Lovely Valentines

I just love this charming vintage valentine postcard. It is in such great shape and there is no writing on it. Seems almost brand new. Someone must of held on to it for years because they just thought it was pretty. Same reason I am holding on to it.

I hope you all have a lovely Valentines weekend!

There is a little blog party that occurs every Friday called Postcard Freindship Friday hosted by The French Factrice. I don't often get the time on a Friday night to take part, but I can tonight. Click on the envelope below to visit the French Factrice blog where you can see other postcard blogs who have posted for Postcard Friday.

covered

When I was a kid the family traveled around the U.S. a lot. My father was a nature photographer and where we traveled was mostly dictated by where he had lectures, (for Audubon, more info about him here) and where the animals and landscapes were that he wanted to photograph. It was no trial, my sister, mother and I had some wonderful experiences and sometimes did other touristy stuff while he sat in a hand-painted camouflaged tent for hours.

One thing that always made it on the list of side trips were Covered Bridges. I think there was a nostalgia trend for Covered Bridges in the 1970's. I remember seeing the image on lots of pottery and art of the time. They were all starting to go away and many people began chronicling them.

Our family grew up in Southern California, so I think we were especially entranced with them. It wasn't something you saw in mild climates much. Covered Bridges were so charming looking and they added to the longing I had for real winters.

Covered Bridges were created to protect the wooden bridges, most of which were made before the 20th century. With the elements from the weather, uncovered bridges would only last about 9 years. Once covered they could last about 8o years.

Here are a couple of postcards I have found of Covered Bridges. I still find them very charming.

Bedell Bridge, crossed the Conneticut River from Vermont to New Hampshire, destroyed 1979



Clifton Bridge, Middleford, PA, destroyed 1972

Valentines Day Party

Here is another couple of pages from my much loved 1935 booklet Children's Party Book.

I thought I would post this now just in case you are planning a Valentine's Party and need some ideas.

I love all the hats. Seems like wearing hats like this makes something an instant party.





Click on the image to get to the Flickr page and a to be able to see a larger view.

A Great Find

I have not been to a true Estate Sale in a while. They are the most interesting, but also so sad. Walking through a person's house and browsing through their cabinets and closets is so strange, but also so fascinating. That is often where I find the best old ephemera stuff.

There was a neat story in The Oregonian yesterday about a local guy who bought a box of old photos and clippings for 4 dollars at an Estate Sale. Inside he found a unique and missing part of the history of The Oregon Zoo and it's most famous resident, Packy the elephant.

The box had belonged to a guy who worked for the paper and spent years covering the zoo and Packy. The Oregon Zoo was thrilled to have some documented history about a time that they had no saved documents for.

It's a neat story. You can read more about it here.

January Days

Today has been sunny and about 55 degrees. It has been like this for a couple of weeks. Plants are starting to bloom. Little buds are sprouting from my hydrangea and a friend actually saw a daffodil the other day.

This is the earliest false spring I have ever heard of. I know there is more winter for Portland, but it sure doesn't seem interested in showing up.

Here are some photos I got recently of a very different January in this town. This was on 114th and Fremont in January of 1954. The woman in the photo is Ruth May.





The address and name of the woman is on the back of the photos. I couldn't find the same exact house (as often happens the address numbers have been changed a bit), but I think this is the street view now.



View Larger Map

Thats some crazy snow. Although I am not looking for this kind of weather, a little more winter would be fine for me.

time for something sweet

I would so love to stop by Doreen's Pie Shop right now. A nice piece of pie and some coffee sounds great. I tried to figure out where this pie shop was and the only address that matched was in Modesto, California.

I spent some time today posting some great vintage Valentines on The Cedar Chest Shop. Take a visit and check them out. They are full of sweetness.

Etsy Buy Handmade thecedarchest

Jan. 1st

This lovely new year greeting was sent on Dec 16, 1913 to Miss Emma Street at 468 S 6th St in San Jose, California

Dear Emma,

We'll be in San Jose on Wed noon Dec 17th. Would love to have you meet me. I want to go and see my future home which will be 540 S 6th St. I don't think it's so far from your place.

Love,

Elsie

(The links show you where Emma and Elsie lived).