TOLNA, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The first ever North Dakotan featured on the History Channel’s hit show “American Pickers” will make his TV debut tonight.
According to the Wimbledon Newsletter, Brian Nelson of Tolna has the distinction of being the first collector in the state to be visited by Robbie Wolfe and Frank Fritz, the hosts of “American Pickers”.
“The early July visit to ‘pick’ some of his treasures will be part of the History Channel’s show Season 20 which debuted in October,” the newsletter states.
“The show is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on History,” the company states. “The hit show follows Mike and Frank, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections or accumulations and learn the interesting stories behind them.”
Nelson first started collecting roughly 10 years ago when he decided to quit drinking.
“And since I couldn’t go to the bar, I went to a rummage sale,” he explained.
Nelson says the film crew of around 12 to 13 came to his property and “picked” from 9 AM to 8:30 PM that evening. He says Robbie Wolfe and Frank Fritz really are as nice in person as they are depicted on the show.
“As soon as they realized by favorite items were soda signs, they left those alone, even if there were a few I might have been willing to part with,” Nelson told the Newsletter. “And on a couple of items, they gave me more than I’d asked for.”
The “American Pickers” episode will be on the History Channel tonight at 8 PM.

Robbie Wolfe, Brian Nelson, and Frank Fritz during the filming of “American Pickers”. Photo: Wimbledon Newsletter