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Tuesday, April 30, 2019

It was whirlwind tour of the tri-state region this past weekend as I took the Urban Archeologist Road-show out to Long Island and New Jersey. A day later this appreciative audience at the Atria Tanglewood Senior Living Communities In Lynbrook NY shared their review with the engaged life activities director. Getting a review of your performance from any audience is gold. #found #publicspeaking #atriaseniorliving #lynbrookny #remeniscing #storytelling #history #foundastory #urbanarcheology #letterofthanks


It was whirlwind tour of the tri-state region this past weekend as I took the Urban Archeologist Road-show out to Long Island and New Jersey. A day later this appreciative audience at the Atria Tanglewood Senior Living Communities In Lynbrook NY shared their review with the engaged life activities director. Getting a review of your performance from any audience is gold. #publicspeaking #atriaseniorliving #lynbrookny #remeniscing #storytelling #history #foundastory #urbanarcheology #letterofthanks

from Instagram

Monday, April 29, 2019

Matchbook Monday! With a book design as fancy as this I am disappointed that I can’t find a backstory to this Philadelphia club. If you know anything about Max Bachman’s Latimer Club send me a message or leave a comment. #found #vintagematchbook #matchbookmonday #collectibles #historicphilidelphia #pennsylvania #estatesalefinds #urbanarcheology


Matchbook Monday! With a book design as fancy as this I am disappointed that I can’t find a backstory to this Philadelphia club. If you know anything about Max Bachman’s Latimer Club send me a message or leave a comment. #vintagematchbook #matchbookmonday #collectibles #historicphilidelphia #pennsylvania #estatesalefinds #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Sunday, April 28, 2019

After my talk in Norwood New Jersey yesterday a member of the audience left and returned from her apartment with these 2 print block headshots. “I was going to throw these away because I didn’t know what they were. Can you help me?” She said. I had just demonstrated to the group how a glass negative can be processed with a smart phone and I tried it with these. It was difficult to get the light angle just right and the result is there. She was unsure of who in her family they were but I think I at least convinced her not to throw them away *weesho!* Photogravure is likely the process by which these were created which was developed around 1879. Photo-sensitive gel and acid etching created this detailed plate for printing photos and illustrations during that period. #found #publicspeaking #norwoodnewjersey #Photogravure #vintageprinting #historyresearch #foundphoto #foundastory #urbanarcheology #vintagephotography


After my talk in Norwood New Jersey yesterday a member of the audience left and returned from her apartment with these 2 print block headshots. “I was going to throw these away because I didn’t know what they were. Can you help me?” She said. I had just demonstrated to the group how a glass negative can be processed with a smart phone and I tried it with these. It was difficult to get the light angle just right and the result is there. She was unsure of who in her family they were but I think I at least convinced her not to throw them away *weesho!* Photogravure is likely the process by which these were created which was developed around 1879. Photo-sensitive gel and acid etching created this detailed plate for printing photos and illustrations during that period. #publicspeaking #norwoodnewjersey #Photogravure #vintageprinting #historyresearch #foundphoto #foundastory #urbanarcheology #vintagephotography

from Instagram

Saturday, April 27, 2019

I’m not nation-wide but maybe I am nation-deep? I donated a talk to the library near where we stayed during Spring break. The Cocoa Beach library staff were very accommodating and I had an audience of 20 on a beautiful sunny beach day. (Yes, “Archeologist” is not easy to spell - I’m working on that.) #found #roadshow #publicspeaking #americanlibraryassociation #cocoabeach #florida #travel #urbanarcheology


I’m not nation-wide but maybe I am nation-deep? I donated a talk to the library near where we stayed during Spring break. The Cocoa Beach library staff were very accommodating and I had an audience of 20 on a beautiful sunny beach day. (Yes, “Archeologist” is not easy to spell - I’m working on that.) #roadshow #publicspeaking #americanlibraryassociation #cocoabeach #florida #travel #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Friday, April 26, 2019

I tried so hard to make First Saw in the Lumberjack Symphony Orchestra, but I just couldn’t cut it. #found #vintageads #advertising #ephemera #1928 #elkslodge #elksmagazine #humor #musiclessons #musicinstruction #oddinstruments


I tried so hard to make First Saw in the Lumberjack Symphony Orchestra, but I just couldn’t cut it. #vintageads #advertising #ephemera #1928 #elkslodge #elksmagazine #humor #musiclessons #musicinstruction #oddinstruments

from Instagram

Thursday, April 25, 2019

There’s no place like “Home Rule.” This clay pipe bowl was uncovered at a bottle dump in New Milford CT and could be direct evidence of Irish immigrants settling there. The great potato famine in the mid 1800s began a great migration of Irish and other Eastern Europeans to America. By the 1870s, the politics of Ireland was becoming more important to the Irish Americans proud of their heritage. The independence from British rule was popularized by the slogan “Home Rule” The slogan is just barely legible on this pipe as is the top of a harp. There is no way to put a date on this but I would guess late 19th to early 20th century. Very cool no matter when. #found #vintageclaypipe #irishamerican #irishamericanhistory #irish #foundastory #newmilfordhistory #urbanarcheology #diggingfortreasure


There’s no place like “Home Rule.” This clay pipe bowl was uncovered at a bottle dump in New Milford CT and could be direct evidence of Irish immigrants settling there. The great potato famine in the mid 1800s began a great migration of Irish and other Eastern Europeans to America. By the 1870s, the politics of Ireland was becoming more important to the Irish Americans proud of their heritage. The independence from British rule was popularized by the slogan “Home Rule” The slogan is just barely legible on this pipe as is the top of a harp. There is no way to put a date on this but I would guess late 19th to early 20th century. Very cool no matter when. #vintageclaypipe #irishamerican #irishamericanhistory #irish #foundastory #newmilfordhistory #urbanarcheology #diggingfortreasure

from Instagram

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Among my favorite advertiser premiums are the venerable ink blotters (no need to show the reverse - it’s blue and blank- unused). Dip and fountain pens were still a thing in the 1950s. The reason? It took a lot of trial and error to get the ball point pen technology right. Ball Brand shoes manufactured in Indiana have an interesting history as well. Trade-marked In 1901 the brand survived many ownership changes before the factory finally closed in 1983. Uniroyal, the last owner, was sued to pay for the factory site clean up after demolition. The courts were not convinced it was the company’s fault. The site is now a public park. Another time I will expound on the history of the ballpoint pen. #found #vintagefootwear #inkblotter #vintageadvertising #marketing #indiana #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology


Among my favorite advertiser premiums are the venerable ink blotters (no need to show the reverse - it’s blue and blank- unused). Dip and fountain pens were still a thing in the 1950s. The reason? It took a lot of trial and error to get the ball point pen technology right. Ball Brand shoes manufactured in Indiana have an interesting history as well. Trade-marked In 1901 the brand survived many ownership changes before the factory finally closed in 1983. Uniroyal, the last owner, was sued to pay for the factory site clean up after demolition. The courts were not convinced it was the company’s fault. The site is now a public park. Another time I will expound on the history of the ballpoint pen. #vintagefootwear #inkblotter #vintageadvertising #marketing #indiana #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Monday, April 22, 2019

Matchbook Monday is back! I always wonder who was behind the millions of matchbook businesses featured on this now lost method of Marketing. Turns out it was Jesse Markel District rep for the Universal Match Corp. It doesn’t get any bigger than that. The inside flap is the gem of this book. Not one of those products is around today - someone needs to get with Jesse and ask - what happened? He’ll tell you “It’s the Tips!” #found #vintagecollectibles #matchbooks #advertising #vintagemarketing #estatesalefinds #murrayhill #foundastory #urbanarcheology


Matchbook Monday is back! I always wonder who was behind the millions of matchbook businesses featured on this now lost method of Marketing. Turns out it was Jesse Markel District rep for the Universal Match Corp. It doesn’t get any bigger than that. The inside flap is the gem of this book. Not one of those products is around today - someone needs to get with Jesse and ask - what happened? He’ll tell you “It’s the Tips!” #vintagecollectibles #matchbooks #advertising #vintagemarketing #estatesalefinds #murrayhill #foundastory #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Another mystery to solve! I am researching individual pieces from this group of artifacts I posted earlier. These WWII torpedo men worked at the USNTTR Overhaul shop on Montauk LI. Those initials aren’t defined in the Navy guide - the first 3 are! Could be Torpedo Training Repair? I also have 3 names signed on the back of this picture- two from CT - I am hoping to find a relative or maybe a long retired veteran. #found #vintagephoto #wwii #montauk #history #veterans #foundphotos #mystery #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds


Another mystery to solve! I am researching individual pieces from this group of artifacts I posted earlier. These WWII torpedo men worked at the USNTTR Overhaul shop on Montauk LI. Those initials aren’t defined in the Navy guide - the first 3 are! Could be Torpedo Training Repair? I also have 3 names signed on the back of this picture- two from CT - I am hoping to find a relative or maybe a long retired veteran. #vintagephoto #wwii #montauk #history #veterans #foundphotos #mystery #foundastory #urbanarcheology #estatesalefinds

from Instagram

Monday, April 15, 2019

Another glass negative without a backstory. What to do. What to do... Merle and Karl were demolishing the old factory and the work was piling up. “Karl, I wish you’d pick up the pace.” Merle could see a 4 day contract turning into an eight day for the same pay. “Oh you think I’m going slow? Take a look in the mirror!” Karl tossed a brick hitting the already chipped mirror next to Merle and both men watched it turn instantly into a pile of shards. “Nice going karl. You not only slowed us down by four days, you just added 7 years bad luck on top of it all.” Merle stormed over to Karl, “Bad luck? You want bad luck? How ‘bout if I- “ “Boys Boys! My father figured you’d be spending more time tearing each other down than this part of the factory.” Wendy surprised them both as they froze in mid fight to watch the other reason they both fought walk through the door. “I brought your lunch pails. Are you going to fight or are you going to eat? By the way, my father’s coming in with a photographer to capture this demolition on film - so, um, look presentable.” Wendy put the pails down as her father walked in with the photographer. The picture that was finally chosen was the only one that could have worked - with Wendy standing between the combatants and promising a date with both that she would later deny, but the job was finished on time. Wendy became the company’s first fore-women due to her ingenuity with employ relations. Merle and Karl never worked together again. #found #foundphotos #vintagephotography #glassnegatives #foundastory #fiction #makebelievestories #factoryworkers #estatesalefinds #urbanarcheology


Another glass negative without a backstory. What to do. What to do... Merle and Karl were demolishing the old factory and the work was piling up. “Karl, I wish you’d pick up the pace.” Merle could see a 4 day contract turning into an eight day for the same pay. “Oh you think I’m going slow? Take a look in the mirror!” Karl tossed a brick hitting the already chipped mirror next to Merle and both men watched it turn instantly into a pile of shards. “Nice going karl. You not only slowed us down by four days, you just added 7 years bad luck on top of it all.” Merle stormed over to Karl, “Bad luck? You want bad luck? How ‘bout if I- “ “Boys Boys! My father figured you’d be spending more time tearing each other down than this part of the factory.” Wendy surprised them both as they froze in mid fight to watch the other reason they both fought walk through the door. “I brought your lunch pails. Are you going to fight or are you going to eat? By the way, my father’s coming in with a photographer to capture this demolition on film - so, um, look presentable.” Wendy put the pails down as her father walked in with the photographer. The picture that was finally chosen was the only one that could have worked - with Wendy standing between the combatants and promising a date with both that she would later deny, but the job was finished on time. Wendy became the company’s first fore-women due to her ingenuity with employ relations. Merle and Karl never worked together again. #foundphotos #vintagephotography #glassnegatives #foundastory #fiction #makebelievestories #factoryworkers #estatesalefinds #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Sunday, April 14, 2019

With the launch and return of 3 rockets by SpaceX I wonder if we’ll see a return to cars designed as “rockets” to emulate the futuristic dreams of consumers. This ultra glossy card was tucked in a book at a sale I visited last month. #found #vintageauto #vintageadvertising #cars #travel #space #future #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology


With the launch and return of 3 rockets by SpaceX I wonder if we’ll see a return to cars designed as “rockets” to emulate the futuristic dreams of consumers. This ultra glossy card was tucked in a book at a sale I visited last month. #vintageauto #vintageadvertising #cars #travel #space #future #estatesalefinds #foundastory #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Saturday, April 13, 2019

My latest talk in Kew Gardens, Queens - appearing with my backup band - The Gibson Girls. I feature this image in many of my talks and like to see the audience response to the expression on the faces of these long-ago ladies. None are smiling - and when I ask why - a good discussion follows as everyone guesses. Can you guess why? #found #publicspeaking #foundphoto #vintagephotography #gibsongirls #foundastory #urbanarcheology #queensny


My latest talk in Kew Gardens, Queens - appearing with my backup band - The Gibson Girls. I feature this image in many of my talks and like to see the audience response to the expression on the faces of these long-ago ladies. None are smiling - and when I ask why - a good discussion follows as everyone guesses. Can you guess why? #publicspeaking #foundphoto #vintagephotography #gibsongirls #foundastory #urbanarcheology #queensny

from Instagram

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Matchbook Monday:If your wife can’t cook... “VIRGINIA is for lovers...” used to be the state slogan. Maybe that didn’t apply to people that were also married. #found #humour #humor #matchbook #virginia #vintagecollectibles #maritalissues #foundastory #estaesalefinds


Matchbook Monday:If your wife can’t cook... “VIRGINIA is for lovers...” used to be the state slogan. Maybe that didn’t apply to people that were also married. #humour #humor #matchbook #virginia #vintagecollectibles #maritalissues #foundastory #estaesalefinds

from Instagram

Sunday, April 7, 2019

Which came first - the lightbulb or the lightbulb over Edison’s head when he thought up the lightbulb? #found #edison #lightbulb #invention #showerthoughts #brightideas #stampcollecting #philately #foundastory #urbanarcheology


Which came first - the lightbulb or the lightbulb over Edison’s head when he thought up the lightbulb? #edison #lightbulb #invention #showerthoughts #brightideas #stampcollecting #philately #foundastory #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Saturday, April 6, 2019

Happy Tartan Day!

#wwi #art #captivecreations #prisonerart #tartanday
Happy Tartan Day! I hope this counts - this pristine drawing is another from the log my grandfather kept while a captive of the Germans during WWI. Signed by Pete in 1917.

from Instagram

Friday, April 5, 2019

How much mold am I willing to endure to preserve the past? I will share the discovery of this as yet undated unidentified gem. Well, I’ll give out a hint - it’s a map likely from the 19th century. More to follow. #found #vintagemaps #newmilford #connecticut #waitforit #foundastory #estatesalefinds #urbanarcheology


How much mold am I willing to endure to preserve the past? I will share the discovery of this as yet undated unidentified gem. Well, I’ll give out a hint - it’s a map likely from the 19th century. More to follow. #vintagemaps #newmilford #connecticut #waitforit #foundastory #estatesalefinds #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Vintage Victorian Photography: Restoration needed

#vintagephotos #foundphotos #glassnegatives #diydarkroom #historyrevealed #foundastory #estatesalefinds #urbanarcheology
I wish I could go back in time and whisper into the photographer’s ear to “make sure your back is to the sun.” I had a talk in Bethlehem, CT last night and the audience accepted my offer to teach them how to process glass and celluloid negatives using just their smart phones. Negatives like the one you see here are easy to process - even easier if the camera person listened to my whispers.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

A Connecticut serviceman’s contribution to the Second World War.

#wwiihistory #veterans #connecticut #history #foundphotos #foundastory #estatesales #urbanarcheology #justinantiquesatthebrickhouse
I am preparing this exhibit of a Connecticut serviceman’s contribution to the Second World War. I picked this up at a sale going in New Milford in which the entire contents of the home are up for sale. I’ll be presenting this as part of my presentation tonight at the Bethlehem Connecticut Public Library at 7pm.

 This is sadly too common a site where veteran’s records and personal experiences are potentially lost forever.  The family is often not in a position to take on all the possessions for the older generations. They must be sold so the family can move on.  I can't take on the full responsibility of archiving, but I can resume and restore these things so current and future generations can appreciate the life history at a time when many were required to give all.

I hope that by shining a little light on this veteran and these pieces of history visitors will see that they deserve more than just a featured spot on the auction block. Thanks (again) to Justin Krul of Just-In Antiques at the Brickhouse in New Milford, for giving me the opportunity to find and preserve this.


Tuesday, April 2, 2019

For the record...


For the record... you really should be careful about collecting these.



#radiocommercial #vintagecars #advertising #recordcollecting #foundastory #estatesalefinds

1787 Massachusetts Land Agreement - Estate Sale Pick - Almost.

#vintagedocuments #Estatesales #justinantiques #newmilfordct #history #foundastory #urbanarcheology
It takes great will and fortitude to pass up documents like this one from 1787. The sale offering this document is to be held Friday and Saturday by my friend Justin, of Just-in Antiques at the Brickhouse. His store is on Route 7 but the sale is located on Connelly Rd also in New Milford if you’re in the area.
One thing I wanted to point out - It was a small challenge to read this piece of family history.  The language of the time is less direct or as precise as it is today (lol!) The more interesting details is that among the signatures several, though neatly penned, have an "x" in what appears to be a middle initial. However, underneath these is the word "marked" meaning that someone signed for them and they confirmed the acknowledgment with the "x." It is possible that they were either too enfeebled to sign or illiterate.
This is the kind of purchase that, although destructive, would be fun to remove from the frame to see what is on the reverse side.