Duckwells

Avon Cosmetics is a well-known global beauty company that has been around for over 135 years. The company was founded by David H. McConnell in 1886, in New York City. McConnell, a traveling book salesman, had noticed that his female customers were more interested in the free perfume samples he offered than in his books. This led him to the idea of creating a perfume company that would be run by women and sell its products directly to consumers. Initially, the company was called the California Perfume Company, and it sold just five fragrances. The name "Avon" was adopted in 1939, inspired by the Avon River in McConnell's native England. By this time, the company had expanded beyond fragrances and was selling a wider range of beauty products. In the early days, Avon products were sold door-to-door by female representatives, who were known as Avon Ladies. This model allowed women to earn an income at a time when few opportunities were available to them. It also allowed Avon ...

Featherstone Flamingos are a classic lawn ornament that has been popular for decades. These pink plastic birds can be seen in yards across the country, adding a touch of whimsy to any outdoor space. In this blog post, we'll explore the history of Featherstone Flamingos and share some tips for incorporating them into your own lawn decor. History of Featherstone Flamingos Don Featherstone, a sculptor and artist, designed the first Featherstone Flamingos in 1957. He was working for Union Products, a plastic manufacturing company, and was tasked with creating a new product line for the company. Featherstone's wife, Nancy, had recently taken a trip to Florida and brought back pictures of flamingos, which inspired Featherstone's design. The first Featherstone Flamingos were made of molded plastic and had metal legs. They quickly became popular and have remained so ever since. Featherstone continued to design other lawn ornaments for Union Products, but it was the flamingos that b...

Antique mercury glass, also known as silvered glass or silvered mirror glass, is a type of glassware that has been produced since the 19th century. It is characterized by its silvered, reflective surface, which gives it a unique and elegant appearance. Mercury glass was first produced in Germany in the mid-19th century as a cheaper alternative to traditional silver mirrors. It was made by blowing double-walled glass vessels and filling them with a solution of silver nitrate and mercury. The glass was then sealed, and the solution was swirled around until the silver adhered to the inside of the glass. The result was a mirror-like finish that resembled traditional silver, but at a much lower cost. Over time, mercury glass became popular as a decorative object, especially during the Victorian era. It was often used in the production of lamps, candlesticks, vases, and other decorative items. The glass was often molded into intricate designs, such as fluted columns and acanthus leaves, whic...

Souvenir plates are a popular collector’s item that often have significant historical and cultural value. These plates, which are typically sold as mementos of a particular location or event, have been popular since the late 19th century. Some of the most sought-after souvenir plates are those that are vintage or antique, and they can be valuable pieces of art and history. Vintage souvenir plates are typically considered to be those that were made between the 1920s and the 1960s. These plates were often mass-produced and decorated with images of famous landmarks, scenic views, or local flora and fauna. They were popular among travelers who wanted to take home a tangible reminder of their trip or event. Many of these plates were made by prominent manufacturers such as Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and Limoges. Antique souvenir plates are those that were made before the 1920s. These plates are often more ornate and decorative than their vintage counterparts, and they were usually produced in ...

Peterborough, New Hampshire is a picturesque town located in the Monadnock Region of southern New Hampshire. With a population of just over 6,000, Peterborough is known for its charming downtown area, beautiful natural scenery, and vibrant arts community. One of the most iconic features of Peterborough is its Main Street, which is lined with historic buildings and local shops and restaurants. Visitors can stroll down the street, stopping to browse the many boutiques and galleries, or grab a bite to eat at one of the town’s many eateries. Peterborough is also home to the Peterborough Players, one of the oldest and most respected professional summer theaters in the country. Founded in 1933, the theater has hosted a wide range of performances over the years, from classic plays to contemporary dramas and musicals. Peterborough is also known for its first in the tax funded library, a town treasure, once mentioned on the Carol Burnett Show! In addition to its thriving arts scene, Peterboroug...

Antique parlor games are games that were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, played in the parlors of homes and social gatherings. These games were designed to be played by groups of people and were a form of entertainment that did not require electricity or technology. One popular antique parlor game was Charades, a game in which one person acted out a phrase or word, and the other players had to guess what it was. Charades required creativity and acting skills and was a favorite game among adults and children. Another popular game was Blind Man’s Bluff, in which one person was blindfolded and had to try to catch the other players. The other players would try to avoid being caught by moving around quietly and quickly, adding an element of suspense and excitement to the game. Fortune-telling games were also popular during this time period. One such game was called The Oracle, in which a person asked a question and received an answer in the form of a poem or riddle. Another fo...