A retiree from Birigui, Brazil, has amassed a collection of over 1,800 payphone cards from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, prompting nostalgia as Brazil phases out its remaining public payphones.
In Birigui, São Paulo, João Careno, a 60-year-old retiree, holds a unique collection of over 1,800 telephone cards, which were used for making calls from public payphones predominantly in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. His collection, which features cards from as far as Japan and the United States, began almost by happenstance when he opened a small grocery store in 1993, coinciding with a payphone installation outside his business. What started as mere curiosity developed into a passion as João began collecting forgotten cards he found at payphones.
The impending removal of Brazil's last operational payphones has stirred feelings of nostalgia for many, including João, who recalls how he originally started picking up cards left behind by users. His son even participated by exchanging cards with classmates, further fueling the collection's growth. Over time, João's casual habit turned into a full-fledged endeavor, showcasing the cultural phenomenon of telecommunications before the digital age.
As these relics of communication are phased out, João's collection serves as a poignant reminder of a bygone era, highlighting how technology continues to evolve and change daily life. It reflects not only personal memories but also touches on broader societal shifts, and the memories associated with what's slowly becoming obsolete will undoubtedly tug at the heartstrings of many who once relied on these public conveniences for communication.
