AMERICA SEDUCED part 1

Since the late 1780's, when the first tobacco ad's started to appear, tobacco manufacturers were pioneers of advertising and marketing. They actually revolutionized the American Way of doing business. The strength of tobacco advertising is in the imagery and the power of suggestion. It began in the 1880s with alluring poster art. In tobacco shops the "American Girl" adorned their walls--an Enchantress.

The innocent looking images in tobacco advertising were part of the new wave of product promotion, such as premiums for purchasing their merchandise. Tins, tin tags, labels, insert cards including the first baseball cards, mini silk rugs, etc. Which is what helped to transform America into a nation of smokers by 1900.

Lets go back further in the history of tobacco and America.

Tobacco and America discovered at the same time?
The boat crew Columbus sent forth in 1492 to explore the island of Guahani (later renamed San Salvador) saw some of the native islanders carrying small lighted "firebrands" in which they burned a "strange herb" and inhaled.

The "strange herb" is first believed to have been taken to Europe around the mid 1500's over a half century later. Spain to be exact, where it was cultivated for medicinal and ornamental purposes. It then made its journey throughout Europe. Deemed as one of the wonders of the world.

Colonial America
England was the first country in Europe to truly adopt smoking. The demand
became so great that attention was turned to the new colonies for the growing of tobacco. Jamestown,Virginia a colonial settlement supposedly is where it began. History claims that John Rolfe was the first white man to cultivate tobacco successfully. He made it his principal crop of the his plantation,Varnia, on the James River, to which he took his bride, Pochohontas, the daughter of Chief Powhatan.

Virginians saw that the Indians regarded tobacco second in importance only to the corn crop. Gifts of tobacco accompanied the native's friendship. The peace pipe as we call it today was shared often. The cigarette was as yet unknown.

Growing and cultivating tobacco successfully is what established Virginia as a colony and the opportunity to provide and exchange goods with the mother country England where demand was great.

Cigar Store Indian
Since tobacco was regarded as a gift by native American's to the new colonies it does seem natural to use the image of an Indian to market your product to the masses. Tobacco shops across America used the image in front of their businesses. What other symbol could of been more representative than this figure to stand in the shadow of their doorways.

Wooden Indians in their approximate 30 year period of peak popularity (between 1850-1880), were mass produced for that time period of our history. It is estimated that from 80,000 to 100,000 cigar store figures were cast or carved in the United States. It is believed there are less than 3,000 that survive today.

Modernization-Demise of the Cigar Store Indian

The demise of cigar store Indians came slowly. They simply became a burden. Shop owners probably grew tired of lugging and pushing the heavy figures around. Many were taken to the city dumps, others thrown into rivers, and some became firewood. The rest were vandalized, stolen or rotted away. Since most were outside they tended to rot if made of wood despite periodically pouring linseed oil down a special hole drilled in the figure's head.

Mostly it was the new improved way of marketing tobacco that was needed so the Cigar Shop Indian began to disappear.

This is a three part look at Tobacco,the manufacturers ingenious promotions,and the ongoing struggle to ban smoking. Stay tuned for the next two parts!!

PYROGRAPHY

Pyrography - from the Greek meaning 'fire writing' - is an ancient and unusual art. The effect is produced by burning the surface of a wood panel to various depths of brown to make a picture, giving a similar effect to that of a pen and ink drawing, but is capable of additional subtle and beautiful effects. They were done by the application of steel tools heated over a charcoal fire. Often light carving was used to heighten the effect or to give light lines on a dark background. Great skill was required for the finest work as the method was so difficult. Man has probably used this technique since the discovery of fire and making hand tools.
Today we are going to discover what you find the most of in this Art Form, which is during the Victorian Era and until about 1930's. It appears that the Victorian Era is when this Art Form was most desired and practiced. Most likely because new tools were developed and promoted for performing this work. Women's magazines of the time promoted it as do it yourself projects, offering lessons and mail order catalogues for supplies needed.

As this postcard shows they used materials besides wood such as leather.

This video shows a beautiful piece of furniture done in the Art Form of Pyrography. As a long time collector myself you don't know how bad I wish I had discovered this piece instead of this lady and had the piece in my home. Plus the fact that it was under appreciated by the Antique Shop where it was purchased blows my mind. I agree with the appraisal amount for somewhere such as New York,Chicago etc, but sadly in our area probably the retail value would be anywhere from $900.00 to $2000.00.

Watch Appraisal: Pyrographic Folk Art Wardrobe, ca. 1910 on PBS. See more from Antiques Roadshow.

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Now you can view some of what we have available currently:

Chair

Boxes one with natural tinting

Plaques,Frame,Tie and Pipe Rack

Bowl

small Boxes

Souvenier Tray

Book Rack

Sheet Music Cabinet & Lion Chair

Vintage Green

A great example of vintage green is how they used feedsacks. If the word “feedsack” conjures thoughts of burlap, then you probably weren’t around before 1960. From the mid-1920s through the beginning of the 1960s, products bought in bulk such as flour, sugar, and animal feed were packaged in colorful printed cotton sacks.

Sack packaging first appeared in the 19th century, but those sacks were made from white or unbleached muslin. Even so, the sacks were saved and reused, or they were cut and sewn into clothing and household goods.

The printed and colored sacks came about as part of a clever marketing scheme. Someone at one of the many sack factories realized that they could sell more bulk products if their sacks were colorfully printed. The idea was that repeat customers would choose printed sacks if they needed extra fabric to match a sack they already had.

The plan was successful, and soon printed sacks were commonly used as packaging. Consumers loved them and before long many Americans were using feedsacks to make everything from aprons to underwear. One 100-pound sack was large enough to make a simple blouse, but it took at least three to make a dress. Sack manufacturers even distributed booklets with suggestions for using the material in different ways.

Women would trade sacks with neighbors in order to get matching ones, or they would take a favored print with them as they went to the mill or store in the hopes of finding a match. Often the town bakery would sell its extra flour and sugar sacks.

Today, many people associate feedsacks with the Depression, but they were also very much in use during World War II, when textiles were rationed.

All through the years that they were produced, feedsacks were saved and used. To have not saved them would have seemed extremely wasteful.

In the late 1950s, many mills turned to less expensive paper sacks, and by the early 1960s, cloth sacks were pretty much a thing of the past.

TRAMP ART

I have loved and collected so called "Tramp Art" for many years. There are many misconceptions as to what it is and very little written historical facts about it. That however doesn't slow my passion for it, it just intriques and speaks to me. There are artists today that have taken up this art form again. I have found this video and decided to share it and include photos of some pieces we currently have available for sale.


Definition:
Tramp Art is a style of wood carving that flourished in the United States from the mid 1870s until the 1930s and is characterized by ornate layered whittling often of recycled cigar boxes or fruit crates with the outside edges of each layer being notch or chip carved.

Tramp Art

Box with porcelain decor added

Picture Frame

Box with glass top

Cross

Box multi levels

Jewelry Box Chest

History of Valentines Day

I've included some pictures of Antique and Vintage Valentines.

Show some Local Love by shopping Local at your communities
Independent Businesses

Valentines Day--LOCAL LOVE

Well here is the key to unlock some LOCAL LOVE.

Valentines Day is fast approaching us so if out and about shopping for that special someone please consider to show some Local Love by shopping Local at the Independent Businesses in your community. I have also added some choices for our local area so click on links!

Perhaps a Local Florist
https://www.facebook.com/budsinbloom?fref=ts

Maybe a Local Bakery
http://www.rookiescookies.net/

If you dare a Local Jeweler
https://www.facebook.com/Koerbers

How about a Local Coffee Shop http://quillscoffee.com/
or dining at a Local Restaurant
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/exchangepubkitchen

Possibly some Local custom made Artisan Perfume https://www.facebook.com/VetiverAromatics


Whatever your special someone would love its out there so visit the above mentioned or consider;
a Winery https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/RiverCityWinery?fref=ts,
Clothing Boutique https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mariposa-Consignments/121581384629272?ref=ts&fref=ts,
Bookstore https://www.facebook.com/newalbanybooks,
Brewery https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Albanian-Brewing-Company/327922561149,
Antiques https://www.facebook.com/AntiquesAttic?ref=hl,
Art https://www.facebook.com/westudiogallery,
Eclectic Stores https://www.facebook.com/TheOpalGypsys
or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Earths-Art/211546812279529
and on and on the list could go!!

GO BE LOCAL and show some LOCAL LOVE

A "Flappers" Dictionary

During the Roaring 20s of the last century, young ladies took on a new, and for the time radical, lifestyle. These were the years following World War I and prior to The Great Depression. It was the jazz age and the ladies were taking full advantage in daring new ways. Illegal bootleg hooch was all the rage, with hide-away flasks an important fashion accessory. Smoking cigarettes became a statement of liberation. Hemlines were going up and, according to some, morals were going down.

It was all a reaction to what women perceived as stifling control placed over them by the male of the species. This magazine catered to the movement.

The July 1922 edition of Flapper contained “A Flappers’ Dictionary.”
The dictionary went into some detail, listing the group’s slang and providing definitions. In the process, it also provided an insight: through the slang we can begin to discern attitudes and priorities and the mindset of the adherents. And the adherents, after all, were our grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Who knew?

A Flappers Dictionary (Slang)

Absent Treatment—Dancing with a bashful partner.

Airedale—A homely man.

Alarm Clock—Chaperone.

Anchor—Box of flowers.

Apple Knocker—A hick; a hay-shaker.

Apple Sauce--Flattery; bunk.

Barlow—A girl, a flapper, a chicken.

Bank’s Closed—No petting allowed; no kisses.

Barneymugging—Lovemaking.

Bee’s Knees—See “Cat’s Pajamas”

Bell Polisher—A young man addicted to lingering in vestibules at 1 a.m.

Bean Picker—One who patches up trouble and picks up spilled beans.

Berry Patch—A man’s particular interest in a girl.

Berries—Great.

Biscuit—A pettable flapper.

Big Timer—(n. masc.)—A charmer able to convince his sweetie that a jollier thing would be to get a snack in an armchair lunchroom; a romantic.

Billboard—Flashy man or woman.

Blushing Violet—A publicity hound.

Blouse—To go.

Blow—Wild party.

Blaah—No good.

Boob Tickler—Girl who entertains father’s out-of-town customers.

Brush Ape—Anyone from the sticks; a country Jake.

Brooksy—Classy dresser

Bust—A man who makes his living in the prize ring, a pugilist.

Bun Duster—See “Cake Eater”.

Bush Hounds—Rustics and others outside of the Flapper pale.

Cancelled Stamp—A wallflower.

Cake Basket—A limousine.

Cake Eater—See “Crumb Gobbler”

Cat’s Particulars—The acme of perfection; anything that’s good

Cat’s Pajamas—Anything that’s good

Cellar Smeller—A young man who always turns up where liquor is to be had without cost.

Clothesline—One who tells neighborhood secrets.

Corn Shredder—Young man who dances on a girl’s feet.

Crepe Hanger—Reformer.

Crumb Gobbler—Slightly sissy tea hound.

Crasher—Anyone who comes to parties uninvited.

Crashing Party—Party where several young men in a group go uninvited.

Cuddle Cootie—Young man who takes a girl for a ride on a bus, gas wagon or automobile.

Cuddler—One who likes petting.

Dapper—A flapper’s father.

Dewdropper—Young man who does not work, and sleeps all day.

Dincher—A half-smoked cigarette.

Dingle Dangler—One who insists on telephoning.

Dipe Ducat—A subway ticket.

Dimbox—A taxicab.

Di Mi—Goodness.

Dogs—Feet.

Dog Kennels—Pair of shoes.

Dropping the Pilot—Getting a divorce.

Dumbdora—Stupid girl.

Duck’s Quack—The best thing ever.

Ducky—General term of approbation.

Dud—Wallflower.

Dudding Up—Dressing.

Dumbbell-Wall flower with little brains.

Dumkuff—General term for being “nutty” or “batty”.

Edisoned—Being asked a lot of questions.

Egg Harbor—Free dance.

Embalmer—A bootlegger.

Eye Opener—A marriage.

Father Time—Any man over 30 years of age.

Face Stretcher—Old maid who tries to look younger.

Feathers—Light conversation.

Fire Extinguisher—A chaperone.

Finale Hopper—Young man who arrives after everything is paid for.

Fire Alarm—Divorced woman.

Fire Bell—Married woman.

Flap—Girl

Flat Shoes—Fight between a Flapper and her Goof

Fluky—Funny, odd, peculiar; different.

Flatwheeler—Slat shy of money; takes girls to free affairs.

Floorflusher—Inveterate dance hound.

Flour Lover—Girl who powders too freely.

Forty-Niner—Man who is prospecting for a rich wife.

Frog’s Eyebrows—Nice, fine.

Gander—Process of duding up.

Green Glorious—Money and checks.

Gimlet—A chronic bore.

Given the Air—When a girl or fellow is thrown down on a date.

Give Your Knee—Cheek-to-cheek or toe-to-toe dancing.

Goofy—To be in love with, or attracted to. Example: “I’m goofy about Jack.”

Goat’s Whiskers—See “Cat’s Particulars”

Goof—Sweetie.

Grummy—In the dumps, shades or blue.

Grubber—One who always borrows cigarettes.

Handcuff—Engagement ring.

Hen Coop—A beauty parlor.

His Blue Serge—His sweetheart.

Highjohn—Young man friend; sweetie, cutey, highboy.

Hopper—Dancer.

Houdini—To be on time for a date.

Horse Prancer—See “Corn Shredder”.

Hush Money—Allowance from father.

Jane—A girl who meets you on the stoop.

Johnnie Walker—Guy who never hires a cab.

Kluck—Dumb, but happy.

Lap—Drink.

Lallygagger—A young man addicted to attempts at hallway spooning.

Lens Louise—A person given to monopolizing conversation.

Lemon Squeezer—An elevator.

Low Lid—The opposite of highbrow.

Mad Money—Carfare home if she has a fight with her escort.

Meringue—Personality.

onog—A young person of either sex who is goofy about only one person at a time.

Monologist—Young man who hates to talk about himself.

Mustard Plaster—Unwelcome guy who sticks around.

Munitions—Face powder and rouge.

Mug—To osculate or kiss.

Necker—A petter who puts her arms around a boy’s neck.

Noodle Juice—Tea.

Nosebaggery—Restaurant.

Nut Cracker—Policeman’s nightstick.

Obituary Notice—Dunning letter.

Oilcan—An imposter.

Orchid—Anything that is expensive.

Out on Parole—A person who has been divorced.

Petting Pantry—Movie.

Petting Party—A party devoted to hugging.

Petter—A loveable person; one who enjoys to caress.

Pillow Case—Young man who is full of feathers.

Police Dog—Young man to whom one is engaged.

Potato—A young man shy of brains.

Ritzy Burg—Not classy.

Ritz—Stuck-up.

Rock of Ages—Any woman over 30 years of age.

Rug Hopper—Young man who never takes a girl out. A parlor hound.

Sap—A Flapper term for floorflusher.

Scandal—A short term for Scandal Walk.

Scandaler—A dance floor fullback. The interior of a dreadnaught hat, Piccadilly shoes with open plumbing, size 13.

Seetie—Anybody a flapper hates.

Sharpshooter—One who spends much and dances well.

Shifter—Another species of flapper.

Show Case—Rich man’s wife with jewels.

Sip—Flapper term for female Hopper.

Slimp—Cheapskate or “one way guy”.

Smith Brothers—Guys who never cough up.

Smoke Eater—A girl cigarette user.

Smooth—Guy who does not keep his word.

Snake—To call a victim with vampire arms.

Snuggleup—A man fond of petting and petting parties.

Sod Buster—An undertaker.

Stilts—Legs.

Stander—Victim of a female grafter.

Static—Conversations that mean nothing.

Strike Breaker—A young woman who goes with her friend’s “Steady” while there is a coolness.

Swan—Glide gracefully.

Tomato—A young woman shy of brains.

Trotzky (sic)—Old lady with a moustache and chin whiskers.

Umbrella—young man any girl can borrow for the evening.

Urban Set—Her new gown.

Walk In—Young man who goes to a party without being invited.

Weasel—Girl stealer.

Weed—Flapper who takes risks.

Whangdoodle—Jazz-band music.

Whiskbroom—Any man who wears whiskers.

Wind Sucker—Any person given to boasting.

Wurp—Killjoy or drawback.

Tokens for Sweethearts

A keepsake, an item that recognizes a loved one, strikes a deep, sentimental chord in each of us—particularly that of a sweetheart. The popularity of keepsakes grew in the United States during the period from 1917 to 1919 as our country entered the “War to End all Wars,” and again during World War II from 1941 to 1946. The pins, bracelets, buttons, banners, plaques, flags, posters, necklaces, and lockets gave those dealing with war on the home front a way to honor their loved ones while also showing patriotism for their country.

Why was sweetheart jewelry so important? Besides the obvious display of patriotism and loyalty by the wearer, sweetheart jewelry opened up new possibilities in fashion that were in line with wartime rationing. Manufacturers of jewelry were being limited in the use of metal, and they started exploring other materials such as plastics like Lucite, as well as pearl, wood, and even ivory.

One of the most popular pieces of sweetheart jewelry was the necklace with a locket. The locket had it all—beauty as well as purpose: It held a picture of a loved one close to the heart. While many emphasized this with their heart shape, sweetheart lockets can also be found in round and oval shapes—some lockets were even designed in the shape of a book. Sweetheart bracelets, generally worn by a husband, wife, girlfriend, or boyfriend of a person serving overseas, became prominent during World Wars I and II, too. I’m sad to say this practice faded mid-century, and there are very few necklace or bracelets in the market place recognizing men and women who served in the Korean or Vietnam conflicts.