Coney Island excursion ca. 1880s

This item is from the Charles Steele box. More than 10 years ago, the man who found the box in Newton, NJ, created a website with pictures of what was inside. That website is gone, but you can learn more about his find at Collectors Weekly. For anyone who loves history and ephemera, it's a fascinating story, and a reminder of how many treasures are just barely saved from the dumpster.

 

One World Needle Book, Germany, ca. 1920s

I love the graphics on this needle book and it's one world message. It's made in Germany, which has me stumped. Could this have been made during the Third Reich? It doesn't seem likely. That's why I date it circa 1920s.

But the plane near the Eiffel Tower and the bus seem more like 1930s vintage. Hmmm. Has to be the 1920s...Egypt was the rage. King Tut's tomb and all that.

It's quite nice inside, too.

Itinerant musician, 1925

A strange little print that was tucked in the Little Folks magazine. It looks like it was separated from another image at the bottom. The landscape reminds me of the Wizard of Oz. That looks like a violin case under his arm. 

Friendship's offering, ca. 1880s

This pretty card was pasted in a scrapbook; no writing on the back, but it might have been a freebie given away at a store. 

National Poetry Month

Poster designed by Jessica Helfand and Jessica Svendsen.

Islander Trading Post on Sanibel Island

The Islander Trading Post on Sanibel Island in Florida was a highlight of my recent vacation. The place is packed to the rafters. Click on the link to see more of their fantastic collections.

I was really impressed with these head vases. I think $35 is a good price; I've seen them for much more.

These glove molds freaked me out a bit. My friend Carol has a nice collection of these, perfect to display costume jewelry.

Altered Books

Beverly Micucci's altered books, done in collaboration with Sandy Vanderpool. Just fabulous.

Ephemera's clues

Be sure to read Christopher Gray's article in the Times last week about the search for the original occupant of his New York City apartment. Magical. Every piece of ephemera tells a story, if we but find it and follow its trail...