college towns, recording music and building memories that remain some of his favorites to this day.
From Stage Flair to Shared Hobby
Over the years, the necklaces became more than just stage flair. They turned into a lighthearted hobby—and even a shared adventure with his wife, Anne, who often browses thrift stores alongside him. During the quiet of the pandemic, the couple brought Rob's collection to life through short, playful videos featuring individual necklaces and their unique details. "It was just something fun we could do together," Rob recalled. In August, his collection even made its way to the library, where patrons could enjoy a special display of his owls in the curio case.
Blue Ribbons and Good Humor
And when it comes to fun, Rob's creativity doesn't stop with owls. Each summer, he and Anne take part in the Knox County Fair. Rob surprised himself by winning a blue ribbon for his cinnamon rolls in one of the fair's most competitive categories, while Anne has collected several blue ribbons of her own over the years in other areas. He still enters with good humor, trying his hand at everything from painting to homemade cards—even when he suspects his efforts may not be ribbon-worthy. "I don't take it too seriously," Rob laughed. "It's just fun to join in and be part of it."
A Life Rooted in Community
Today, Rob and Anne have made their home in Galesburg for more than three decades. Anne is the Assistant Director at the Galesburg Public Library, where her steady leadership and creative spirit shine. Together, they've built a life rooted in community—one where owl necklaces hang proudly in their basement, fair entries bring laughter and tradition, and new memories are made year after year.
For Rob, the owls began as a whim. But looking back, they're a reminder of youthful adventures, creative expression, and the small joys that carry through life. And in Galesburg, among books, neighbors, and fairground ribbons, his story fits right in with the library's own spirit of discovery and community.
Have a story to share? We’d love to hear it!
Contact Heather at heather.sipes@thegplf.org or 309-343-6118 ext. 1303.
