How a thin little card found in a nightstand table can knock my socks off. I am so lucky to have friends that know my passion for history. I was grateful to have been invited on the walkthrough for this upcoming sale. While accessing the potential items to be found for the sale, I came across this business card from 1938. Michael Fiaschetti was a member of the Italian Squad and team of N.Y.C. Detectives formed to stop the Italian Mafia. It was dangerous work and even 5 years on the Squad was a long time. Much has been written about and by Mr Fiaschetti. This card once held by him shows how he started a second career as a private investigator. And this is just the start of my investigation. #found #history #newyorkcity #crime #policework #theitaliansquad #1930s #ephemeral #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds #dancingdogestatesales

How a thin little card found in a nightstand table can knock my socks off. I am so lucky to have friends that know my passion for history. I was grateful to have been invited on the walkthrough for this upcoming sale. While accessing the potential items to be found for the sale, I came across this business card from 1938. Michael Fiaschetti was a member of the Italian Squad and team of N.Y.C. Detectives formed to stop the Italian Mafia. It was dangerous work and even 5 years on the Squad was a long time. Much has been written about and by Mr Fiaschetti. This card once held by him shows how he started a second career as a private investigator. And this is just the start of my investigation. #history #newyorkcity #crime #policework #theitaliansquad #1930s #ephemeral #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds #dancingdogestatesales

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It isn’t just the book contents that holds the readers attention, it’s the book itself as a piece of history. I bought this 1905 book and had the feeling that there was something special about it. Among the 3 previous owners the one that it think is the most interesting (at the moment) is Ursula J Morgan. At the time when this book was in her possession, her uncle JP Morgan was building a Mansion in Sloatsburg NY. She would be married on the grounds of that 54 room mansion just 2 years after signing this book. None of this is verifiable, I could have written her name on the cover. However, I think the coincidence is too great to deny she had her hands on this book if even for a short time. #found #vintagebooks #bookcollecting #jomorgan #newyorkhistory #vintagenewyork #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds #cool #history

It isn’t just the book contents that holds the readers attention, it’s the book itself as a piece of history. I bought this 1905 book and had the feeling that there was something special about it. Among the 3 previous owners the one that it think is the most interesting (at the moment) is Ursula J Morgan. At the time when this book was in her possession, her uncle JP Morgan was building a Mansion in Sloatsburg NY. She would be married on the grounds of that 54 room mansion just 2 years after signing this book. None of this is verifiable, I could have written her name on the cover. However, I think the coincidence is too great to deny she had her hands on this book if even for a short time. #vintagebooks #bookcollecting #jomorgan #newyorkhistory #vintagenewyork #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds #cool #history

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Coincidence! The best kind in "Incident" Harriet Beecher Stowe

I was prepping an example of 19th century magic lantern slides using the story of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe. The story, written in the years leading up to the civil war revealed the hardships of the enslaved. It was very popular but also helped to solidify the polarization of the North and South. I also discovered two things that were personally interesting revelations. First, I had no idea that she was born here in Connecticut, and just a few towns away from me. Second, I had purchased a very old book at a sale recently because it was one the oldest I had seen (1819) and it involved someone from Cornwall Connecticut- a few towns away. I decided to give it a closer look. When I dug up the book in my collection I was stunned to find that it had been written by Harriet’s father Lyman Beecher! I can tell you from experience that if you dig in the past you are going to discover some very wild coincidences from time to time.

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Red Man Chewing Tobacco American Indian Chiefs trading cards

In 1954 every bag of Red Man Chewing Tobacco came with these collectors series of American Indian Chiefs trading cards. They are interesting little factoid sheets that provide some insight to the plight of many Indian tribes. Who the intended audience was remains a mystery. Men? Teens? Possibly the sons accompanying dad in his quest to die of cancer? The cards proudly state that these are Fun, Educational and Entertainment. Fortunately, Big League Chew would eventually provide a better example for those who need this oral fixation. #museum #urbanarcheology

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Free! But not really.

Free! But not really. Full color! But not right now. This ad from the 60s-70s is full of promise and yet somehow guaranteed to disappoint. I wonder how many fell for the bold graphics and alluring promise?
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My parents house in 1958

My parents house in 1958, before TV would become the centerpiece of the home. How many channels do you think it received? #Nostalgia #vintage #television #design #retro #tv #thewaywewere #foundastory #urbanarcheology #foundphotos #cool

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1938 ad for Grace Lines.

1938 ad for Grace Lines. 100% Pirate approved! How times - and Pirates - have changed. The Grace company began business in the mid-1800s as a shipping company and is the same Grace as WR Grace, a worldwide chemical and manufacturing conglomerate.
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Then One Foggy Christmas Eve...

The gifts are wrapped the stockings are stuffed and I am up at 1am because my favorite version of “A Christmas Carol” with Reginald Owen is on. The version of Rudolph is an odd one. Not the original 1949 pressing but one that was originally a 45 rpm and then redistributed as a 78 with a sticker added to cover up the 45. Another mystery to solve. This record couldn’t be broken “in normal use.” As it was missing from the sleeve, I am assuming something abnormal occurred.
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Late to the Party - RIP Johnny Winter

Went looking for a story yesterday....and a sale at the estate of blues rock guitarist Johnny Winter (died 2014). There was little evidence of his long successful career except for a mic stand and a wooden road case with a “J” carved on it. I noticed a collection of science fiction and fantasy paperbacks. This one had a bookmark with some words that could make a good song verse for the blues. I think it makes a good story for my next public presentation.
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