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Monday, December 31, 2018

Matchbook Monday: Virginia's Natural Bridge Motel

#matchbook #virginia #travelanddestinations #isitstillstanding #1949 #urbanarcheology #foundastory
Matchbook Monday: Guests of the Urban Archeologist stay at the “Entirely Modern” Natural Bridge Hotel and Cottages in Virginia. Motor court built in ‘49. I wonder if a Matchbook was ever listed on the New York Times best seller list. Some of these are a great read.
from Instagram

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

One of my favorite finds this past weekend.

#urbanarcheology #funny #oldproduct #medicine #estatesale #dancingdog
One of my favorite finds this past weekend. The best part of this is the disclaimer which states that Save the Baby will not actually “Save babies.”
from Instagram

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

I had no idea Charlton Comics came from Derby, Connecticut.

#urbanarcheology #1967 #comics #comicbooks #comicbookcollecting
I had no idea Charlton Comics came from Derby, Connecticut. I will always pick up locally connected items I can share during my public “Confessions.” I also can’t resist the 1967 ads for toy soldiers, cardboard nuclear subs and x-ray specs.
from Instagram

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Coin hunters: Don’t forget to look in pill containers.

#hiddentreasures #wheatpennies #leeboffey #estatesale #urbanarcheology
Coin hunters: Don’t forget to look in pill containers. I was digging on Friday and found this collection of “Wheaties” I turned them over to the estate sale service, but not before finding The oldest one - 1911. The Titanic hadn’t set sail yet.
from Instagram

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

What did I find?

#found #mysteryitem #whatisthisthing #newengland #ancient #estatesalefind #urbanarcheology #metal
What did I find? I picked this metal slug out of an 1799 home above the mantle of the home’s hearth. It weighs 7.5oz and is about a quarter inch thick. It is non-magnetic and would not survive a drop with out breaking.
from Instagram

Sunday, December 9, 2018

I went scrounging on Friday - didn't expect this WWII item

#history #philippines #wwii #philately #firstdaycover #ephemera #estatesale #amawalkny #urbanarcheology
I went scrounging on Friday, anxious to find a “dig”. However, in these days in between holidays sales grow thin. The challenge presented, I must double my efforts to find where history is hiding. This gem was found in Amawalk NY and though the house was new the owners were paring down the family history some. The only piece of paper was this odd first day cover “over print” celebrating the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese. Interesting note as each of the 5 post offices were returned to regular service the US printing and engraving office released these to signify their opening. This one Cebu was liberated july 21st, 1945.

from Instagram

Friday, December 7, 2018

For the sharpest salad you’ve ever had -Radio Strop Dressing

#oldproducts #1940s #urbanarcheology #vintageshave
For the sharpest salad you’ve ever had -Radio Strop Dressing - Found in one of those wonderful hiding places for small treasures- A 1904 singer sewing machine. I missed the physics class where they teach you that a piece of leather will sharpen a steel blade. Witchcraft!? Is what I now say when I can’t explain something. Now I find a companion product that will treat leather so that it will remain stronger than steel!? Witchcraft!? Love the brand “Radio,” like someone was looking around the room for a name in the 40s and said “Radio!” Go with it!

from Instagram

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Is it worth una peseta to look for old coins?

#coins #coincollecting #spain #money #1954 #estatesale #urbanarcheology
Is it worth una peseta to look for old coins? Sure it is! Fun fact: Spanish coins from 1868 to 1982 have 2 dates - one showing authorization- the larger,and the actual date of issue is hidden in the 2 stars on the obverse. Cool.

from Instagram

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Despite the condition - this is one of my favorites.

#urbanarcheology #books #medical #vintage #sailing #sea #oldbooks #humor #estatesales
Despite the condition - this is one of my favorites. Got Beri-Beri? Dengue? Scurvy? or is did your fist mate get the fits and threw away all of your grits? Fun to page through this and enjoy the outdated solutions to all the terrible things that can happen at sea. From 1894, this is why you must go sailing this weekend - estate sale-ing that is.
from Instagram

Monday, November 26, 2018

Happy Matchbook Monday! Do you have Canapé problems?

#matchbook #matchbookmonday #idontlikemondays #vita #fish #oldproducts #humor #urbanarcheology #estatesale
Happy Matchbook Monday! Do you have Canapé problems? Unfortunately, that’s not covered under your heath plan, however, you may still qualify for a herring-aid. These matchbooks were a lucky find and if they weren’t so volatile I would keep them all. I left out the offer under the flap to mail away for the color 25 page booklet on how to “Glamorize your dishes.”

from Instagram

Saturday, November 24, 2018

What must it have been like for air travelers in 1940.

#oldpaper #airtravel #1940 #portland #oregon #estatesale #ephemera #urbanarcheology
What must it have been like for air travelers in 1940. Today, most of the stress is in the airport - back then it must have been the actual ride. I’ve never seen one of these - although I am sure they were common as air travel then must have given you some kind of minor celebrity status.

from Instagram

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Nice lady in Central Park in the 1950s.

foundphoto #nyc #centralpark #1950s #processnegatives #urbanarcheology
Nice lady in Central Park in the 1950s. Do you have celluloid or even glass negatives among your old papers? I can teach you to process them in minutes. #

from Instagram

Monday, November 19, 2018

Matchbook Monday: the McMahon Transportation Company

#matchbook #1950s #transportation #tourbus #estatesale #urbanarcheology
Matchbook Monday: the McMahon Transportation Company was never a sidekick to Johnny Carson but they certain put the “book” in matchbook. This is another gem from the 1950s which was clearly an era where everyone smoked and thus got all their advertising from matches.
from Instagram

Saturday, November 17, 2018

1917 - proof that being a POW is a physical thing.

#wwii #history #art #pow #spirit #expression #military #1917 #urbanarcheology
1917 - proof that being a POW is a physical thing. You can’t imprison the soul - expression always knows the way out. (From the note book of my grandfather with the art of his fellow captives)

from Instagram

Friday, November 16, 2018

A neat military memento: a calendar yearbook from the USS Coral Sea aircraft carrier. Sort of a look back with pictures and cartoons and a log of this ship’s six month assignment in the Mediterranean from 1955. Found on the floor in the basement of a Monroe CT estate sale in an 18th century home. #found #military #militarycollectables #navy #1950s #usscoralsea #books #estatesale #connecticut #urbanarcheology


A neat military memento: a calendar yearbook from the USS Coral Sea aircraft carrier. Sort of a look back with pictures and cartoons and a log of this ship’s six month assignment in the Mediterranean from 1955. Found on the floor in the basement of a Monroe CT estate sale in an 18th century home. #military #militarycollectables #navy #1950s #usscoralsea #books #estatesale #connecticut #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Thursday, November 15, 2018

TV Nostalgia: Hee Haw!

#royclark #1970s #heehaw #estatesale #urbanarcheology #countymusic #television
The kids won’t appreciate the fact that on Saturdays in the summers of the 1970s we didn’t have hot and cold running Internet. We had to take a bucket down the corner of the house, turn it over so we could reach the antenna and tune in “Hee Haw!” Sure it was fuzzy , but it was all the entertainment we had, and we loved it. It’s true, this plank - before moving on to a musical career -had its own dark past whacking ladies’ backsides- and though no harassment suits would ever be brought forward - we knew we were all guilty for laughing every time it happened. I saw this and resisted but relented by snapping a shot. Now to hear that we lost the other co-host of Hee Haw reveals a sad reminder that the past is really past. Rest In Peace Roy Clark - you were all we had and once upon a time that was enough.

from Instagram

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

More from my WWI collection

#wwi #foundphoto #soldier #songbook #1918 #urbanarcheology
More from my WWI collection but not my grandfather’s. These were 2 random finds that just look like they belong together.

from Instagram

Recollections of World War 1

#wwi #soldiersstories #veterans #prisoners #amazing #urbanarcheology
While in captivity my grandfather had the presence of mind to collect the names of his fellow captives. They obliged him by not only writing the name,rank and outfit but several also added how and where they were captured.

from Instagram

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Sometimes there is gold in your own backyard. This is just a single page from a notebook my grandfather carried with him in his years of captivity during WWI. He not only had his fellow captors sign it - many added artwork - or should I say masterpieces. Have you seen my jaw? I dropped it while viewing these. Am I having my Kansas awakening? Have I been looking for OZ when it was at home all along.....No! What are you crazy? I’m going right back over the bad weather coming to find more history! Heck! I don’t look good in ruby slippers. #found #artwork #masterpice #prisonerart #wwi #notinkansasanymore #urbanarcheology #wow


Sometimes there is gold in your own backyard. This is just a single page from a notebook my grandfather carried with him in his years of captivity during WWI. He not only had his fellow captors sign it - many added artwork - or should I say masterpieces. Have you seen my jaw? I dropped it while viewing these. Am I having my Kansas awakening? Have I been looking for OZ when it was at home all along.....No! What are you crazy? I’m going right back over the bad weather coming to find more history! Heck! I don’t look good in ruby slippers. #artwork #masterpice #prisonerart #wwi #notinkansasanymore #urbanarcheology #wow

from Instagram

Monday, November 12, 2018

I am proud to have relatives who has served in the military. My father was a WWII veteran and my grandfather served during WWI - he was a British subject and I am thrilled to be in possession of his journals. Every letter or pc (post card) was saved and copied into the journal. He was a foot soldier and an officer - he recounts the terrible scenes he witnessed while in the trenches. What is amazing is his capture and absolute civil treatment by the Germans. This is the page that describes that he has been captured...an honest historical treasure and soon to be a topic of my upcoming presentations. #found #wwi #history #veteransday #veterans #england #urbanarcheology


I am proud to have relatives who has served in the military. My father was a WWII veteran and my grandfather served during WWI - he was a British subject and I am thrilled to be in possession of his journals. Every letter or pc (post card) was saved and copied into the journal. He was a foot soldier and an officer - he recounts the terrible scenes he witnessed while in the trenches. What is amazing is his capture and absolute civil treatment by the Germans. This is the page that describes that he has been captured...an honest historical treasure and soon to be a topic of my upcoming presentations. #wwi #history #veteransday #veterans #england #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Saturday, November 10, 2018

It has been said that “Strangers are people we haven’t met yet.” What about the strangers I’ll never get to know- like these nice folks? Some folks leave just enough behind that I feel like I do know them - and I need to introduce them around. The young girl on the left has story to tell - one in which she overcomes great loss to becoming a person who provides a great service. More of her story is coming soon. For now, enjoy this image of a winter visit to the boardwalk at Atlantic City maybe 1907. #found #foundphoto #atlanticcity #1900s #estatesale #urbanarcheology


It has been said that “Strangers are people we haven’t met yet.” What about the strangers I’ll never get to know- like these nice folks? Some folks leave just enough behind that I feel like I do know them - and I need to introduce them around. The young girl on the left has story to tell - one in which she overcomes great loss to becoming a person who provides a great service. More of her story is coming soon. For now, enjoy this image of a winter visit to the boardwalk at Atlantic City maybe 1907. #foundphoto #atlanticcity #1900s #estatesale #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Friday, November 9, 2018

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Monday, November 5, 2018

This matchbook from the 1940s has a couple of things going for it. Unused sitting in a box is a long sentence. How did it stay in such good condition. I didn’t realize that these were made by the gun manufacturer and also made in CT. Finally, if you are a frustrated copy editor like me, you will get hung up on the phrase “...you ever had” which seems to imply comparison before using the product. guns and razor blades- together at last. #found #matchbook #marlinguns #firearms #advertising #shave #1940s #estatesale #urbanarcheology


This matchbook from the 1940s has a couple of things going for it. Unused sitting in a box is a long sentence. How did it stay in such good condition. I didn’t realize that these were made by the gun manufacturer and also made in CT. Finally, if you are a frustrated copy editor like me, you will get hung up on the phrase “...you ever had” which seems to imply comparison before using the product. guns and razor blades- together at last. #matchbook #marlinguns #firearms #advertising #shave #1940s #estatesale #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Saturday, October 27, 2018

These Nixon Agnew puppets are too good.

#found #collectible #politics #nixon #urbanarcheology #estatesale #puppets
Every sale is different and what often happens is I will find something but it will either be too obscure or out of my price range. These two knuckleheads were sitting a table at a very plain tag sale. I passed over them once and when I didn't see anything else that interested me, I looked again and was told, "They were in my mother's attic." Rubber but pliable heads and simple yet moth damaged clothes left me guessing and definitely intrigued, but still I left.

I got in my car to leave but then decided to try and look them up. The first hit was for an eBay sale offer a similar pair for $125. The thing about using this to gauge value is that any seller can offer any price with no proof of actual value. The $125 price means nothing. A good tip for getting a better idea of value its to an advanced search of an item and sort by "sold."

The lowest price paid was $15, so I knew I would be able to haggle, but it's not always about the art of the deal. This was a simple sale where stretching for the bargain basement price doesn't establish a relationship of trust.

On the side of the garage there were lined up several framed graphics, among them were 2 covers from LIFE magazine from the 1920's. Illustrator Maxfield Parrish made a name for himself with whimsical and often elaborate creations. I recall being told by a collector 20 years ago that if you could find his covers you would have an item of value. However, either the proliferation of copies or the economic downturn has made almost all of his work, save for signed originals, no longer as desirable. Maybe, like gold or silver, the price will rise again.

I liked the quality of these covers and I was impressed with the care in which the framing shop had matted each and documented their preservation. I offered to pay full price for the puppets if she would throw in the 2 Maxfield Parrish framed covers which were priced at $10.

The real clincher for me was the story behind these puppets: Illustrator Rick Meyerowitz created the first 2 to use in a caver shoot for Nation Lampoon magazine. Held by Abbie Hoffman the puppets became somewhat famous and Rick was approached to license them for mass production. The story is better told by Rick here.  After reading that I knew I had to have them. You see, I have a National Lampoon story of my own that I will share someday and these puppets may do a better job of telling it than I ever could.

Friday, October 19, 2018

This matchbook from 1952 is in amazing condition for being 66 years old. It has outlived all the politicians on it. Bill Marland won his bid for Governor of West Virginia serving from 53 - 57. He supported desegregation of schools and was overall a fine public servant. He was accused of drinking to excess in the daytime but dismissed the attack. After his run in politics he was spotted by a reporter in 1965 driving a cab in Chicago. In a press conference he admitted that the work as cabbie helped him in his recovery as an alcoholic. The notoriety actually turned his life around and he became a minor celebrity and landed a better job. Sadly, later that same year he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died. Tell me that story doesn’t beat a pair of Harleys! #found #matchbook #politics #democrats #1953 #estatesalefinds #urbanarcheology


This matchbook from 1952 is in amazing condition for being 66 years old. It has outlived all the politicians on it. Bill Marland won his bid for Governor of West Virginia serving from 53 - 57. He supported desegregation of schools and was overall a fine public servant. He was accused of drinking to excess in the daytime but dismissed the attack. After his run in politics he was spotted by a reporter in 1965 driving a cab in Chicago. In a press conference he admitted that the work as cabbie helped him in his recovery as an alcoholic. The notoriety actually turned his life around and he became a minor celebrity and landed a better job. Sadly, later that same year he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died. Tell me that story doesn’t beat a pair of Harleys! #matchbook #politics #democrats #1953 #estatesalefinds #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Matchbook madness continues! 1- I didn’t know I had an “Awkward” zone 2- I didn’t think it was there. Ah the days of clean shaves - it was never going to happen with the Kirk Douglas-designer chin dimple my parents had installed when I was born. So I can’t understand the beardists who hurt me for having one. I have always referred to my beard as a monument to the hatred of shaving. Take that! Mennen. #found #urbanarcheology #estatesale #beard #beardsupport #humor #matchbook #collectible #1940s


Matchbook madness continues! 1- I didn’t know I had an “Awkward” zone 2- I didn’t think it was there. Ah the days of clean shaves - it was never going to happen with the Kirk Douglas-designer chin dimple my parents had installed when I was born. So I can’t understand the beardists who hurt me for having one. I have always referred to my beard as a monument to the hatred of shaving. Take that! Mennen. #urbanarcheology #estatesale #beard #beardsupport #humor #matchbook #collectible #1940s

from Instagram

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

This.....was an awesome desk. I became the owner of the contents of this beauty. So much history. So many new stories to share. I am just grateful for the opportunity. Stay tuned.... #found #furniture #olddesk #hidden #moretothestory #history #estatesale #urbanarcheology


This.....was an awesome desk. I became the owner of the contents of this beauty. So much history. So many new stories to share. I am just grateful for the opportunity. Stay tuned.... #furniture #olddesk #hidden #moretothestory #history #estatesale #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

George Harvey ran for Boro president in Queens,NY after serving as an alderman in the 1920s. He successfully brought about an investigation into anTammany Hall connected Boro president and essentially replaced him. I need to know more about this interesting politician - the matchbook alone is intriguing enough - but he also payed a role in being the 1939 worlds fair to NYC. One more- he died in 1946 fighting a fire near his home in New Milford CT! The synchronicity is getting to be too much for me. I lived there for 20 years and now live nearby. I guess it’s off to the newspaper archives. #found #matchbook #politics #politicians #nyc #newyorkcity #queens #collectibles #estatesale #urbanarcheology


George Harvey ran for Boro president in Queens,NY after serving as an alderman in the 1920s. He successfully brought about an investigation into anTammany Hall connected Boro president and essentially replaced him. I need to know more about this interesting politician - the matchbook alone is intriguing enough - but he also payed a role in being the 1939 worlds fair to NYC. One more- he died in 1946 fighting a fire near his home in New Milford CT! The synchronicity is getting to be too much for me. I lived there for 20 years and now live nearby. I guess it’s off to the newspaper archives. #matchbook #politics #politicians #nyc #newyorkcity #queens #collectibles #estatesale #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Monday, October 8, 2018

From 1927 until 1981 if you were female and needed a place to stay in New York City there was no better place than The Barbizon. Men were not allowed above ground level. Many famous women have stayed here. I am just scratching the surface of the pile of ephemera I uncovered this weekend. This piece from the matchbook collection I picked up is just one of many from the 1940s. #found #matchbook #1940s #nyc #hotels #estatesale #urbanarcheology


From 1927 until 1981 if you were female and needed a place to stay in New York City there was no better place than The Barbizon. Men were not allowed above ground level. Many famous women have stayed here. I am just scratching the surface of the pile of ephemera I uncovered this weekend. This piece from the matchbook collection I picked up is just one of many from the 1940s. #matchbook #1940s #nyc #hotels #estatesale #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Sunday, October 7, 2018

A 1944 letter from a soldier fighting in the South Pacific to his sister in college reveals a personal account of one of the most tumultuous island battles in World War II…and it almost got away. Link in the comments. #found #wwii #military #marines #war #history #estatesale #urbanarcheology


A 1944 letter from a soldier fighting in the South Pacific to his sister in college reveals a personal account of one of the most tumultuous island battles in World War II…and it almost got away. Link in the comments. #wwii #military #marines #war #history #estatesale #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Friday, September 21, 2018

This is neat, or should I say Cool? It represents the Jazz movement on college campuses in the 1950s. I can only guess that this was a regular thing at MIT or possibly another nearby college. I’d love to go back in time and walk in with this pass. #found #jazz #1950s #massachusettsinstituteoftechnology #MIT #estatesale #urbanarcheology


This is neat, or should I say Cool? It represents the Jazz movement on college campuses in the 1950s. I can only guess that this was a regular thing at MIT or possibly another nearby college. I’d love to go back in time and walk in with this pass. #jazz #1950s #massachusettsinstituteoftechnology #MIT #estatesale #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Just ask Miranda...she knows her rights. I’ve seen enough episodes of Law and Order that I won’t ever need this - not that I would ever anyway, but it’s nice to have. #found #legal #miranda #readhimhisrights #lawandorder #foundpaper #estatesale #urbanarcheology


Just ask Miranda...she knows her rights. I’ve seen enough episodes of Law and Order that I won’t ever need this - not that I would ever anyway, but it’s nice to have. #legal #miranda #readhimhisrights #lawandorder #foundpaper #estatesale #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Friday, August 31, 2018

Wooden you know? Another mystery to solve. True story - while visiting Florida I went Estate Sale’ing with my 96 year old mother. What!? It’s what I’d want to do on my 96th birthday. Inside a condo I met an interesting Vietnam Veteran - who had also been a postman - talk about service to your country! His daughter was helping him move back to Ohio and paring down his collection was the goal. I let them know who I was and what I was looking for- as always. Unfortunately, I. could only find a pen-sized postal scale from the 1940s (to be posted.) However when it came time to pay the negotiations took an odd turn. I offered $2 for the scale he came back with $3. Jokingly I said “aww - really?!” He then said, “Yes $3, but you have to take this also.” He handed be this wooden foot and explained that many years ago in Ohio someone had given it to him explaining that it had been taken from the Thomas Edison birthplace museum there. If they could have seen the look on my face they might have heard me say under my breath “This looks like a job for the Urban Archeologist!” There was no phone booth nearby - not even the Dr-Who kind, so I just said, “Thanks!” I had found what I was looking for and drove off into the sunset. If you’re wondering where my mom was during all this - she was home. What kind of a son do you think I am? I brought her “Sale-ing” the day before - this was day two. Can you guess what doll or puppet this might have come from - or could it be a child’s shoe form? The story to find the answer and to return it is coming soon......I hope. #found #florida #ohio #antiques #mystery #thomasedison #thomasedisonmuseum #estatesale #story #urbanarcheology


Wooden you know? Another mystery to solve. True story - while visiting Florida I went Estate Sale’ing with my 96 year old mother. What!? It’s what I’d want to do on my 96th birthday. Inside a condo I met an interesting Vietnam Veteran - who had also been a postman - talk about service to your country! His daughter was helping him move back to Ohio and paring down his collection was the goal. I let them know who I was and what I was looking for- as always. Unfortunately, I. could only find a pen-sized postal scale from the 1940s (to be posted.) However when it came time to pay the negotiations took an odd turn. I offered $2 for the scale he came back with $3. Jokingly I said “aww - really?!” He then said, “Yes $3, but you have to take this also.” He handed be this wooden foot and explained that many years ago in Ohio someone had given it to him explaining that it had been taken from the Thomas Edison birthplace museum there. If they could have seen the look on my face they might have heard me say under my breath “This looks like a job for the Urban Archeologist!” There was no phone booth nearby - not even the Dr-Who kind, so I just said, “Thanks!” I had found what I was looking for and drove off into the sunset. If you’re wondering where my mom was during all this - she was home. What kind of a son do you think I am? I brought her “Sale-ing” the day before - this was day two. Can you guess what doll or puppet this might have come from - or could it be a child’s shoe form? The story to find the answer and to return it is coming soon......I hope. #florida #ohio #antiques #mystery #thomasedison #thomasedisonmuseum #estatesale #story #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

My college plans? I’m going back to 1958 and attend the MIT junior prom. It’ll be a smoker! #found #matchbooks #matchbookcollector #MIT #massachusettsinstituteoftechnology #1958 #collectables #matches #estatesale #urbanarcheology


My college plans? I’m going back to 1958 and attend the MIT junior prom. It’ll be a smoker! #matchbooks #matchbookcollector #MIT #massachusettsinstituteoftechnology #1958 #collectables #matches #estatesale #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Friday, August 24, 2018

If you know me, you know I love to draw. Finding old implements of drawing is why I enjoy digging through abandoned desks. This sharpener is unique in that it is half the thickness of others like it. This is the first one I have found that was. Meant for mechanical pencils that accepted graphite rods. Cool. #found #drawing #tools #mechanicaldrawing #vintage #urbanarcheology #sharpener #estatesale


If you know me, you know I love to draw. Finding old implements of drawing is why I enjoy digging through abandoned desks. This sharpener is unique in that it is half the thickness of others like it. This is the first one I have found that was. Meant for mechanical pencils that accepted graphite rods. Cool. #drawing #tools #mechanicaldrawing #vintage #urbanarcheology #sharpener #estatesale

from Instagram

Sunday, August 12, 2018

Saturday, August 11, 2018

If you’re looking for nostalgia... it’s out there this weekend. And when I say “out there” Someone asked me if I wanted to buy this. I said “No planks.” #found #nostalgia #tv #1970s #heehaw #estatesale #connectucut #urbanarcheology


If you’re looking for nostalgia... it’s out there this weekend. And when I say “out there” Someone asked me if I wanted to buy this. I said “No planks.” #nostalgia #tv #1970s #heehaw #estatesale #connectucut #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Before there was CVS...Before there was RiteAid.... this 1890s era ad for your friendly neighborhood apothecary also featured alcohol for “medicinal” purposes and another odd little item of you care to look closer. #found #drugs #druggist #1890s #ephemera #urbanarcheology #estatesale #advertising #oldads


Before there was CVS...Before there was RiteAid.... this 1890s era ad for your friendly neighborhood apothecary also featured alcohol for “medicinal” purposes and another odd little item of you care to look closer. #drugs #druggist #1890s #ephemera #urbanarcheology #estatesale #advertising #oldads

from Instagram

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

This 200 year old home has been a source of one historical surprise after another. Held again in July - I returned to take a deeper look. In the barn was this headstone in 2 pieces. With permission and help we carried it to the barn floor and reassembled it. I can’t wait to visit the Easton Historical Society and find out more about Sarah Sanford. The mystery is - I purchased sheet music from the 1860s -1870s and written faintly on each in pencil is Sarah Sanford. The headstone shows that she passed in 1849. How is that possible? #found #headstone #Easton #connecticut #eastonhistoricalsociety #history #mystery #estatesale #urbanarcheology


This 200 year old home has been a source of one historical surprise after another. Held again in July - I returned to take a deeper look. In the barn was this headstone in 2 pieces. With permission and help we carried it to the barn floor and reassembled it. I can’t wait to visit the Easton Historical Society and find out more about Sarah Sanford. The mystery is - I purchased sheet music from the 1860s -1870s and written faintly on each in pencil is Sarah Sanford. The headstone shows that she passed in 1849. How is that possible? #headstone #Easton #connecticut #eastonhistoricalsociety #history #mystery #estatesale #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Sunday, July 15, 2018

I bought a box of heads - because - why not? Another find another education. I had never seen these before - but one look at their detail and I couldn’t pass them up. I learned that Bosson’s Chalkware was made from 1946 until 1996. Are these rare or valuable? I don’t care. Some things deserve more of my time than what I have to spend at a sale - so paying means I get to enjoy them for just a little longer. #found #bossons #decoration #chalkware #estatesale #collecting #urbanarcheology


I bought a box of heads - because - why not? Another find another education. I had never seen these before - but one look at their detail and I couldn’t pass them up. I learned that Bosson’s Chalkware was made from 1946 until 1996. Are these rare or valuable? I don’t care. Some things deserve more of my time than what I have to spend at a sale - so paying means I get to enjoy them for just a little longer. #bossons #decoration #chalkware #estatesale #collecting #urbanarcheology

from Instagram

Monday, July 9, 2018

Another gem plucked from the shelves of Just In Antiques at the Brickhouse. The best part is you can listen to it here: https://youtu.be/KDYwoeEduCE “Hello...baby hello”. #found #urbanarcheology #justinantiques #birds #hartz #record #humor #parakeet #tricks #newmilford #antiquing


Another gem plucked from the shelves of Just In Antiques at the Brickhouse. The best part is you can listen to it here: https://youtu.be/KDYwoeEduCE “Hello...baby hello”. #urbanarcheology #justinantiques #birds #hartz #record #humor #parakeet #tricks #newmilford #antiquing

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Sunday, July 8, 2018

The wine cellar under the “Breakers” (Newport’s largest mansion) was padlocked for many years and when it was opened this is what they found. Hundreds of bottle of champagne and wine many leaking from rotted corks. #newport #found #urbanarcheology #wine #champagne #rhodeisland


The wine cellar under the “Breakers” (Newport’s largest mansion) was padlocked for many years and when it was opened this is what they found. Hundreds of bottle of champagne and wine many leaking from rotted corks. #newport #urbanarcheology #wine #champagne #rhodeisland

from Instagram

The mulligan Guard was a song of the 1870s that poked fun over men who were still dressing up for battle even thought the war was over. Rescued from the floor of a 200 year old connecticut barn. #found #music #sheetmusic #connecticut #19thcentury #estatesale #urbanarcheology


The mulligan Guard was a song of the 1870s that poked fun over men who were still dressing up for battle even thought the war was over. Rescued from the floor of a 200 year old connecticut barn. #music #sheetmusic #connecticut #19thcentury #estatesale #urbanarcheology

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Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Still my favorite inscription from my favorite patriot Elizabeth Hutter, who was right there in Washington DC conversing with leaders in the 1850s (Lincoln among them) about how this country was great but could always be better. She still has not received the credit she is due for her work to improve the lives of the people who were the most under-represented -Children. Holding this book, especially today as she held it on this very day so long ago - gives me good vibes - not chills. Happy Birthday America. #found #books #signed #independenceday #america #famouswomen #history #Pennsylvania #estataesale #urbanarcheology


Still my favorite inscription from my favorite patriot Elizabeth Hutter, who was right there in Washington DC conversing with leaders in the 1850s (Lincoln among them) about how this country was great but could always be better. She still has not received the credit she is due for her work to improve the lives of the people who were the most under-represented -Children. Holding this book, especially today as she held it on this very day so long ago - gives me good vibes - not chills. Happy Birthday America. #books #signed #independenceday #america #famouswomen #history #Pennsylvania #estataesale #urbanarcheology

from Instagram