Duckwells

 

Easter is a holiday that has been celebrated for centuries, and many traditions associated with the holiday have evolved over time. Antique and vintage Easter items are a popular collector's item, as they offer a glimpse into the past and the different ways in which Easter has been celebrated. One of the most iconic antique Easter items is the Easter egg . The tradition of decorating eggs dates back to ancient times, with the egg symbolizing rebirth and new life. In the 19th century, the tradition of decorating Easter eggs with intricate designs and colors became popular in Europe. Many antique Easter eggs were made from materials such as porcelain, glass, or metal, and were often elaborately decorated with painted scenes, floral motifs, or religious themes. Another popular antique Easter item is the Easter postcard . In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sending postcards was a popular way to send greetings to friends and family on special occasions. Easter postcards often f...

Mauchline ware is a type of decorative woodenware that was produced in the Scottish town of Mauchline during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was made from a variety of woods, including sycamore, beech, and yew, and was typically decorated with transfer-printed designs. The history of Mauchline ware can be traced back to the early 19th century, when a local farmer named James Parker began producing snuffboxes decorated with scenes of local landmarks. These proved to be popular with tourists, and Parker soon expanded his product line to include a wide variety of decorative wooden items, including penholders, egg cups, and napkin rings. By the 1850s, Mauchline ware had become a thriving industry, with a number of local firms producing a wide range of decorative wooden items. These items were sold both locally and abroad, with Mauchline ware becoming particularly popular in the United States. One of the key features of Mauchline ware is its use of transfer-printed designs. These desi...

Howard Johnson's, also known as HoJo's, was a chain of restaurants started in Quincy, Massachusetts and grew to one of the largest restaurant chains in the mid-20th century. Today, Howard Johnson's is remembered not just for its food and lodging, but also for its distinctive and colorful collectibles. HoJo collectibles are sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike. They come in a variety of forms, from small souvenirs like ashtrays and matchbooks to larger items like clocks, lamps, and signage. Many of these items feature the iconic Howard Johnson's logo and bright orange and turquoise color scheme. One of the most popular HoJo collectibles is the restaurant's signature ice cream scoop. Made of sturdy stainless steel and featuring the Howard Johnson's logo on the handle, these scoops are highly prized by collectors. Some even come in their original packaging, adding to their value. Another sought-after item is the Howard Johnson's lunchbox, which was ...

The 1960s was a decade of immense cultural change and revolution. From the civil rights movement to the British invasion of rock 'n' roll, this era was defined by its break from tradition and embrace of the avant-garde. Among the many trends that emerged during this time, the paper dress craze of the 1960s remains one of the most fascinating and iconic. The Birth of a Revolution The 1960s was a decade characterized by youth culture, rebellion, and experimentation. It was in this atmosphere that the paper dress made its grand entrance. The concept of disposable fashion, designed to be worn a few times and then discarded, was the perfect embodiment of the era's free-spirited attitude. The Creators Behind the Trend Scott Paper Company, a manufacturer of paper products, is often credited with starting the paper dress trend. In 1966, they partnered with the advertising agency J. Walter Thompson to create the "PaperCaper." This marketing campaign introduced disposable p...

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...