Villager collects anything and everything related to the irrepressible Daffy Duck character

By MICHAEL FORTUNA, DAILY SUN

THE VILLAGES — Even in the world of collectibles, Daffy Duck can’t quite get away from Bugs Bunny’s spotlight.

Ann Peterman’s collection is devoted to that high-strung cartoon duck, but if you scan her home, you will see a bobblehead of that wascally wabbit.

Chances are you may hear Daffy exclaim, “You’re dessspicable.”

Peterman saw a bit of Daffy Duck in herself; she worked as a director for administrative services for many years.

“It got to the point where my word was law,” Peterman said. “He’s a spokesperson for the downtrodden.”

Daffy has taken over the Petermans’ golf cart: On the hood, he is standing in that classic pose, his finger pointed up and his expression angered; he also appears as reflectors on the front and back corners.

Back inside, hanging on the wall near the front door are two framed sets of a 33-cent stamp with Daffy in celebration of his 50th birthday; next to them is a flat wood-carved Daffy Duck.

In another room, Peterman put up a cornice with images of Bugs, Daffy, Sylvester the cat and the Tasmanian Devil. Next to that is a framed comic strip of Sylvester going fishing with his son.

Peterman also has several ways to wear the duck. There is a white T-shirt with Daffy and the words, “Of course, you know … this means WAR”; a shirt with Daffy “ripping” the fabric and saying, “Who, me?!? Stressed!?!”; and another T-shirt with the definition of “despicable,” with one entry reading, “See: Bugs Bunny.”

One denim buttoned shirt features a steamed Daffy standing behind the front pocket; below him it reads, “Not My Day!”

“I wear it on a daily basis,” Peterman said.

In a curio cabinet, Peterman has displayed several Daffy mementos, including a set of three maquette statues, each in a different pose. The statues are perched on a base showing several sketches of the duck. Peterman’s husband, Tom, bought it at the Warner Bros. Store during a trip to Orlando in 1996; it was what kicked off the collection.

Peterman also has Daffy created from two golf balls; Daffy, with his head made from a golf ball, getting ready to tee off; a limited-edition figurine duck standing on a rounded stone; a Portrait Series Timepiece still in its gift box; a mouse pad; an oven mitt; a coffee mug; a silver coin with Daffy’s face on the front; and a pop-up book detailing Daffy’s family tree.

Once a small Daffy pin had served its purpose on a coat that she wore to work, Peterman kept the pin.

Daffy’s head becomes a tape dispenser, while a plush doll says a couple of phrases when you press its tummy.

“I enjoy just looking at (the collection),” Peterman said. “It makes me feel good.”

Daffy even takes the form of a large piggy bank. Peterman found it at the Market of Marion.

“He watches over us,” Peterman said.

In recent times, Peterman has slowed down her search for anything Daffy.

“When it was his 50th birthday, it was easier (to find things),” Peterman said. “Now, it’s a collector’s item. I’m happy with what I have. Space is limited, and the only thing that’s safe is food.”

Michael Fortuna is a reporter with the Daily Sun. He can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9234, or michael.fortuna@thevillagesmedia.com.