Hink’s Department Store Revisited: El Cerrito Grandson’s Prepared Estate Sale Annex

Greetings!  We’ve got a doozie for you!  This just might be your one stop to get a gift for everybody on your list, especially if there’s a Bob on your list!  Fun holiday decor as well, including German nutcrackers and a smoker. 

Hinks Department Store of downtown Berkeley fame is long gone, and sadly, J H Hink’s great grandson, “Bob,” has recently passed.  It is his estate sale that we are managing and his life that we are celebrating.  Bob’s father, Robert E Hink, was the last President of Hinks.  Bob didn’t follow in the family footsteps, instead, his feet were tangoing, working out on tennis courts and weight rooms, and planted firmly in front of his multiple computers.  Later in life, he became employed as a party planner.  Come take a sentimental journey through Bob’s life.

As Robert F Hink, Bob was totally into his first name, when it came to collections.  Got a “Bob” on your gift list?  You must come by for one of the Bob-related tshirts, Xmas stocking, sandals, and  scuba gear.  Even so, I did find a few Hink items (including a Hink books, photos, stationery, etc.).  

Furniture:  Bob’s furniture has an Asian flair mostly, as well as being mid century modern.  First, the Asian influence from living in Japan:  Rosewood Asian bedroom suite (king bed frame, highboy, two nightstands), round Rosewood dining table with lazy Susan and 6 chairs, Office furniture, room divider, coffee table, lots of art,  etc.  Second, mid century modern kitchen booth (possibly from a Berkeley downtown eatery), working GE Oven, pole lamp, boho chic rattan living room /patio furniture, K. Mobler Lounge chair with matching ottoman, etc.  Finally, more office chairs, including a nice mesh X-chair, a futon, and plenty of lawn chairs and stackable party plastic tables and chairs.  

Bob the dancer and party animal:  The basement is devoted to this part of Bob’s life.  He was quite the Tango dancer, won awards and had his own dance floor installed.  We are selling his nice dance shoes, tapes, and posters/ related art work.   Indeed, he has quite the library of music, ranging from Classical, rock ‘n’ roll, disco, country, big band, ballroom, etc.  We are selling all of his party supplies, including bubble and fog machines, hula hoops, and party decor.  There’s also an amazing Lycan 1206 Midget spotlight for tracking stage performances, as well as other lighting options and gear.

Audio/video equipment:  You really can’t have a party unless you’ve got audio and video equipment, and trust me, Bob had some nice gear.  Peruse the photos, or better yet, come by in person.  There are multiple surround sound systems, including Arcam, Denon, Gallo, and Anthem (7 channels, 140 Watts).  In addition, there is a Tascam digital recorder, Denon 5 disc CD player, Phillips DVD Recorder, Parasound amplifier, a Panasonic blue ray player, and a 2022 Sony LED 75” TV.  That’s just a partial list.  

Bob the Computer Scientist and Astronomy Enthusiast:  His career as a computer scientist is obvious— walls of software, hardware, computers, laptops, printers, programming manuals, and cords!  He loved Java!  Then, he took an interest in Astronomy and has some serious Oberwerk and Canon binoculars, an Orion telescope, tripods with GoTo Celestron mounts.  He was also a pilot— interesting flight books.  ….I almost forgot his Pyrex flasks and beaker collection!  The typewriter we have is a vintage Olivetti  which types Greek letters!

Bob, the Sportsman:  (so much, it’s in garage and room devoted to just sports and sportswear):  Bicycling — custom-made Brompton Collapsible Bike, Tandem bike, air pump, helmets, rack for working on bike, etc); Skiing; Tennis — racket, tennis ball lobbers; Parachuting— parachutes and jumpsuits; Weightlifting and Working out— Olympic grade weights and workbench/stand, HealthRider exercise bike, Torso Track , Precor 612 Rower, etc.  There’s also camping gear (tent, sleeping bags, etc), scuba gear, and a surf board for California’s Bob!! 

Bob, the Photographer:  For the most part, modern digital equipment —- Olympus camera, flashes, and accessories , including lighting and shades.

Bob and his kitchen, dining, and barware:  Breville (blender, griddle, etc), Cuisinart, Tavola ovens, Panasonic microwaves, several fondue pots, cookware, etc.  Also, lots of Japanese dining, a set of Sanyo China, and some nicer crystal pieces (including Waterford).  Barware— Bob liked beer and wine, fun collectible steins and glassware, and Beringer winery souvenirs.

Bob’s Media:  walls and walks of Books, CDs, DVDs, Cassettes and VHS tapes abound Across several genres, including dance, of course. In books, Special attention to airplanes and flight materials, science,  math, and computer science, AI, sports, and Japan, as well as literature.

Asian art and Musical instruments:  lots!  Please peruse the photos and see several mixed in.

Bob’s Clothes:  4 racks of men’s clothes —from outdoor wear, formal suits and tops, to casual wear and sportswear.  In the spirit of Hink’s department store, we brought in a rack of fun women’s clothing.  Oh yes, and an amazing tie collection!! 

Bob’s Garage:  Tools and hardware, including air compressor, ladders, fireplace insert, gardening, pet supplies, pylons, shower chair, and some of the aforementioned sporting goods, kites, etc.