crafty

A great photo from the blog Airform Archives

watch for bears

These first two bear postcards from Yellowstone are linen postcards. Linen postcards were popular from 1930-1945 primarily, although, some were printed till the late 50's.

Linen postcards became popular because not only were they 100% rag, but they were cheaper to produce and the rag content meant that they took the dyes better. The rag base is one of the reasons these postcards still look so good and of course, the rich colors are what make them so beautiful. Even when the colors aren't vibrant, they still look rich and the cards have such a nice feel.

Linen postcards stopped being used because color "chrome" postcards came on the scene.





This is a postcard from Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina



From the Grandfather Mountain website:

In 1968, Hugh Morton purchased one male and one female black bear with the intention of letting them loose into the wild. The female bear, named Mildred, refused to revert to the wild and Grandfather Mountain was required to recapture her and keep her enclosed for her own safety. At first, Mildred met the public at a roadside amphitheater four times every day. Then, in 1973, a beautiful Environmental Habitat was built for Mildred and her family. The habitats have since been expanded to include bear cubs, river otters, deer, panthers, bald eagles and golden eagles.

Mildred was around till 1991. There are many pics on the web of her. Here is one of her with Hugh Morton.

sky, sea and friends

Wishing you a weekend of nice weather, pretty views and good company.

Have a wonderful Independence Day!

seaside 1950

I was just recently having a discussion with someone about how there seemed to be a trend in the late 40's to late 50's of people putting their name in quotes. I think it was supposed to be their nickname, like Bob "Mitch" Mitchell or something like that. Sometimes you see that on gravestones. It make sense, people didn't know him as Bob, you have to put the "Mitch" in. But, the quote part of it seemed to very trendy for a while. I have seen my Mother's signature in her high school and college days as "Judi". She often put the quotes around it.

I got this photo at an Estate Sale at a house in the Hollywood District here in Portland about 4 years ago.


Seaside and Cannon Beach are towns on the coast, a couple of hours away. I love the idea of there being this photo booth where all the girls got their pictures taken and then they all signed them. You can almost hear the talking and laughter as they passed them around.

The signatures are hard to read now, but all the girls made sure to put quotes around their names.

Cannon Beach at 12pm 1950

"Cookie"
"Briddy"
"Jo"
"Cheri"
"Jeanie"
"Puss"

Dinner with Dad

Victorian Drag

This photo is interesting in a number of ways. First, because it is a Victorian portrait of a guy in drag, but what is more interesting is that he signed his real name, he seems to have a black eye and he looks incredibly depressed. It is almost humorous. What is your take on it?

Free Shipping at The Cedar Chest

Hey Pardners! You can get free shipping on any items you get from The Cedar Chest now through June 14th. If there is something you have your eye on, now is the time.

postcard from 1952