Leader Board Ad

Friday, December 27, 2019

1938 ad for Grace Lines.

#vintageads #advertising #illustration #cruises #carribean #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds.
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.
from Instagram

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Then One Foggy Christmas Eve...

#vinyl #vintagerecords #rudolphtherednosedreindeer #christmas #geneautry #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology
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.
from Instagram

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Late to the Party - RIP Johnny Winter

#music #bluesrock #johnnywinter #estatesale #publicspeaking #lyrics #aldoushuxley #foundastory #urbanarcheology
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.
from Instagram

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Pearl Harbor December 7th 1941. A date which shall live in infamy.

#collectibles #alcohol #jimbeam #pearlharbor #foundastor #remember. #urbanarcheology.
Pearl Harbor December 7th 1941. A date which shall live in infamy.

from Instagram

This is for my friends in Newtown.

#postcards #nostalgia #connecticut #newtown #hawleymanor #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds.
This is for my friends in Newtown. I know this is a sore subject because this Inn, which I visited many times, eventually closed for economic reasons. I miss it terribly but like all history buffs, I miss what it represents - a time when things were simpler and change wasn’t a concern. Change really does stink sometimes. I think this postcard is from the 1970s or early 80s.

from Instagram

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Eisenhower Late for this Post

#button #campaigncollectibles #eisenhower #foundastory #estatesalefinds #urbanarcheology
I wanted to post this on Election Day but, as you may have guessed, Eisenhower or more late.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Found films! Detroit V Yankees late 1930s

#foundfilms #sports #newyorkyankees #baseball #vintagesports #bronxbombers #sportshistory #baseballnostalgia #detroittigers #16mm #foundastory #estatesalefinds #urbanarcheology
Found films! This is a discoveryI am really excited about viewing. To visit Yankee stadium today with a camera is pfft! No big deal. In the 1930s or 40’s....with a 16mm home movie camera!? Holy Cow! I’m not sure of the year and can only guess once I see players numbers or cars in the lot. It is definitely pre 1960s. What am I waiting for!? To be continued.....

from Instagram

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Things found in books: exhibit 11a - The New York Exchange for Women’s Work.

#thingsfoundinbooks #civilwar #newyorkcity #bookmarks #foundastory #history #womenatwork #Earlyentrepreneurs #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds
Things found in books: exhibit 11a - The New York Exchange for Women’s Work. The Civil War pitted brother against brother with the result being a multitude of War widows. This affected the rich and poor and everyone in between. In New York City many women who were familiar with the high life before the war, found themselves with no husband and no support.

Unable to enter whatever jobs there were for women at the time, it seemed as thought there was no where for them to turn. That was until 2 ladies saw the problem and felt the best solution was an exchange. Exchanges had been around since the 1830s and were a kind of thrift store featuring knitted items and baked goods made by the war widows.

As you can see from the card, a store front on Fifth avenue was probably a guarantee for success. In time, it would be, but not without loans from wealthy providers as a sort of bridge during the lean times. This particular exchange was not unique, there were many others like it around the country. It really succeeded when a restaurant was added making it the place to be seen.

What’s really amazing is that my research revealed that this exchange survived 125 years. It closed in 2003 when the expense of doing business in New York City became cost prohibitive. It’s a shame we don’t read as much as we used to. There is a lot you can learn by opening a book.

Thursday, October 31, 2019

This belongs in a Museum!

#Halloween #costume #indianajones #publicspeaking #urbanarcheology #newmilford #foundastory
This belongs in a Museum! I performed my dug up/Stand up routine for a crowd of 30 or more at the New Milford Senior Center. I donned my Indiana Jones outfit and revealed some of my favorite stories from the tag sale trail as part of their Halloween festivities. Foolishly I forgot to hand someone a camera to take pictures- so this is all you get for Halloween. Tip: Stay away from the Antique candy.


Tuesday, October 29, 2019

In the Navy!

#ephemera #military #navy #recruitment #vintagemilitary #foundastory #urbanarcheology
In the Navy! Death and taxes are not the only certainties in life - there’s also recruitment. If I am reading the code at the bottom correctly, this could be from 1928. Given the skills they offer, that’s an accurate assumption.


Sunday, October 27, 2019

Press the button set for a true mystery.

#mystery #helprequest #buttons #spaceprogram #mercury foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds
Press this button set for a true mystery. I may have found some very rare buttons, but need your help. So far, I have found only places where these were listed for sale. Neither one gave any kind of in-depth description- only a high price due to the vintage reference to space. Have you ever seen these before now? Where could they have come from? They are about the size of a quarter. But have no other markers.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

A True Bathroom Break

#bottledigging #privydigging #dumping #urbanarcheology #foundastory #photography #treasurehunt #history #connecticut
Call it what you want - outhouse, potty, privy - to a bottle digger this is a potential gold mine. Now, how do I get permission to get in there and dig?


Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Matchbook Monday - The Motion Picture.

#matchbook #matchbookmonday #startrek #trekkie #smoking #movies #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology
Matchbook Monday! To boldly dig....  I grew up watching Star Trek in syndication - it was all we had. Lost in Space was too hokey for me. The British imports “UFO” and “Space 1999” had their place (God Bless the Andersons), but Star Trek was special. It reminds me of Saturday late afternoons that seemed to last forever and eventually melt into a delicious fog of Chinese take out odors wafting through the kitchen.

The movie was a big deal, but Star Wars was tough to follow and this movie seemed like a poor effort with little action and cheap special effects. Still, it made 3 times its budget at the box office. I am never disappointed when I see a collection of matchbooks at a sale. I know there will always be at least one stand out. Even if the movie wasn’t great, it launched a series of enjoyable films and refreshed careers that deserved a second chance.

Smoking, even in 1979, seems highly illogical.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

The New Milford Historical Society has a new member...Me!



#volunteerism #newmilfordhistoricalsociety #newmilfordct #history #goodpeople


I am officially installed on the board of the New Milford Historical Society. These were some of the images I shot at the annual meeting/dinner where myself and another member were voted in by the members. As photographer, I failed to take a picture of myself, but it wasn't about m.e Happy to serve and preserve local history.


Friday, October 4, 2019

A Visit to Bethel Public Library to Present on my Favorite Topic.

#publicspeaking #bethelpubliclibrary #connecticut #history #connecticuthistory #standup #foundastory #urbanarcheology
Tonight I made my live debut at the Bethel Public Library to a crowd of 15 interested history hunters. Most were just interested in the history I’ve hunted and that’s ok. My favorite part is the opportunity after to chat with the audience - answer questions and hear about what interests them. 10/10 would do again, and again.


Sunday, September 29, 2019

Early Photoshop fail?

#postcards #wildwoodnj #vacation #holiday #vintage #newjersey #urbanarcheology #foundastory #estatesalefinds
Early Photoshop fail? - no! Just an innocent postcard from Wildwood New Jersey in 1914. Or, maybe that is the largest female bather the world has ever seen - someone get PT Barnum on the wireless- quick! The note isn’t really scandalous, but I wonder who the “boys in the white pants” are...Maybe just men of good humor?


Friday, September 27, 2019

Pick of the week - The Bronx Zoo before it was the Bronx Zoo

#vintagebooks #bronxzoo #memoriesofnewyork #zoo #vintagemaps #newtownct #connecticuthistory #newtownhistory #coolfinds #urbanarcheology #foundastory #estatesalefinds
Pick of the week - that you can visit: The Bronx Zoo!  Many vintage books - this one about to be an antique - are much more interesting when signed by the owner. In this case Newtown’s own Mary Hawley. She took a trip on Thanksgiving Day in 1920 to what is still today the largest metropolitan zoo in the world.


Now called the Bronx Zoo (insert thoughtful cheer here) it was the required destination for elementary school students in a 50 + mile radius. At least it was when I went there - pretty sure my lunch cooler is still there in the lost and found waiting for me.

Mary is known for donating money and property to Newtown, among those properties is the Edmund Town Hall. Named for her father and the source of some confusion over the years, I am sure. Where is Newtown's Town Hall? In the Edmund Town Hall! Is that in the town of Edmund? And so on...

 


Monday, September 23, 2019

Coming To The Bethel Public Library - Live Hidden History!

#liveperformance #bethelpubliclibrary #urbanarcheology #connecticutevents #realamericanpicker #foundastory #estatesalefinds
Wow! The description written for my next live performance (Oct 3rd 6pm at the Bethel Library in CT) has me listed as a “Real” American Picker - I hope those “other” guys don’t read this. I have to admit that I don’t know which I enjoy more...finding these treasures, or sharing them before a live audience.

from Instagram

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Two things are certain in this world- Death and Awesome Tax Stamps

#ephemera #stampcollecting #taxes #connecticut #connecticuthistory #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds
Found at a Danbury CT moving sale today. Thought it was a wry commentary on the State’s tax law rollercoaster week. Truthfully, I would like to know what year this stamp came into use. Others like it - Elevator inspection -for example have the year as part of the stamp. Despite the subject-matter I think these are neat!

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Matchbook Monday presents the “what’s in a name edition”.

#matchbook #matchbookmonday #travel #newyorkcity #vintagenewyork #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology #collectibles
 The Statler Hotel in New York was built by the railroad across the street from Penn Station and named accordingly in 1919. Sold a number of times and in the 50s to Hilton, renaming it to the Statler Hilton. This landmark (unofficially) has also survived demolition several times. But how can you destroy the namesake of one of the Muppets? The hotel that was host to Faulkner and Castro? It’s most recent owner returned its name to the original title of Pennsylvania Hotel, but really? What’s in a name? The impressive part of the story is how this book of matches looks pretty darn good for a relic from 1936!

from Instagram

Saturday, September 14, 2019

The summer of coins.

#coin #coincollecting #numismatics #connecticut #history #money #antique #urbanarcheology #foundastory #estatesalefinds
This has been a summer of coins. This 1848 one cent coin spent 100 years and more in the ground and then another 26 in a zip loc bag with a rusty nail. That’s no way to treat lady liberty! It would be amazing to see what this coin saw in 1848. If only....
from Instagram

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Matchbook Monday: Southern Fried Matchbook

#matchbookmonday #kennedy #fortsumpter #vintagetravel #smoking #spies #wwii #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds
This hotel, which still stands today, is now all condos, but the structure is intact. If true, my favorite story from this hotel involves JFK sleeping with a Nazi spy in 1942. This was known and the spy’s actions were being recorded at all times. When Jack’s father Joe Kennedy heard the tapes, he got his son transferred to the Pacific theater. The rest they say is history, or a war conquest that at least sounded better on the campaign trail. The reproduction of the Charleston flower girl was a good piece of marketing -a good idea to be associated with an artist who was very well known in the south. I don’t know what happened to Ms Denmark, the Nazi spy. Maybe there’s a recording out there in someone’s attic?

from Instagram

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Old Homes are a Guaranteed good digging experience

#vintagestructures #turnofthecentury #architecture #historicdanbury #urbanarcheology #foundastory #estatesalefinds
Half the fun of digging in the past is the opportunity to visit homes like these. This one from 1899, for example.
from Instagram

Friday, September 6, 2019

Walt Disney Productions Application Circa 1940s-50s

#animation #vintagedisney #jobapplication #ephemera #animation #waltdisneystudios #foundastory #urbanarcheology
Going back in time to use this Walt Disney Productions application to apply for a job as an animator. This dates to the 1940s or 50s and is a true gem. Now- where did I leave that time machine?

My favorite part, which also helps to date this? Do you have an Vaudeville experience?


from Instagram

Monday, September 2, 2019

Smoking Premiums from the past 1910

#restoration #ephemera #collectorcards #cigarettetradingcards #fez #progression #smoking #vintagesmokes #vintagecigarettes #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds
Not Matchbook Monday- cigarette collector card - Monday. I bought a lot of these 1910 collector cards found inside Fez cigarettes which, unfortunately, had been glued in a scrapbook. Who would do such a thing? I set about attempting to restore them - using a special blend of glue dissolve (spit) and a fine x-acto knife. I don’t think I’ll win any awards for restoration but it satisfies me. Only 15 more to go.

from Instagram

Friday, August 30, 2019

Digging Deep in Westport CT and I think I reached Outer Space

#NASA #spaceexploration #collectible #ushistory #deepdigs #urbanarcheology #dancingdogestatesales #foundastory #estatesalefinds #hiddenhistory
Being an Urban Archeologist you have to keep digging with the knowledge that history may be hidden anywhere. The former home of the head of the FAA under Reagan ‘81 - ‘84 was also very involved in the Apollo program holding various management and executive positions with Bendiz Corporation - they developed the Lunar Rover -coolest SUV not in this world. These patches are some of the things I uncovered in a very challenging attic.  Thanks to Lee at Dancing Dog Estate Sales for allowing me to dig for history.

from Instagram

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Matchbook Monday! Brought you by Slack-ees!

#matchbook #matchbookmonday #collectibles #underwear #humor #fashion #foundation #vintageundergarments #foundastory #urbanarcheology
Matchbook Monday! Brought you by Slack-ees! Which was brought to me by my friend Nick.  This matchbook, which claims to be the original and most practical thing for the woman of today and tomorrow is actually the most entertaining thing for matchbook Monday ...until next Monday.

from Instagram

Monday, August 26, 2019

You can find American history by just driving down the street...

#history #antiquedocuments #ushistory #connecticuthistory #1760 #colonialhistory #hiddenhistory #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds
If you didn’t think it was possible to find American history by just driving down the street... Take a closer look. It's ironic that this actually predates the United States. in 1760, Connecticut was still a colony and the most important part of legalizing a deed was that space at the bottom where the current English monarch needed to be written in. As much as I covet this document my ownership will only be temporary. My plan is to donate it to the town of Redding as there is a long History of this family there. You can also see it at one of my next live presentations.

from Instagram

Saturday, August 10, 2019

Tag sale sounds- Traffic Classic

#music #cassettetapes #traffic #steviewinwood #foundastory #urbanarcheology #vintagemusic
Tag sale sounds- I can’t decide what I like more- the music or the case I found it in. This is the only Traffic to be in this weekend.

from Instagram

Friday, August 9, 2019

Hidden Treasure! Look in your Drawers People!

#hiddentreasure #estatesalefinds #ridgefieldct #discovery #jewelry #gold #hidingplaces #foundastory #urbanarcheology
I have many friends who run estate sales. When they see me walk up they are quick to assess what they remember about me and what I look for - as good business owners, they do this with all their regulars. I’m more of a challenge because I’m looking for hidden treasure. “There’s nothing here for you at this one.” Lee, owner of Dancing Dog Estate Sales said sympathetically. This only charges up my resolve as I feel she’s thrown the gauntlet down and now I am up for a challenge. As you can see from the image I found a favorite hiding place for treasure. Usually it’s old papers squished behind a wardrobe drawer. This time? Jewelry! I asked Lee to come over and her staff followed. The heavily tarnished gold ring was accompanied by a pair of cuff links and a gold Lutheran pin. My favorite phrase to hear as I said goodbye was “I’ll let the owner know what you found.” The owner had an interesting history in TV production as the producer of the Phil Donahue show. There’s cool stories hiding everywhere!

from Instagram

Monday, July 29, 2019

Matchbook Monday!

#matchbook #collectibles #flight #aviation # airfare #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology #1940s
Matchbook Monday is back from a slow flight to Charleston, South Carolina. Another gem from the 1940s back when it was ok to smoke not only in the plane’s bathroom but also in the seat next to the person who really wished that you sat next to someone else. Although those flights look like a great deal remember that in today’s dollars that would have been a good amount. The only benefit of flying then was the absence of of feeling like you were about to spend the next 20 years at Shawshank prison. I still think the healthcare crisis could easily be solved by replacing TSA agents with Medical Internists. You’re basically getting a free CAT scan every time you fly - might as well get that shoulder surgery scheduled while you wait for your flight to board.

from Instagram

Saturday, July 27, 2019

The most beautiful dirt is the kind that tells a story.

#turnofthecentury #pictureframe #coaldust #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology #tease
The most beautiful dirt is the kind that tells a story. Against my better judgment, because really? Who needs good judgement when digging for treasure? More on the actual framed image in later, but for now enjoy this turn of the century frame evidenced by the coal dust on the inside of the curved frame glass.

from Instagram

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Happy Matchbook other-than Monday! The fault lies not within our stars but within our horoscopes. Astrology is one of those things that sounds legit but really isn’t. Despite that criticism I would wager that everyone reading this knows their “sign.” What are the top 2 problems astrology can help you with? Marriage and teens. This is funny because the problem with anyone’s marriage could well be the fault of teens. See? I didn’t need my horoscope to figure that out. #found #matchbook #collectable #astrology #horoscope #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds


Happy Matchbook other-than Monday! The fault lies not within our stars but within our horoscopes. Astrology is one of those things that sounds legit but really isn’t. Despite that criticism I would wager that everyone reading this knows their “sign.” What are the top 2 problems astrology can help you with? Marriage and teens. This is funny because the problem with anyone’s marriage could well be the fault of teens. See? I didn’t need my horoscope to figure that out. #matchbook #collectable #astrology #horoscope #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds

from Instagram

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

The Hunt for Matchbook Monday. Why do today what you can avoid til tomorrow? Once, just once, I considered trying French dressing -until I read this recipe. First, I can’t get this visual of someone making this while balancing a cigarette ash over the pot out of my mind. Second, any claim that this will last “indefinitely” in the icebox hasn’t seen my walk-up ‘fridge. Now, if you made the dressing with peaches, well you might have something there. #found #foodie #recipes #hunts #matchbook #vintagematchbook #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds


The Hunt for Matchbook Monday. Why do today what you can avoid til tomorrow? Once, just once, I considered trying French dressing -until I read this recipe. First, I can’t get this visual of someone making this while balancing a cigarette ash over the pot out of my mind. Second, any claim that this will last “indefinitely” in the icebox hasn’t seen my walk-up ‘fridge. Now, if you made the dressing with peaches, well you might have something there. #foodie #recipes #hunts #matchbook #vintagematchbook #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds

from Instagram

Friday, July 12, 2019

Body shaming isn’t anything new - even before we were judging others at the gym there was another guilty party going at it. As you can see these instruments are parading this poor tuba around making light of the obvious size of his brass. If you ask me it’s probably the work of number 3 in line - “Sexy the Saxophone” Actually, this represents a typical dilemma for me at estate sales. This record likely has some resale potential and I could realize it. However, I can’t see turning around a single item which might 3-5$ and then selling it for $15 or $20. It’s likely that if I haggled successfully it would sit in a pile in my house for me to appreciate it whenever. I really didn’t want to pass this up but if I don’t show some restraint my garage could end up looking rather....Tubby. #found #records #vintagevinyl #childrensrecords #recordcollecting #vinyl #humor #tubbythetuba #stopbodyshaming #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology


Body shaming isn’t anything new - even before we were judging others at the gym there was another guilty party going at it. As you can see these instruments are parading this poor tuba around making light of the obvious size of his brass. If you ask me it’s probably the work of number 3 in line - “Sexy the Saxophone” Actually, this represents a typical dilemma for me at estate sales. This record likely has some resale potential and I could realize it. However, I can’t see turning around a single item which might 3-5$ and then selling it for $15 or $20. It’s likely that if I haggled successfully it would sit in a pile in my house for me to appreciate it whenever. I really didn’t want to pass this up but if I don’t show some restraint my garage could end up looking rather....Tubby. #records #vintagevinyl #childrensrecords #recordcollecting #vinyl #humor #tubbythetuba #stopbodyshaming #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Who needs a smart phone to look up useless information when you can have Conklin’s Vest-Pocket Argument Settler? It’s fascinating to see what we’re the nuggets of information one needed to know to avoid an impolite confrontation. This gem came to me at a preview estate sale in Danbury CT conducted by my friend Justin of Just In Antiques. It’s also happening Saturday - leave a comment if you want the address. This goes under books I buy for the title alone. The joy is flipping through the pages for the proper etiquette at the table - “Don’t nite fruit at the table. Use a silver paring knife to remover the skin and cut the fruit in bite sized sections” or maybe you need to know when Washington died. “The last hour of the last day of the last month of the last year of the century.” Clearly smarter than the average smart phone - now you can be too! #found #rarebooks #vintagebooks #bookcollecting #argument #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology


Who needs a smart phone to look up useless information when you can have Conklin’s Vest-Pocket Argument Settler? It’s fascinating to see what we’re the nuggets of information one needed to know to avoid an impolite confrontation. This gem came to me at a preview estate sale in Danbury CT conducted by my friend Justin of Just In Antiques. It’s also happening Saturday - leave a comment if you want the address. This goes under books I buy for the title alone. The joy is flipping through the pages for the proper etiquette at the table - “Don’t nite fruit at the table. Use a silver paring knife to remover the skin and cut the fruit in bite sized sections” or maybe you need to know when Washington died. “The last hour of the last day of the last month of the last year of the century.” Clearly smarter than the average smart phone - now you can be too! #rarebooks #vintagebooks #bookcollecting #argument #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

So now it’s matchbook “Tuesday” In 1911, Joseph Shapiro and 4 brothers, Russian emigrants, were selling ice cream and then moved to baking cones as well. From there they added straws and matches. In 1947 Joseph outvoted 14 other executives on his board and the Maryland company added cups under the Sweetheart brand - why they were against this we don’t know - maybe their cup hadn’t runneth over yet. Joseph died in 1968 but the company was still growing to the point where in 1981, when they were purchased by the Fort Howard Paper Co. they had 33 plants and 10k employees. Sold a few more times they were bought by the Solo company in 2004 for nearly a billion dollars - a Sweetheart deal at the time the cup and container industry has fallen on hard times and even Solo has had to down size. This faded but unique matchbook is an icon of the early days of the Sweetheart cup. #found #matchbook #matchbookcollecting #collecting #sweetheart #cups #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds


So now it’s matchbook “Tuesday” In 1911, Joseph Shapiro and 4 brothers, Russian emigrants, were selling ice cream and then moved to baking cones as well. From there they added straws and matches. In 1947 Joseph outvoted 14 other executives on his board and the Maryland company added cups under the Sweetheart brand - why they were against this we don’t know - maybe their cup hadn’t runneth over yet. Joseph died in 1968 but the company was still growing to the point where in 1981, when they were purchased by the Fort Howard Paper Co. they had 33 plants and 10k employees. Sold a few more times they were bought by the Solo company in 2004 for nearly a billion dollars - a Sweetheart deal at the time the cup and container industry has fallen on hard times and even Solo has had to down size. This faded but unique matchbook is an icon of the early days of the Sweetheart cup. #matchbook #matchbookcollecting #collecting #sweetheart #cups #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds

from Instagram

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Got memories? Someone posted this image of their relatives from the 1930s offering a small monetary prize for the best restoration. I restored the faded image on the right to something a little more clear and won the prize. Now, as an artist who is never satisfied with his work, I couldn’t accept the reward until I offered up a colorized version as well. If you have any old/damaged photos that could use a little (or a lot) of restoration - leave me a message in the comments. #found #vintagephoto #photorestoration #foundphoto #photography #photoshop #restoration #foundastory #urbanarcheology #colorization


Got memories? Someone posted this image of their relatives from the 1930s offering a small monetary prize for the best restoration. I restored the faded image on the right to something a little more clear and won the prize. Now, as an artist who is never satisfied with his work, I couldn’t accept the reward until I offered up a colorized version as well. If you have any old/damaged photos that could use a little (or a lot) of restoration - leave me a message in the comments. #vintagephoto #photorestoration #foundphoto #photography #photoshop #restoration #foundastory #urbanarcheology #colorization

from Instagram

Thursday, July 4, 2019

This one page is really the keystone to understanding how many great unsung patriots have come before us. The woman who penned this could have easily been a First Lady and in addition should be honored on American currency today. Clearly, it is the silent heroes who seek no glorification and only want to set the best example - they are America and they are the ones I honor today. If I had my way everyone would know who Elizabeth Hutter was and why her simple note to her patriot brother on this date in 1876 is so very significant. #found #history #elizabethhutter #patriots #independenceday #july4th #foundastory #urbanarcheology #coolfinds


This one page is really the keystone to understanding how many great unsung patriots have come before us. The woman who penned this could have easily been a First Lady and in addition should be honored on American currency today. Clearly, it is the silent heroes who seek no glorification and only want to set the best example - they are America and they are the ones I honor today. If I had my way everyone would know who Elizabeth Hutter was and why her simple note to her patriot brother on this date in 1876 is so very significant. #history #elizabethhutter #patriots #independenceday #july4th #foundastory #urbanarcheology #coolfinds

from Instagram

Monday, July 1, 2019

Happy Matchbook Monday! Long before there was a need for the Maytag Repairman - it will always be Jessie White for me - I couldn’t see Gordon Jump in any other role than “Mr Carlson” from WKRP in Cincinnati. Founded in 1893 this matchbook heralds 50 years of Maytag manufacturing history. This matchbook looks pretty good for being almost 76 years old! #found #matchbook #matchbookmonday #maytag #vintage #collectables #maytagrepairman #oldgold #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology


Happy Matchbook Monday! Long before there was a need for the Maytag Repairman - it will always be Jessie White for me - I couldn’t see Gordon Jump in any other role than “Mr Carlson” from WKRP in Cincinnati. Founded in 1893 this matchbook heralds 50 years of Maytag manufacturing history. This matchbook looks pretty good for being almost 76 years old! #matchbook #matchbookmonday #maytag #vintage #collectables #maytagrepairman #oldgold #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Saturday, June 29, 2019

“A loaf of Bread, A jug of Wine, and.... nothing spectacular.”

#books #rarebooks #thingsfoundinbooks #rubaiyat #vitagebooks #annlanders #humor #history #estatesalefinds #middleburyct #foundastory #urbanarcheology
“A loaf of Bread, A jug of Wine, and.... nothing spectacular.” The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam is a classic. I have never read it, but being the oldest looking book at an estate sale guarantees I’ll give it a look. That’s what happen at an estate sale in Middlebury CT on Friday. I’m not planning to read it, though it’s probably on innumerable must-read lists. I’m interested in what’s been hidden inside. The Rubiayat did not disappoint. As you can see tucked inside was this column from Ann Landers in 1969. It’s a classic letter that would have you believe its real -however, it is far too entertaining to be a candid “Please publish this” letter. To sum it up - This wife admits that when she married her husband he was “nothing spectacular” in the looks department, but after 25 years of marriage is now a Chick Magnet. “Young or old drunk or sober” are attracted to him, and now fears she will lose him. It’s funny to try and interpret whats being said and its veracity because all my study of Fitzgerald’s work in translating Omar’s quatrains says the same. Though initially a poor seller the work caught on and became world renowned in the 19th century. Now it is mainly criticized for Fitzgerald’s seemingly bold admission that he really wasn’t sure exactly what was being said and made up his own interpretation. I’m sure Ann would probably confess a similar sin of some of her work as well. You’ll have to read and make up your own mind . For me? A loafer of a writer, too much wine and that’s all folks!

from Instagram

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Say “Uncle!” Found photo restoration! My passion for vintage photos and their preservation has given me experience using Photoshop. Someone posted the top photo with the request: “Can someone help me see what my uncle would look like? This half shot of him is all we have.” Challenge: accepted! With less than half an uncle to work with I was able to reconstruct him using - a nose from a close relative (far right) - a chin/teeth from the female relative- and a tie from the gentleman standing next to him. This was the response from the family who posted it: “Ahhh dude, that’s amazing! My mother’s gonna love it. He passed nine years ago, we only found the photo recently and wondered what the other half looked like! Thank you so much!!!” I’ll never know what their uncle actually looked like, but if it elicits a response like that? I’d say - close enough. #found #vintagephotos #photorestoration #urbanarcheology #foundphotos #photoshop #restoration #foundastory #familyphotos #ohotography #oldphotos


Say “Uncle!” Found photo restoration! My passion for vintage photos and their preservation has given me experience using Photoshop. Someone posted the top photo with the request: “Can someone help me see what my uncle would look like? This half shot of him is all we have.” Challenge: accepted! With less than half an uncle to work with I was able to reconstruct him using - a nose from a close relative (far right) - a chin/teeth from the female relative- and a tie from the gentleman standing next to him. This was the response from the family who posted it: “Ahhh dude, that’s amazing! My mother’s gonna love it. He passed nine years ago, we only found the photo recently and wondered what the other half looked like! Thank you so much!!!” I’ll never know what their uncle actually looked like, but if it elicits a response like that? I’d say - close enough. #vintagephotos #photorestoration #urbanarcheology #foundphotos #photoshop #restoration #foundastory #familyphotos #ohotography #oldphotos

from Instagram

Monday, June 24, 2019

Matchbook Monday presents: The stats of desperation. It’s easy to see when brands become so large that it becomes advantageous or even necessary to create a competitor. We see it in beer sales- feeling fat from our number one seller? Try our lite beer it’s less filling and it tastes great. They couldn’t just make their top seller different, no they had to make another product. Cigarettes were no different. Why make a cigarette everyone likes when you can come out with Cavalier. How do you detect strong in one product so that you know how to sell “Mild” in another? The makers of Camels found a way but I don’t think it worked. It wasn’t for lack of trying - the inside flap on this matchbook says it all in the oddest market groups study ever: 88% of seniors at a women’s college? ...% of pilots? ...% of tennis players at Forest Hills? ...% of golfers at Westchester clubs? ...% of nurses at leading hospitals? An interesting piece of surveying which would make this less of a matchbook and more of a full report in miniature. #found #matchbook #matchbookmonday #collecting #vintageadvertising #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds #smoking #smokers #cigarettes


Matchbook Monday presents: The stats of desperation. It’s easy to see when brands become so large that it becomes advantageous or even necessary to create a competitor. We see it in beer sales- feeling fat from our number one seller? Try our lite beer it’s less filling and it tastes great. They couldn’t just make their top seller different, no they had to make another product. Cigarettes were no different. Why make a cigarette everyone likes when you can come out with Cavalier. How do you detect strong in one product so that you know how to sell “Mild” in another? The makers of Camels found a way but I don’t think it worked. It wasn’t for lack of trying - the inside flap on this matchbook says it all in the oddest market groups study ever: 88% of seniors at a women’s college? ...% of pilots? ...% of tennis players at Forest Hills? ...% of golfers at Westchester clubs? ...% of nurses at leading hospitals? An interesting piece of surveying which would make this less of a matchbook and more of a full report in miniature. #matchbook #matchbookmonday #collecting #vintageadvertising #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds #smoking #smokers #cigarettes

from Instagram

Monday, June 17, 2019

Matchbook Monday! Welcome to the Summertime Candy. In the early 20th century Clarence Crane was attempting to sell his chocolates year round but the warm weather was against him. Seeing the popularity of European mints he decided to improve upon the design. It seems that the timing of the loss of the Titanic and the creation of a life preserver shaped candy would be related - but it’s a wild guess on my part. Clarence didn’t see the first Pep-o-mints he made grow into the ubiquitous candy we enjoy today. He sold it not long after its creation to better marketers than he was. They repackaged and promoted Lifesavers going as far as to putting one package in every kit used by US servicemen during WWII. The idea was to remind them of home. It was sold to Wrigley in 2004 as a package with other brands for 1.5 billion. Not bad for something that started as a summertime candy that didn’t melt in the heat. #found #matchbook #matchbookmonday #lifesavers #candy #foundastory #urbanarcheology


Matchbook Monday! Welcome to the Summertime Candy. In the early 20th century Clarence Crane was attempting to sell his chocolates year round but the warm weather was against him. Seeing the popularity of European mints he decided to improve upon the design. It seems that the timing of the loss of the Titanic and the creation of a life preserver shaped candy would be related - but it’s a wild guess on my part. Clarence didn’t see the first Pep-o-mints he made grow into the ubiquitous candy we enjoy today. He sold it not long after its creation to better marketers than he was. They repackaged and promoted Lifesavers going as far as to putting one package in every kit used by US servicemen during WWII. The idea was to remind them of home. It was sold to Wrigley in 2004 as a package with other brands for 1.5 billion. Not bad for something that started as a summertime candy that didn’t melt in the heat. #matchbook #matchbookmonday #lifesavers #candy #foundastory #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Saturday, June 15, 2019

There’s a name for non-coin coins and medallions but I couldn’t for the life of me come up with it until I asked on another forum. (exonumia) This was a “desk” discovery- another great place to hunt for treasure at estate sales. The center draw is like then”junk” drawer in your kitchen a literal catch-all for the oddest things. This oversized keychain fob was in among other neat collectibles that all deserve deeper research. This duplicate is also a mystery. A cast mock-up of the 1938 coin is a random choice or was it?....and just 4 times the size. Who made these? #found #money #mystery #exonumia #buffalonickel #coins #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology #keyring


There’s a name for non-coin coins and medallions but I couldn’t for the life of me come up with it until I asked on another forum. (exonumia) This was a “desk” discovery- another great place to hunt for treasure at estate sales. The center draw is like then”junk” drawer in your kitchen a literal catch-all for the oddest things. This oversized keychain fob was in among other neat collectibles that all deserve deeper research. This duplicate is also a mystery. A cast mock-up of the 1938 coin is a random choice or was it?....and just 4 times the size. Who made these? #money #mystery #exonumia #buffalonickel #coins #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology #keyring

from Instagram

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Matchbook Monday (was 2 days ago) but I bring you this matchbook with which to light the peace pipe of forgiveness. I have always considered the elevator business to be - break-even - because Ups = Downs Otis elevator has been in the news lately due to a very large merger in Connecticut. More interesting is how Otis came to be - Elisha Graves Otis was a mechanic in Albany in the 1840s. He was employed by a factory with large machinery and knew how to maintain and install it. Assisting the installation of machines at another factory he knew the perils of hoisting heavy equipment and the danger of it breaking or coming loose. He developed a braking design to make heavy lifting safer. When he applied it to existing designs for elevators the result was skepticism. It took a public exhibition with Otis himself in a demonstration where the elevator cable was cut with the inventor inside. His system worked and the rest is history. He created a solution that lead to the expansion of elevator use and the proliferation of high rise buildings. Otis didn’t invent the elevator he invented the breaking device that would make an elevator safer. This matchbook from 1953 commemorates the 100th year of the company’s existence. Amazing how the prevalence of smoking could place this kind of spot advertising in the hands of millions so confidently. Today, it’s hard to imagine what the relationship between smoking and elevators could be. On the upside - the merger, which involves the parent company of Otis Elevator, will not result in the company leaving Connecticut. #found #Matchbook #vintage #collecting #otiselevator #matchbookmonday #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology


Matchbook Monday (was 2 days ago) but I bring you this matchbook with which to light the peace pipe of forgiveness. I have always considered the elevator business to be - break-even - because Ups = Downs Otis elevator has been in the news lately due to a very large merger in Connecticut. More interesting is how Otis came to be - Elisha Graves Otis was a mechanic in Albany in the 1840s. He was employed by a factory with large machinery and knew how to maintain and install it. Assisting the installation of machines at another factory he knew the perils of hoisting heavy equipment and the danger of it breaking or coming loose. He developed a braking design to make heavy lifting safer. When he applied it to existing designs for elevators the result was skepticism. It took a public exhibition with Otis himself in a demonstration where the elevator cable was cut with the inventor inside. His system worked and the rest is history. He created a solution that lead to the expansion of elevator use and the proliferation of high rise buildings. Otis didn’t invent the elevator he invented the breaking device that would make an elevator safer. This matchbook from 1953 commemorates the 100th year of the company’s existence. Amazing how the prevalence of smoking could place this kind of spot advertising in the hands of millions so confidently. Today, it’s hard to imagine what the relationship between smoking and elevators could be. On the upside - the merger, which involves the parent company of Otis Elevator, will not result in the company leaving Connecticut. #Matchbook #vintage #collecting #otiselevator #matchbookmonday #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology

from Instagram