Total Pageviews

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Comments of 1955

I’ll tell you one thing, if things
keep going the way they are,
it’s going to be impossible to
buy a week’s groceries for $10.00.

Have you seen the new cars
coming out next year? It won’t
be long before $1,000.00 will
only buy a used one.

Did you hear the post office is
thinking about charging 7 cents
just to mail a letter.





If cigarettes keep going up in
price, I’m going to quit; 20 cents
a pack is ridiculous.
If they raise the minimum wage
to $1.00, nobody will be able to
hire outside help at the store.
When I first started driving, who
would have thought gas would
someday cost 25 cents a gallon.
Guess we’d be better off leaving
the car in the garage.

I’m afraid to send my kids to the
movies any more. Ever since they
let Clark Gable get by with saying
DAMN in GONE WITH THE WIND,
it seems every new movie has
either HELL or DAMN in it.
I read the other day where some
scientist thinks it’s possible to put
a man on the moon by the end of
the century. They even have some
fellows they call astronauts
preparing for it down in Texas .

Did you see where some baseball
player just signed a contract for
$50,000 a year just to play ball?
It wouldn’t surprise me if someday
they’ll be making more than the
President.

I never thought I’d see the day
all our kitchen appliances would
be electric. They're even making
electric typewriters now.

It’s too bad things are so tough
nowadays. I see where a few
married women are having to
work to make ends meet.

It won’t be long before young
couples are going to have to hire
someone to watch their kids so
they can both work.

I’m afraid the Volkswagen car
is going to open the door to a
whole lot of foreign business.

Thank goodness I won’t live to
see the day when the Government
takes half our income in taxes. I
sometimes wonder if we are
electing the best people to
government.

The fast food restaurant is
convenient for a quick meal,
but I seriously doubt they
will ever catch on.

There is no sense going on short
trips anymore for a weekend. It
costs nearly $2.00 a night to stay
in a hotel.

No one can afford to be sick
anymore. At $15.00 a day in
the hospital, it’s too rich for
my blood.

If they think I’ll pay 30 cents
for a haircut, forget it.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Cookbooks

This is an exclusive excerpt from the Antique Trader® Collectible Cookbooks Price Guide

What makes a cookbook collectible?
It’s a question we are often asked, and one for which the answer depends on who’s collecting and why. Besides those who just want to find great recipes and make good things to eat, there are those who collect books based on value, and some wanting to preserve or explore a culture, a style or a place. Others just love reading interesting cookbooks (as some do novels).
Collectible is in the eye of the beholder, whereas value, in simple terms, is more a measure of how much one is willing to pay for it.
The special charm of collecting cookbooks is that there is an enormous range of sub-categories of interest, making most cookbooks desirable, though not necessarily valuable.
*******************************************
1955 by Margie Blake









****************************************
Ida Bailey Allen
The original domestic goddess, America’s Mrs. Allen, nee Ida Cogswell, was born in 1885 and has been credited with bringing nutrition, world cuisine and formal cooking to thousands of average housewives (it is also said that she invented the marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole). An avid cook, “domestic science” professional and a practicing dietitian, she was the first woman in history to bring food to the masses using all available media outlets: in print, as the author of more than 50 cookbooks, including The Best Loved Recipes of the American People, and as a contributor to more than a half dozen major magazines (Good Housekeeping, Parade); on the radio, as the host of a popular radio show; and on TV, acting as television’s first female food host on Mrs. Allen and the Chef.
Confessing that the radio was “a fearsome thing,” she nevertheless went on to pioneer a popular radio show for homemakers and founded the “National Radio Homemaker’s Club,” which surprised her with its overwhelming success and delighted her with the way it united women while they “kept house.” Her power to influence was demonstrated one Christmas when she suggested that women could wear red Christmas dresses to please their children, and stores reported a surge in requests for red holiday garb.
Mrs. Allen was also the queen of the sensible kitchen, penning some of the first books dedicated solely to budget cuisine, cooking for two and efficient timesaving meals.
**************************************
1943-1957
*****************************************
Peg Bracken
As a working mom in the ’60s, Bracken struggled along with her female coworkers and friends to balance home and work. The result was several comedic books in the “I Hate to ...” series. The refreshing look at the challenges of housework for a working woman presents her angst with a frank humor that is still hilarious.
The original I Hate to Cook Book manuscript—a truly funny and revealing look at the changing domestic roles of American women, as well as a collection of easy recipes—was turned down by many male editors who worried it would offend women. It went on to sell over 3 million copies. Sassy and smart, Bracken’s cookbooks are destined for the collector’s shelf.
Advertising executive, copywriter and self-described humorist, Bracken died in 2007 at the age of 89.
***************************************
1950
**************************************
Betty Crocker
The ubiquitous Miss Crocker, arguably the most famous American culinary icon, was actually invented in 1921 when a General Mills ad in the Saturday Evening Post elicited over 30,000 responses requesting recipes and asking for baking help. Who was the perfect person to answer all these letters? A homey sounding first name was added to the last name of company director, William Crocker, and Betty was born, a bouncing 30-something homemaker, filled with good cheer and cooking savvy. An authoritative yet friendly signature for signing the letters was chosen from employee handwriting samples via a company contest.
Morphing in her image portraits from a grey-haired baking expert to a contemporary cookery professional, Betty has sold over 60 million books since her full-length debut of the 1950s Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book. The book set the standard for all of Betty’s (and many other authors’) future works, which were designed to make cooking easy, accessible, fun and unfussy, as she reliably remains today.
Betty Crocker’s contributions to American cooking are so prolific and iconic, a recent “biography” of Betty documents her success.
********************************************
Manufacturers’ booklets and pamphlets
With the introduction of processed foods in the late 1800s, food manufacturers cooked up a new way to introduce their brands in a national marketplace: advertising pamphlets and booklets. Appliance and cookware manufacturers (mixers, refrigerators, stoves, pressure cookers, etc.) also found informative, inexpensive recipe booklets an effective way to instruct and inspire new users on the successful use of their products. For more than a century, these little publications have served as a mainstay promotional tool for introducing products and building brands old and new.
*********************************
1943 Guide to good meals under wartime conditions of rationing and food shortages
*****************************************
Charity cookbooks
Charity cookbooks are commonly referred to as fundraiser or community cookbooks, or as “spirals.” Regardless of what they are called, charity cookbooks are collections of recipes that have been published in America as fundraisers, for over 140 years, by churches, schools, service groups and other fraternal and cultural organizations.
While there are many commercially successful cookbooks that began as fundraisers, like The Settlement Cookbook and Junior League cookbooks, there are many more that were published in very small quantities or that were created by the hands of volunteers themselves, using whatever methods and resources they could muster (typewriters, mimeographs and copiers).
Cover and interior art is sometimes commercial clip-art, but the more endearing examples feature the artistic expressions of inspired volunteers, as is the case with the charity cookbook Like Mama Used to Make. There are many qualities that make a fundraiser cookbook desirable, not the least of which is the preservation of regional recipes. Also, look for books that are older (pre-1940s) and feature:
Local advertisements
Contributors noted by name
Anecdotes or historical information
Photos of local buildings
Handwritten recipes
Contributions by celebrities
Unusual or interesting bindings
Handmade or have exceptional illustrations

The category of charity cookbooks offers a special appeal for collectors, telling the personal stories of different eras, cultures, regions and the people who contributed to them. As you read through the recipes, essays, poems and anecdotes, you get to know the communities and the period in which these books were created.
****************************************
1967 Includes Sonny&Cher,The Monkees,The Hermits,Rolling Stones,and more.
*************************************

Focus your collection on a particular sub-category or passion. This might be anything from a collection of cookbooks from your region to a collection about confections, cakes or cocktails. From a buyer’s point of view, focused and complete collections are more desirable than a disparate gaggle of books. From a collector’s perspective, it will make your treasure hunting more manageable.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

The Clue of The Broken Locket


Excerpt: Nancy caught a glimpse of Ruth Brown disappearing into the car. Her suitcase was handed up after her.
Nancy flung herself out of the automobile, intending to board the train herself. But she was to late. It began to move, rapidly picking up speed.
"Don't try to board!" Bess called frantically, fearful lest Nancy recklessly might attempt it.
"There goes Ruth Brown again", George groaned. "Such Luck!"
Nancy lost no time in bemoaning the situation. She turned and ran into the station,but was back again in an instant, hurling herself into the driver's seat.
"That woman bought a ticket to River Heights!" she informed them tensely. "Are you girls game for a speedy ride?"


********** ********** ********** **********
Did you read the Nancy Drew Mystery series as an adolescent? I did and what a way to get involved in a good mystery. Especially since the detective Nancy Drew was a teen that always solved the mystery. I really can't remember how I was introduced to the Nancy Drew series but I sure was hooked. I spent many an hour one summer at the library reading these books, lost in the mystery and trying to solve the mystery before the book did. I so enjoyed being in the world of the story, I never shared the discovery of these books with my friends because I didn't want them to spoil my time lost in that world. How selfish !!! The funny part is apparently the character rubbed off on me because many friends made the comment that I should grow up to be a detective. To this day I still love a good mystery when I have a chance to read one, which isnt often enough.
Well I've finally matured enough that now I am ready to share the joy of these novels. I recently aquired these and have them available in the shop. I have the early copies from the 1930's thru the 1950's. These editions are interesting because the wording and language are what we would consider old fashion. These Novels were updated and rewritten thru the years for a more modern perspective. I enjoy and prefer the way they were originally written. Come by,get one or more,enjoy a good easy read or share with a young one near and dear to your heart. I guarantee you/they will enjoy and possibly become temporarily lost in them like I did.
********** ********** ********** **********
Did you know the author name Carolyn Keene is a pseudonym (AKA). Many different authors became involved thru the years including daughters of the publisher. The first author was Mildred Wirt Benson and here is a brief biography:
As the author of the original Nancy Drew series of mystery novels, Mildred Wirt Benson (aka Carolyn Keene) shot to fame penning thrilling tales concerning a fearless and stylish teen detective who never failed to get to the bottom of the case. Born in Ladora, Iowa, Benson was the first person to receive a master's in journalism from the University of Iowa, in 1927. As a reporter who never backed down from a challenge, the future author laid the foundation for a literary creation that would enthrall generations and inspire numerous adaptations even after Keene herself halted writing Nancy Drew adventures. Paid 125 dollars per tome and receiving no royalties for the books or their resulting spin-offs, Benson continued to write novels (including the Penny Parker mysteries) and work as a reporter, all the while bound by an agreement with the publisher to keep her identity as the originator of Nancy Drew secret. Though her shrouded identity remained uncovered for years, she was finally revealed as the originator of the series when one of the publisher's daughters attempted to take credit and Keene was forced to testify in 1980. Working tirelessly well into her nineties, the tough writer wasn't slowed by failing eyesight, and even returned to her desk a day after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 1997. After going into semi-retirement in 2002 (at the age of 96), Benson died shortly after being struck ill at her Toledo Blade desk.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

One Hundred Years Ago 1911

The year is 1911 --- One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1911:

************ ********* ************

The average life expectancy for men was 47 years.


Fuel for a Ford Model T was sold in drug stores only.


Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.


Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.


There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.


The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.


The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower !


The average US wage in 1910 was 22 cents per hour.


The average US worker made between $200 and $400 per year ..


A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
A dentist $2,500 per year,

a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year,

and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.


More than 95 percent of all births took place at home .


Ninety percent of all Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which
were condemned in the press AND the government as "substandard."

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month,
and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from
entering into their country for any reason.

The Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars...

The population of Las Vegas , Nevada , was only 30!!!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.

There was neither a Mother's Day nor a Father's Day.

Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write and only 6 percent
of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter
at the local corner drugstores.

Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion,
gives buoyancy to the mind, Regulates the stomach and bowels,
and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health!"
( Shocking? )

Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help .......

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A. !

Friday, July 8, 2011

Some generic info about vintage TOY ROBOTS you might not know


This tin plate, circa 1960s Robotank-Z space robot is fully functional with flashing lights and retracting machine guns. In mint condition with original box, the robot is marked "Made by T.N. Made in Japan."




1. Toys were being made in Japan before World War II broke out, but it was after the war ended that Japan seized the opportunity to use industries like toy manufacturing to strengthen its struggling economy

2. The first toy robot (a windup) is believed to be Japan’s Robot Lilliput – believed by some to have been made as early as 1938, while others think it was in post-war1940s – this was quickly followed by the unveiling of the more well-known Atomic Robot Man. This robot was given out at the New York Sci-fi convention in 1950.

3. The design of many Japanese robots of the 1950s was significantly influenced by the world’s fascination with space exploration, at the peak of the Space Race.

4. For collectors toy robots bring their own challenge of authentication – as many robots made in Japan have an American company logo – which doesn’t accurately identify who made it

5. In 1950, prior to the electronics and toy push, only 1 percent of products imported to the U.S were made in Japan. In 2010, 6.4 percent of U.S. imports came from Japan – with automobiles topping the list.

6. Japan’s toy robot makers were “going green” long before it became the movement it is today – and at the time it was out of economic necessity that they would use tin cans cast off by plants used to make tuna cans or powdered milk cans, to make smaller toy robots

7. One of the pioneer companies of Japanese toy robot production was the Tokyo Toy Industry Group.

8. Japanese toy makers were the first to use battery-operated motors in their toys – taking toys beyond clockwork operation


Standing 12 inches high, this marked Made in Japan robot has a host of special features. As the space man walks his chest pops down and a video action screen appears then closes.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Fenton Art Glass

If you are a lover/collector of vintage/current Fenton Art Glass---now may be the time to purchase as much as possible.

Posted by Antique Trader Staff


WILLIAMSTOWN, W. Va. - After 106 years of continual production, the Fenton Art Glass Company announced Wednesday it is ending production of its collectible and giftware glass products and is exploring the sale of its equipment and other assets. The company has faced financial challenges since its restructuring in 2007, and recent developments combined to force the shutdown of its traditional glassmaking business.

“The market for our pressed and blown glassware has diminished,” company President George Fenton said. “We cannot sustain the overhead costs. Our employees have worked hard and efficiently, so this is a very sad day for us. Shortly, we will begin the process of shutting down our main furnace. Remaining employees will be finishing existing glassware from the company’s inventory that will be available through the Fenton Gift Shop as well as the company’s web site and Fenton dealers across the country.”

As a part of winding down the traditional business, Fenton Art Glass is exploring the sales of one or more product lines.

“We know that our many customers and friends will have questions,” Fenton said. “Our website will be updated regularly beginning the week of July 11.”

Inquiries regarding sales of equipment and other assets should be directed to Fenton Art Glass at its asset management service.

Management at the Fenton Gift Shop is evaluating the impact of the termination of traditional glassmaking at Fenton Art Glass. “The Fenton Gift Shop is in discussions with Fenton Art Glass, the glass manufacturing company, to provide customers with a wide range of samples and special decorations as well as final quantities of limited edition pieces,” said Randall Fenton, President of the Fenton Gift Shop. “The annual Tent Sale in Williamstown starts Friday, and the Fenton Gift Shop and the outlet store in Flatwoods, West Virginia, remain open.”

Founded as a decorating company in Martins Ferry, Ohio, in May 1905 by brothers Frank L. Fenton and John W. Fenton, the Fenton Art Glass Co. constructed its factory in Williamstown during the fall of 1906. The first glass pieces were made there on January 2, 1907. During its 106-year history, Fenton introduced the first iridescent ware, now known as “Carnival glass,” as well as classic patterns such as Hobnail and a wide variety of handmade colored art glass as limited editions.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Salvaged Bicycle parts and Corrugated Building parts


Just some Inspiration




A Bicycle Garden in Queens New York













And how about this Watch Dog for some relaxing in a swing? Made of salvaged corrugated building parts.




Art can be fun,weird,obscure,dark,but mostly inspiring. These made me smile so I wanted to share. Have an Inspired Day