Preparing For Passover...Lot's of Quality Time in The Kitchen

Nostalgic Times: 1950s Passover

I'm getting ready for the holiday of Passover, a time which will bring me into my kitchen for some real "quality time". Don't get me wrong, I do spend a lot of time in my kitchen now, but nothing quite racks up special domestic time like Passover. Yes, I know that the holiday of Easter consumes a good deal of family cooking preparation, but Passover is a double whammy and then some... two big holiday meals or Seders followed by an entire week of special Passover foods and recipes which take over the kitchen.

I was reminded of my childhood Passovers when I saw this picture posted on Pinterest.com. If you look closely at the little girl she is wearing MaryJane shoes and ankle socks. Oh boy do I remember going shopping for new clothes and new shoes for the holiday. It's been a very long time since I saw mom and daughters in the kitchen wearing a dress with an apron. Not to mention high heels!

 
C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Using Retro 1950s Wire Magazine Racks In Your Art Studio Or Gallery To Display Small Artwork

Atomic Era Magazine Stands Used To Display Small Works Of Art In A Studio Or Gallery

In my Mid Century styled art studio at the Farminton Valley Arts Center in Avon, CT,  smaller works of art  that are not on my gallery wall are displayed in  vintage metal wire magazine racks from the 1950s. These  Atomic era magazine racks  can be found at flea markets, junk stores and antique shops.  So far I own three of these Atomic era magazine racks wh ich have been converted to showcase artwork now.  


These vintage racks work well for smaller pieces of artwork and are lower to the ground that store bought newer versisons. You could however prop these older magazine stands up on a window sill or table.

Antique dealers could also use this idea in a shop to display small vintage artwork or even old magazines.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Retro Housewives Are Popular Collectible Images On Pinterest.com

Are You A Retro Housewife?

You would be surprised  to learn just how many young people enjoy posting images of Retro Housewives on their Pinterest.com boards. If you are wondering how I know that the gals are young, I will tell you my clue. Just take a look at some of their boards that are titled something similar to "Childhood Memories" or "Remember When"  or "Yesterday's Stuff"  and you will see toys, clothing and objects that were not in a any baby boomer's closet.

Anne Taintor Popularized The Retro Housewife For Younger Generations

Never the less, the humorous image of the 50's housewife is very popular.  I'm sure graphic   designers such as Anne Taintor  helped bring the Retro housewife back into the limelight. Now many other designers, collectors, photographers   have captured the image of the iconic housewife who wore  high heels and pearls while doing the dishes for her adoring hubby.


Remember The Cobbler Apron?

 If you want to be accurate, my mom was a Retro housewife, but I don't remember the heels and jewelry. I remember the cobbler apron and milk glass centerpiece with fake fruit. Yet my mom was indeed a 50's homemaker. She didn't learn how to drive a car  until much later in life and thought gourmet food was opening up a can of Campbell's Mushroom soup to give taste to a Tuna casserole.

I suppose  we all have different images in our mind of what a Retro housewife looks like. The biting sarcasm of the captioned pictures that Anne Taintor is famous for is what many Pinterest pinners like about pinning similiar Retro housewives to their boards. It's as if on some deeper level, the younger gals are  thinking, that was then and this is now and thank God we can now wear our flip flops while we watch hubby making dinner.

Please visit my "Kitschy Thrifty Housewife" board on Pinterest.com

 My Retro Mom

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Vintage Telephone Table Or Gossip Bench: A Great Idea

Gossip Benches: Popular In the 1940s and 1950s 

Grandma lived in a two family house in Brooklyn, N.Y. with a wonderful front porch, attractive awning and a door bell with chimes that I will always remember. As soon as you entered the foyer into her home you headed straight down the  hallway towards the dining area and kitchen and there was  what every grandma had in those days....."the telephone table" or "gossip bench" as many people called these charming seats with an attached table.

  Gossip Bench Or Telephone Table Came In Many Styles

While grandma's telephone table was Mahogany with an upholstered fabric seat, I have seen these tables in all kinds of styles (Danish, Victorian, Early American, Modern) and  different woods and materials. You will see Gossip benches  with a variety of seats including needlepoint, vinyl,  upholstered, patterned, striped etc. You will also come across  Mid-Century looks, such as a wrought iron hairpin mesh bench. These modern benches are cool but can fetch big money as compared to ordinary versions!

Where To Buy Telephone Tables Or Gossip Benches 

Buyers can still find plenty of telephone tables out there and easily available on Etsy.com or eBay.com or other online sites as well as in antique shops.  While I generally see common benches  selling for $60-75.00, you will also come across  special telephone tables selling for even higher prices. And in Metropolitan areas such as New York City where decorators are re-doing these benches in high end glitz the prices are really climbing. It seems everyone is now after The Gossip Bench or Telephone Bench or Telephone Table! And I have also seen newly made Gossip Benches in cottage style, see http://www.benchesbythebunches.com/Cottage-Gossip-Bench---Black.htm

It's easy To Find Your Phone With A Gossip Bench

These tables were very handy before cordless phones and of course way before cell phones. How nice it was to actually know exactly where your phone was. It was of course...ON THE TELEPHONE TABLE! Now that is a handy idea.

Read More About Gossip Benches Or Telephone Tables 



http://adesignenthusiast.blogspot.com/2010/04/gossip-benches.html

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/going-gaga-for-141790

Turquoise bench courtesy of http://adesignenthusiast.blogspot.com/2010/04/gossip-benches.html

Top bench spotted at http://www.collinsvilleantiques.com/

Painted lack bench was found at http://haverfordhouse.blogspot.com/2010/04/ive-got-gossip-girl.html

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Collecting Vintage Children's Plastic Pocketbooks

1950's Children's Plastic Handbag

I just had to have this very sweet 1950's children's plastic pocketbook. As soon as I spotted it at Woodstock Antiques in Woodstock, CT, I just had to have it.

Back in the 195o's you could buy a handbag like this for a few dollars. In fact you could buy 3 piece toy luggage set for little gals for $4.98.

Today if you are even lucky enough to find children's pocketbooks expect to pay $15.00 -18.00.
Children's pocketbooks in the 1950's were made to look just like mommy's. Often you might find a pocketbook sold with a matching umbrella or make believe high heel shoes. A little girl might have a pocketbook to "play house" with or to use for family outings.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Decorating Your Vintage Kitchen With Colors of Yellow And Lavender

A Sunny Retro Vintage Kitchen In Yellow And Lavender

I thought I would share this lovely photos with you. I wish I was bold enough to bring these wonderful colors into my own kitchen. The cabinets are a warm buttery yellow, the back splash is lavender and the wall are a bright Sunflower yellow.

Functional kitchen collectibles such as bowls, pitchers, appliances are stored above the cabinets adding a lovely country feeling to this colorful Retro-vintage kitchen.

See more at: http://titdilapa.blogspot.com/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Review: Postwar Pop:Memorabilia of the Mid-20th Century by Donald-Brian Johnson and Leslie Pina.

Retro Collectors Will Adore Postwar Pop:Memorabilia of the Mid-20th Century

You will love Postwar Pop:Memorabilia of the Mid-20th Century by Donald-Brian Johnson and Leslie Pina. This is one of Schiffer's newer releases and it is GREAT!

"Postwar Pop" is a whopping 240 full color hardcover book covering collectibles from the post-World War I-II period (1920s-1960s).

Favorite Mid-Century Collectibles

What I really like about this very entertaining reference book is the diversity of collectibles covered
including, Modern ceramics, Sascha Brastoff, Marc Bellaire, Harris Strong, The California Cleminsons , "Sid and Eleanor" (Ceramic Arts Studio) , Betty Lou, Head vases, "Michael Higgins Glass", Hollywood, television, movies, screen magazines, T.V. Guide, Playbill, "Picture Records", Valentines, Christmas, ephemera, doilies, Americana, holidays, decorating, "The Frankart Girl", "Perfume Lamps", "Mexican Silver Jewelry", "Liberace", and more.

Donald-Brian Johnson And Leslie Pina

Author Donald-Brian Johnson, a specialist on twentieth century decor and collectibles has written many books for Schiffer in collaboration with photographer Leslie Pina. You might recall some of their past titles including "Deco Decor", "Whiting and Davis Purses" , "Moss Lamps", and a four part series on Chase Brass & Copper.

Leslie Pina has a PhD in American Studies and is a retired college professor. She has written or co-authored over sixty books for Schiffer. Her subjects include "Fifties Glass", "Italian Glass", "Scandinavian Modern", "Mexican Jewelry", "Furniture In History" and more.

In this new well researched book by these authors, you will find highlights from many of their previously studied and written about topics. The photographs in this book are glorious and the fu keeps going on and on and on. Mr readers who love the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s will adore this book!

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (April 28, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764338048
• ISBN-13: 978-0764338045

Roselane Deer photo courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/BornToBeWildStudios?ref=seller_info

Harris Strong Photo courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/listing/67938474/vintage-harris-strong-ceramic-dish
C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Collecting "Zippy The Monkey"

Going Bonkers Learning About "Zippy The Monkey"

Perhaps I should say, I am going bananas trying to figure out who the real "Zippy The Monkey" is?

I'll call this fella "Zippy", but I believe it is safe to say that he is not the REAL Zippy, just a Zippy wannabee or perhaps even a cousin of "Zippy". My first "Zippy" (back in the day) had red suspenders without the clown like pom pom buttons. BUT.....this guy shown in the picture brought back fond memories of my dear "Zippy" and I had to have him when I discovered him at Jeremiah's Antiques & Collectibles in Putnam, CT. a few weeks ago.

This plush toy is marked "Columbia Toy Company". You will find plush "Zippy" style chimps made by many companies.

Howdy Doody "Zippy" Made By Rushton Company

It appears that the chimp with the most value is made by "Rushton Co" in the 195t0s. You will find a hang tag which reads "The Rushton Company, Atlanta, Georgia . You will also find the words "Copyright The Rushton CO, on the bottom of Zippy's the rubber white shoe. You will find so much information about Zippy by visiting
http://www.billybear4kids.com/animal/Z-BillysFriend.html

"Zippy" Came In Different Sizes

"Zippy" came in different sizes dressed in red overalls, a yellow shirt with "Zip" across the front and a Howdy Doody hat . I wish I could tell you more, but I am going bonkers getting to the bottom of this Zippy mystery. Zippy was released in the 60s version, 70s issue , and again in the 80's by Dakin Company. I have also seen "Zippy" reproduced and sold at the restaurant chain "Cracker Barrel".

Who Is "Zippy" ?

This is what I know so far....the stuffed chimp was fashioned after "Zippy" the famous 1950s real life television "star". According to the website Zippy The T.V. Chimp Zippy was a real life chimp who made appearances on many of the popular T.V. shows during the 1950s.

Zippy was "discovered" by Bob Smith, "Buffalo Bob" of the long running and famous "Howdy Doody Show" while on vacation in New Orleans. Zippy stole a cherry out of Bob's drink and was rewarded with a five year contract. http://www.zippythetvchimp.com/carole_zippy.htm

Zippy appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show on August 2, 1953. He also was on The Captain Kangaroo Show, Gary Moore and Jackie Gleason Shows.

Photo of the real Zippy courtesy of http://www.billybear4kids.com/animal/Z-BillysFriend.html

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Vintage 1950s Faux Fur Leopard Cheetah Swing Coat Featured At Metro Retro Vintage

Warm Up In This Retro Faux Leopard Swing Coat

I could swear my mom owned this very cool jacket I spotted on Metro Retro Vintage , BTW very clever name for an online vintage clothing store on Etsy.com. Metro Retro Vintage is also a member of my site I Antique Online.com

Here is how Metro Retro Vintage describes this wonderful faux leopard jacket:

1950's Faux Leopard Jacket

You’ll love swinging about town in this cool and rockin' vintage 50's faux leopard print swing coat. Throw on a pair of black pencil pants and some cat-eye glasses, and you’re ready to go!

The posh rockabilly style coat is animal-free and comprised of a synthetic "fur" in a leopard spotted pattern, in colors of golden orange/brown color with black and beige.

It has a notched bib style collar, long sleeves, oversized brown buttons and round patch pockets.

The neat coat has a good solid weight, and is fully lined in a brown satin fabric with small patch of red on the bottom inside lining (see close up pic) – however this is hidden inside the coat and neither shows nor detract.

Wonderful condition, with fur vibrant and intact.

*Remember – bulky coats may add an inch or more on the outside, but fit smaller within, so please note the following measurements and make a generous allowance for ease.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust – 42 inches
Waist – 42 inches
Hips – 42 inches
Length – 28 inches

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Collecting 1950's T.V. Lamps

Kitschy 1950s T.V. Lamps For Your Retro Style Home

Talk about kitsch...what do you think of these whimsical 1950's T.V. lamps? And what about the cheesy (but adorable) combo T.V. lamp and planter (shown below) ?

T.V. Lamps History
Indirect Light Used In 1950s Living Rooms

Back in the fifties when watching T.V. was becoming a household leisure activity folks generally gathered in the living room to watch T.V. on small sets with hard to see pictures.. It was believed that watching television in a darkened room would hurt the eyes, so many families used T.V. lamps that were "backlit' to add some soft light to the room.

Adjusting The T.V. Lamp Antenna

My friend Cindy who owns The Collinsville Antiques Company Of New Hartford convinced me that the T.V. lamps were needed because you were always playing with the antennas and you needed to see what the heck you were doing.

Whatever the reason for the popularity of T.V. lamps in the 50s, there were oodles of them made, Now there are plenty of passionate collectors who want to get their hands on these indirect kooky lamps which can sell for $25.00-85.00 and higher depending on rarity, theme, condition, region.

Many of these lamps had ceramic bases that were also planters or clocks (See Green lamp shown) from http://www.etsy.com/people/AriesgirlVintage .

While most lamps are made of ceramic, you wil also find other materials such as Chalkware, Plaster and China.

Styles of 1950's T.V. Lamps

You will find ceramic T.V. lamp planters in a variety of styles such as panthers, poodles, roosters, fish, stallions, birds, deer, nautical, dancers, swans, flowers, fruit, shells, plant life, fish, bulls, ducks,owl, dogs, musical themes, trains Oriental themes, Western themes , and more. Read http://www.tvlamps.net/category.html
Meet T.V. Lamp Collector Mark Stevens

Avid collector Mark Stevens was interviewed by Collector's Weekly and is convinced that the panther and exotic designs back in the 50s. He states: "I have a theory as to why those were the most popular. In the 1950s there was a good deal of interest in anything that had a touch of the exotic. Part of this had to do with an influence from soldiers coming back from World War II. So in the 1950s you have people all of a sudden interested in Oriental, Africa, Polynesian, and French motifs, basically anything that represented a foreign culture became very popular. A panther kind of fit in with all that, an exotic animal from a foreign land."

Indirect Light And T.V. Lamps

Typically the base is made out of high gloss ceramics and the bulb is hidden behind the base or in a attached cylinder .Unlike a regular light that had a shade, often these T.V.lamps/planters gave off a soft glow to protect the eyes from bright light.


T.V. Light Manufacturers

According to the website http://booksfyi.blogspot.com/2009/07/collectibles-corner-vintage-tv-lamps.html"it is estimated that there were 75- 100 manufacturers of these kitschy lamps including Haeger, Kron, Lane of van Nuys, California Originals, Gonder, Maddux, Hollywood Ceramics, McCoy, Treasure Craft, and others". For an extensive list of manufacturers click here: http://www.tvlamps.net/manufacturers.html
The T.V. lamp was generally placed on top of the T.V. set or on a nearby table.

Collector Mark Steven suggests reading:

Turned On: Decorative Lamps of the 50s by Leland and Crystal Payton, has been out of print for years but can be found on eBay. Other TV Lamp books are, 50s TV Lamps by Calvin Shepherd, and one called TV Lamps: Identification and Value Guide by Tom Santiso. Both those books were written in 1998 or 99 and there is one other book that is newer called TV Lamps to Light the World by John A. Shuman.

Resources

You can find Steven's interview at http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/an-interview-with-1950s-tv-lamp-collector-mark-stevens/

Read More at: http://www.tvlamps.net/blog/category/lamp-history/

Collie lamp and Oriental Theme photos courtesy of http://booksfyi.blogspot.com/2009/07/collectibles-corner-vintage-tv-lamps.html

http://www.1950sretro.com/1950s__lamps/tv_lamps/tv_lamps.html

http://hubpages.com/hub/Collecting-Mania-50s-TV-Lamps

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

1950's Retro Candy From Hometown Favorites, An Old Fashioned Candy Company

A Blast From The Past: 1950's Nostalgic Candy

Fed-Ex rang my doorbell this morning and delivered a gift box labeled "DO NOT OPEN UNLESS YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE 50's". O.K. this is NOT the Duvet cover I ordered from The Company Store nor is it one of my get skinny fast books I ordered from Amazon.

Old Fashioned Candy Favorites

It was a box loaded and I mean loaded with candy that was popular in the 1950s. New candy (old names)...but packaged for today. This clever gift comes from a company called Hometown Favorites and was sent to me by my son Josh and his Bride-To-Be (my FDIL) ..... Becky.

According to The Hometown website "Hometown Favorites began in 1996 as a source of hard-to-find favorites for transplanted northerners to warm, sunny Florida. It has since expanded to include over 2000 old-time favorite foods, shipping to all points in the US and beyond".

A very popular product of Hometown Favorites is their Candy Decade Boxes. they sell 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990,s Decade Boxes and additional Classic Collections of those decades.

Here are some items from my Retro Candy Collection :

Necco Chocolate Wafers
Necco Assorted Wafers
Candy Wax Lips
Clark Bar
Candy Cigarettes
Nik L Lip
Candy Buttons
Oh Henry
Chunky
Sen Sen
Chuckles
Mary Janes
Bubble Gum Cigar
Sno Caps
Moon Pie
Charms
Gold Mine Gum
Candy Sticks
Tootsie Roll
Licorice
Bonomo Turkish Taffy

and much more.

This was the perfect gift for the Kitschy Collector. When my diet book arrives next week, the candy will be all gone!

Hometown Favorites has a fun website with product information as well as recipes and a cool newsletter.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Collecting Children's Birthday Party Napkins From the 1950's And 1960s

Vintage Party Goods Delight Baby Boomers

Once again look what I found on .... http://sip-of-sarsaparilla.blogspot.com/ Children's Retro Birthday Party Napkins. I really had no idea how many people like to collect children's vintage party goods from paper plates to nut cups to cute little napkins. Check out sites like Etsy.com and you will see what i am talking about.

Let's Re-Visit THE Birthday Party

My goodness, it is so much fun to re- visit some of these party accessories from my childhood back in the 1950s and 1960s.

Apartment Parties

Living in a small "Garden Apartment' in Fresh Meadows, Queens (N.Y.), birthday parties were held either in your living room or in the spooky community basement where the washer and dryers were kept. Believe me, the party room in this "recreation room" in the basement needed more help than a few balloons and streamers.

Vintage Party Themes

But it was a blast picking out your party theme each year. Usually napkins which went with plates, cups, tablecloths etc. were of popular images from cartoons, T.V. shows, Disney, the circus, sports and more. Other common subjects for images were cowboys and cowgirls, space themes, tea parties, marching bands, poodles etc.

Party Goodies

Oh yes, I can visualize some of these parties as if it were just yesterday. The "Bridge table" would be dragged out of the closet and added to another table and set with a paper tablecloth. Then I would help to set the table and fill the ruffled nut cups or plastic party baskets with Hershey Kisses or M&M's etc. The cake always coordinated with the theme of the party. Mickey, or Donald or Felix or later Fred Flintstone might be the star of honor.

"Little Girl Themes"

For a real change, we might do a frilly pink party and use party goods with a "feminine touch", like images of gals with bonnets at a tea party. The streamers, in coordinated colors would hang from one end of the party room to another. The room with look so pretty and than the kids would arrive with presents in hand (the best part).

Oops.....Here Comes The Soda

And year after year, mom would serve the birthday cake and pour glasses of soda ...yes I said soda...it was in the 1950s....and without skipping a beat...some excited kid would spill their soda all over the paper tablecloth and party goods and the party would move to "game time" !

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Rejuvenate An Old Metal Utility Table With A Funky 50s Inspired Re-Do

Turn A Drab Metal Utility Table Into Fifties Fab !

Look at this funky retro metal table I spotted in front of a shop called "Design By Consign" while strolling down Main Street in charming Sandwich, Massachusetts. This treasure was updated with a fresh coat of white paint and some terrific 1950's inspired shelf covering.

To be honest, I am not sure, what the shelf is covered with...but it looks terrific While the metal stand or table is older, the shelf coverings are made of new materials. You could of course use a piece of vintage barkcloth, old oil cloth, contact paper, fabric etc. But keep it hip!

Design By Consign

157 Main Street
Sandwich, MA 02563-2283
(508) 888-1877

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Jantzen Swimming Suits Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary

Jantzen Bathing Suits Started Out In Wool

Surfing around the internet looking for a picture of a 1950s men's plaid cabana set, I was distracted from my mission and caught up in looking at old advertisements of glamorous women in vintage Jantzen bathing suits.

100 Years Of Jantzen Exhibit

And wouldn't you know it, I missed the big anniversary exhibit (April 2010) at The Art Institute of Portland Gallery celebrating 100 years of the Jantzen swimwear brand. What was I thinking...I should have been on top of things! I really do need to pay more attention to current events instead of living in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s which is where I am most of the time.

Iconic Red Diving Girl

So, here is what we missed. Jantzen, originally The Portland Knitting Company (1910) in Portland Oregon brought in a 21 foot fiberglass model of their iconic Red Diving Girl logo to preside over the month long anniversary exhibit. The Diving girl became an international icon in the 20's and continued as a popular image into the 1930s as movie stars began wearing Jantzen.

Jantzen Wool Rowing Suits

The Portland Knitting Company made sweaters, wool hosiery, knitted goods and then ventured into the beginnings of the bathing suit line when the owners were asked to make a rowing suit for the Portland Rowing Club in 1918. Owners, John A. Zehntbauer and Carl Jantzen
were members of The Portland Rowing Club and agreed to make wool rowing trunks for use on chilly mornings.

From Rowing Trunks To Bathing Suits

After trunks were made, the idea for a bathing suit was next. But the bathing suit was too heavy and changes needed to be made, using lighter fabric.

Jantzen Company Newspaper Tells History

Here is what Zehntbauer said in the company paper, The Janzen Yarns:

" Later on, this same member came to me and asked if we could not make him a bathing suit of the same material .... a suit was made for him and he went to the ocean to bathe in the cold water. When he came back, he came into the store and told us that it was heavy and one could not swim well in it, but that he was well satisfied because it was so much warmer than any suit that he had ever had before and that it made ocean bathing a pleasure. ... this experience gave us the idea that a bathing suit made of this stitch, only in lighter weight, would be an excellent garment. We discussed this between ourselves and decided that we would order a needle bed for our sweater machine that would be fine enough to knit a rib-stitch bathing suit in a weight that would be comfortable".

Lighter Bathing Suit Fabric

"Roy, Carl, Joe Gerber and I were constantly in the water those days, either in the Y. M. C. A. swimming pool or in the river and we began to experiment for our own use on swimming suits made of this fine elastic fabric. We soon developed a suit which we found was the most excellent garment for swimming that we had ever seen."

The original wool suits became the prototype for swimsuits first produced in 1918.

The Jantzen name was used as the trade mark name.

In 1919 and 1920 the company advertised Jantzen bathing suits.
In 1921 the phrase "Swimming suit" became a new advertising name, replacing the term "bathing suit" .

Resources for this article from:

http://pdxneatsheet.com/neat-stuff/jantzen-swimwear-exhibit-portland-fashion-giveaway/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jantzen

http://www.jantzen.com/about_us.asp


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Wake-Up Baby Boomers: 1940s -1950s Playsuits , Rompers, Jumpers Are Back In Style

Remember Wearing Rompers And Playsuits?

Hold the presses.....1940s and 1950's Playsuits, Rompers and Jumpers have returned. But after spotting these cute numbers at a local trendy shop this weekend, I'm wondering if anyone over size 6 could actually wear the blousy Rompers without looking like a pumpkin.


Vocab For Playsuits, Rompers, Jumpers

Here is the scoop...Playsuits, Rompers and jumpsuits are generally one piece. Back in the day, Playsuits described casual summer wear which could be for "play" or swim. Rompers were similar to Playsuits but sometimes a bit more blousy, Jumpsuits could be short or long.

Just like the vintage cuties, you will find the updated versions in solids, exciting tropical prints, abstracts, plaids, geometrics. And it seems they are making them in plenty of easy care fabrics and styles to choose from.

Playsuits And Rompers Attracting Twenty-Something Gals

Ooh La, La, a trendy boutique in Avon, CT had a store filled with these retro inspired comfy apparel (newly manufactured) and the twenty something gals were thrilled to try them on. They had no idea their moms and grandma's wore them back in the 1940s and 1950s.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Looking At 1950's Kitchens: From The Pages Of Vintage House Beautiful Magazine

Gallery of 1950's Kitchens

Looking at old magazine and book photos is a great way to see color palettes, cabinetry, design elements, textures, textiles, accessories, furnishings, wall decor and more.

Thanks to the folks of House Beautiful Magazine, we get a chance to see a variety of popular 1950s kitchen styles.
Which of these pictures shows your dream kitchen?

These kitchens were advertised as "modern", "efficient",
"space saving", "revolutionary", "complete", "flexible" and "cheerful". Postwar homemakers could finally relax and enjoy reading House Beautiful Magazine with plenty of decorating advice for the Mid-Century housewife.

Revolutionary Ranch House Kitchen

This ranch-house kitchen also was chosen as a "pace-setter" in 1950, sporting a "revolutionary electric range." "This comes in separate units," the editors wrote. "The idea is to use as many four-burner tops, ovens, and storage drawers as space and need demand, in whatever combination is most appropriate. This flexibility of choice means you can have what you want, exactly where you want it, to cater to personal convenience."

Colorful and Gay Kitchen

A "pace-setter" in 1950, this kitchen was chosen for its more traditional look. "Traditionalists want a colorful and gay kitchen," according to House Beautiful editors back then. They wrote that the three pace-setters were "revolutionary because they actually offer complete kitchens as they are wanted today, planned according to the best standards of efficiency, time- and labor- saving. And besides this, they are all colorful and cheerful, with a real decorative quality which is related to the other rooms of the house in which they are built."

Pace-Setting Kitchen

This kitchen might not look contemporary today, but in 1950 it was ahead of its time — so much so that House Beautiful chose it as one of three "pace-setting" kitchens of the year. "When you can get a complete kitchen, laundry, and a place to eat into a space only about 12' square, it's a real achievement," the editors gushed. The kitchen boasted a cooking range bisected by a work counter, a hooded ventilator and grille to control cooking steam, odors, and grease built into the wall cabinets, and a washer and dryer in their own corner.

Source;
http://www.housebeautiful.com/kitchens/kitchens-1950s-0609

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.