I am digitizing, restoring and repairing several interesting items from our various collections. This page goes into detail about each of the projects and includes links for viewing the items. If you enjoy history, you will find this section interesting.
I have researched the works I have posted here online and via the U.S. Copyright office and I believe these works may now be posted for the general public (although these works may still hold copyrights in other countries so please note research has only been done in the United States and therefore are meant for visitors within the United States at this time). You can learn about public domain works here: https://law.duke.edu/cspd/publicdomainday/.
Welcome to the greatest and largest stamp collection in the history of the world! Well, in our little world anyway:) I am adding more each week until the entire collection has been digitized. You will see some duplicates in here, I won't cleanup duplicates until all stamps have been added. Enjoy! This slideshow cycles through the images automatically so run it in the background to enjoy stamps old and new, from all over the world, as you play chess online:)
Tin Can Tourists Convention in Arcadia, Florida in January 1931. This automatic slideshow is a series of photos taken at the Tin Can Tourists Convention in Arcadia, Florida in January 1931. So maximize the screen, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy photos that cycle approximately every 8 seconds:) The Tin Can Tourists is the original Vintage Trailer and Camper Club (Est. 1919). We digitized these negatives, they were found in our family collections but the box the negatives where found in did not contain any corresponding documentation so right now I do not have a photographer name to credit this outstanding work and we are still researching how this event relates to our family. If you can provide any details regarding this event, please send it my way - thank you!
The Pageant and Masque of St. Louis, May 1914: Programme, Price Ten Cents. This vintage program is from The Pageant and Masque of St. Louis. This event was held in May 1914 in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri. The event commemorated the 150th anniversary of the founding of the city in one of the largest theatrical events ever presented. Five hours in length, the city-wide event included a pageant surveying 300 years of local history.
A book mark was found inside this program and it is displayed in the last few photographs of this slideshow. The bookmark is a work of art in its own right. The bookmark was created by artist H.B. GRIGGS (aka H.B.G). He was the designer of more than 500 postcards and he worked for the firm of Leubrie & Elkus, NYC. The subjects are often for holidays, the style is influenced by Art Nouveau, and the artist signed his work as HBG. I found no information regarding this specific bookmark, it appears to be depictions of two pilgrims, one woman and one man. The woman is dropping red apples from her apron down to the man who is at the bottom of the bookmark. He is catching the apples in his hat.
Complete set of vintage car medallions (cast metal bronze wash) Stutz: you remember Stutz! In 1914 they introduced the "Bearcat". Duesenberg: as in the supercharged Model SJ Duesenberg! Cord: a coffin-nosed car?! The Model 810 of 1935:) Auburn: like in the Auburn V-12 Speedster - doesn't that sound snazzy! Stanley Steamer: it made it to about 120 miles per hour! Maxwell: of U.S. Motors? Yep.
Kings Island Poster/Map from August 3, 1972 visit Kings Island is a 364-acre amusement park. It is northeast of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio. The park first opened in 1972 by the Taft Broadcasting Company.
Whist: These handwritten instructions are from a box of school work, ledgers and letters from the 1800's. These are instructions for playing Whist, a classic English trick-taking card game which was widely played in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Roy Rogers and Gabby Hayes fan cards, photos and Hollywood Western Shirt Co. catalogue from the Hollywood Screen Exchange and the Hollywood Western Shirt Co.
I really enjoy reading vintange magazines and sweet old books. I've posted a few you might find interesting. Since these works were written long before we came along, be aware they may contain content unlike what would be deemed appropriate by today's standards.
BOOKS
MAGAZINES
You poor thing. Did you happen to miss the 1972 Cincinnati Reds Baseball season (at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium) in its entirety due to an unfortunate incarceration or because you were not born yet? Fear not, this nifty little original schedule will fill you in on what was what back then:)
This is a small collection of really beautiful tintypes including one daguerreotype, I have scanned them with a regular scanner and photographed some. If you know who these people are then send me any information you have on them and I will add it to the existing descriptions. Photographers or case manufacturers noted in some of these are: Holmes, Booth & Hayden Littlefield, Parsons & Co. Names of people in pictures I found are: Moaggie Anderson, Maggie Anderson, Moaggis Andersen, Hoaggis Andersen.. (not sure) Bellefontaine, Ohio. June 20, 1866. Interesting bits regardings some of these are: One picture had two 1864 Internal Revenue Two Cent Bank Check Stamps featuring George Washington adhered to the back (see photos). Daguerreotype: The image has a reflective, mirror-like appearance, similar to a hologram. The daguerreotype's image is only visible from certain angles. Period in which these were taken: 1839-1860. Ferrotype (a.k.a. Tintype): were made using a thin sheet of iron coated with black enamel and can be identified using a magnet.
I will be honest with you, by the handwriting, I am unable to determine which of my siblings wrote this endearingly demented card to my father when we were little. It could have very well been me, however, I do not remember writing such a forceful "Love you Dad" card. My wonderful siblings are much more Ninja than I so I am automatically assuming this card was constructed by one of them. I am sure they will be quite pleased to see that I am sharing their artwork and demanding love with the world.
Logan County Court House. Bellefontaine, Ohio. This picture is of the snow storm of May 21st and May 22nd, 1883. Ten inches of snow! This photograph was taken by J.J. Millikin.
This is a picture of the Bowdle - McCoy Family Reunion taken on August 14, 1913 in Lima, Ohio by Fenner Brothers Photography. I love this old photograph! This photograph is several feet long and in very bad shape but I managed to scan it at high resolution so you can zoom in on all of the wonderful details. The file is huge so when it loads in your browser you will see the entire photo but since it is so wide the photo will appear small, just zoom in so you can see all of the wonderful details. Fenner is noted as the photographer of this work. Since Lima, Ohio is noted in this photograph, I believe Fenner Brothers Photography took this photograph. This web page notes the history of Fenner Brothers Photography: https://www.marshall.edu/special-collections/photographers/fenner.asp. Here are special facts I noted about this photograph upon close inspection:
Unfortunately I do not know the names of people in this photograph, if you know who they are let me know and I will update this post with their information.
Bellefontaine, Ohio City Baseball Team July 24, 1921 Taken after defeating Lima All Stars by score of 6 to 5 at Carter St. Park. From left standing: Ned Turner - umpire, V. Rhoades - center F., L Shugrue - P., Lynn - P., Jim Blackwood - 1st B., John Blackwood - R.F., R. Williams - Mgr. From left sitting: H. Huber - S.S., R. Moore - L.F., Page - 3rd B., R. Matthews - C., J. Harner - P., Barnahrd - 2nd B.
Bellefontaine, Ohio High School Baseball Team, 1896 Photographer: The photographer is Gatch Art Studio. I think this studio is William M. Gatch's studio. I found information about Willaim M. Gatch in this book: Artists in Ohio, 1787-1900: A Biographical Dictionary By Jeffrey Weidman, Oberlin College. Library. This book mentions that Mr. Gatch was a portrait and landscape photographer who was born in Ohio about 1837 and by 1878 he had opened a studio in Xenia (Greene County), Ohio. People in this photo: (left to right) TOP: Oliver Weymouth R.F., Harry Huber 3B., Harold Emerson S.S., Arthur Longbrake P., Fuller Wallace C. MIDDLE: Howard Acton 2B., Johnson West 1B. BOTTOM: Chas. McLaughlin L.F., Erne Foreman C.F.
Purple velvet photo albumThe first page inside the album reads: "Miss Cornie L. Belding, Compliments of Grammar class 1884 Waynesburg College". There is an insert in the back of the album that reads: "Omnibus has Siteras Secturis Salutem". I am currently researching who the people are in the photos in this album, I think the photos were taken in the 1800's. Click on the link to view this album.
Menu from a restaurant called Wicker's Seafood Galley". There are no markings on the menu to give clues as to time period or location. The menu offers up a dish with an interesting name: "Mess of Fried Smelt".
Cracker Barrel menu from the 1960's.
This placemat is from the 1950's featuring recipes for these classic cocktails: Daiquiri, Screwdriver, Manhattan, Gin Ricky, Angel's Kiss, Grasshopper, Pink Lady, Ward 8, Martini, Bloody Mary, Sidecar, Old Fashioned, Gimlet, Creme De Menthe Frappe, Stinger, Planters Punch, Alexander, Tom Collins, Rob Roy, Gin 'N Tonic, Champagne Cocktail, Mint Julep, Whiskey Sour, and Singapore Sling. This placemat was printed by Springprint of Springfield, OH.
This collection of postcards is extensive. I will be adding to it every few weeks as more postcards are scanned. If anything is written on the back side of the postcard then both sides of the card will be scanned. I list last names used in the personal writings on the postcards beside each group just in case people out there are looking for a glimpse into their own family history. Click on the link(s) below to view the postcards I have scanned so far:
(mailed from the years 1907 to 1944). Family names and locations I can make out are: Miriam Blose of Urbana, Ohio, Mason of Jefferson, Oregon, Sarah Bates of West Liberty, Ohio, E.L. Baker of 2337 Lynn Street Anderson, Indiana, Jane A. Miller of Raymond, Ohio, Velma Millesan of Route 2 Jeffersonville, Ohio, Bertha M. Ambrase, Bertha Harman and Henry Harman of 620 N. Harrison Street Van Wert, Ohio, Harry Ritts of 1101 Brushton Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mattie Troyer, Jennie Nigh of Carey, Ohio, Salenda Blose of Urbana, Ohio, Alda Ketterman of Dayton, Ohio, Maude Brown of 312 Liberty Street Findlay, Ohio, Burdena Lynn of Thornville, Ohio, Grace Sherrick Rural Route #3 Elida, Ohio, Ella Amsbaugh, Clyde Hetzler of Piqua, Ohio, Wilma Vermillion of Cable, Ohio, J.A. Clark of Rosewood, Ohio, Lizzie Clark of Rosewood, Ohio, Minnie Clark of Rosewood, Ohio, Ruth Rider, Ann Mummott of 19 Park Street Great Barrington, Massachusetts , Guy Garrett of Jackson, Ohio, Hathie Keith of Osseo, Michigan, Kittie Dehn of Three Rivers, Michigan, Edward Allen Sheeley of New Carlisle, Indiana, Jacob Spiedel, Lottie Wheeler, Alta Snyder, Jessie Butler of 324 Plum Alley Bellefontaine, Ohio, Bertie Pickering of Urbana, Ohio, Jane A. Miller of Raymond, Ohio, Maggie Yentz of Delphos, Ohio, G.P. Cornelius of Sandusky, Ohio, Bessie Cornelius Shiffer of New Berlin, Pennsylvania, Ruth Day of Shepard, Ohio, Alice Bickel of Bellevue, Ohio, Irma Honigfort of 735 East Second Street Delphos, Ohio, Otis L. Brown of 208 North Street West Lafayette, Indiana, Georgia Cisco of 1732 W. High Street Springfield, Ohio, H.B. Parker of Temperance, Michigan, Leo Binegar, George C. Good, Fern Erkley of Swanton, Ohio, John Baker of Summit City, Michigan, Tony Schuster of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Margreth Schuster of Grand Rapids, Michigan
(mailed from the years 1907 to 1950. Family names I can make out are: Wagoner, Jones, Geyer, Huber, Baker, Winemiller, Murphey, Moore, Bell, Painter). Sites depicted on these postcards: U.S.A.F. 664th Radar Squadron, Main Street, Memorial marking location of First Concrete Street in America (laid in 1891), MC Kinley Street (shortest street in the world - 30 feet long), West Columbus Street, Court House, Central School, Zane Caverns, Sandusky Avenue east from Detroit Street, New Central School, Viaduct over Tucker's Run, Water's Edge, Main Street from Chilicothe Avenue, High School, Main Street from Columbus Avenue, Carnegie Library, George Wood Anderson's Tabernacle, Westminster Class Presbyterian Church, Children's Home, Chillicothe Street, N. Mad River Street, Ludlow, Urbana, OH and First Christian Church.
(mailed from the years 1906 to 1954. Family names I can make out are: Stubbs, Miller, Allison, Schmitt, Streng, Cook, Atwell, Hoelcher, Lowry, Mayer, Carpenter, Starbrick, Klohe, Bennett, Earl, Pfeiffer, McBeth, and Whatstone-Dearing). Sites depicted on these postcards: Olentangy Park, County Court House, Post Office, Starling Medical College, Grand Stand, Confederate Monument, State Street, High Street, U.S. Barracks, Broad Street, Indianola Park, Memorial Hall, Main Building Ohio State University, Wyandotte Building, Indianola Park, State School for Deaf and Dumb, St. Mary of the Springs College for Women, Coon Skin Library - Ohio State Museum, The Chittenden Hotel, Ohio State Penitentiary, State Fair Grounds.
(mailed from the years 1908 to 1912 to people in Lakeview, OH. Family names I can make out are: Stubbs, Anderson, Berryhill, Easley, Marlon, Sayre, Speidel, and Ramsey). Sites depicted on these postcards: Grand Stand at the Fairgrounds, View of National Cash Register Factory, 5700 Employees of the N.C.R. Co., Electric Power for Manufacturing Wright Aeroplanes The Dayton Lighting Company, The Wright Bros. Airship Factory, Steele High School, Bindery National Cash Register Works, Stivers Manual Training High School, Main Street Bridge, New Washington Street Bridge, Soldiers home garden and lakes, The N.C.R. Co. Office Building, Hospital National Soldiers Home, South Main Street, The Reibold Buildings, and Ludlow Street South of 2nd.
(mailed from the years 1907 to 1960. Family names I can make out are: Fry, Gleason, Thomas, Scovell, Bellar, Sibert, Rice, McClure, Poller, Wall, Young, Snyder, Stubbs, Butler, Dingman, Hall, Shafer, Hammaker, Walker, Ford, Wagoner, Louck, Acron, Phelps, Robertson, Murphy, Stayrook, Clark, McBride, Neale, Holiday, Ridenour, Furbee, McKenna, Earl, Easley, Gramer, Moses, Brandt, Roberts, Geyer, Singer, Kohn, Song, Paxton, Wise, Hawkins, Runyan, Merritt, and Brinkmyer). Sites depicted on these postcards: Boat Channel, Indian Lake Park, Lake Ridge Hotel, The Whirl and Outlet, The Bulkhead, Lewistown Reservoir, Lyons Landing, Stubbs Camp Ground, Boat Landing, The Harbor, The Spa Swimming Pool, Sandy Beach, Open Air Dance Hall, Beatley's Hotel, Stubbs Landing, Cottenwood, New Dance Hall, Sandy Beach Park Dance Hall, Island View Park, Eagle's Nest, Paradise Island, Sunset, Waste Weir, Speed Boat, Plaza Show Boat, "The Way of the Red Man" Old Indian Trail, Lovers Lane, Astor Cottage, Snake Hunter's Camp, Wakatamak Club, Stubbs Cottages, E.W. Stump Cottage, Orchard Island, White Cottage Boat Landing, Lake Ridge, F.R. Voris, Crane Island, Smith's European Hotel, The Wedge Landing, Lakeside Oconnor's, The Grove, Beatley's Cottages, Silver Isle Bathing Beach, Pleasant View Cottage, Whitman's Island, Bristol's Park, The Bend, Marshall's Landing, Dancing Pavilion, Sassafras Point from Red Oak Island, Andrus Landing, Praters Landing, Maple Lawn, The Mansion House, Governor's Island, Artist Isle, Crystal Bathing Beach, Bailey's Landing, Long Island, and Buttonwood Island.
(mailed from the years 1907 to 1911 to people in Lakeview, OH. Family names I can make out are: Stubbs, Parker, Smith, Ray, and Wilker). Sites depicted on these postcards: Fountain Square, I.O.O.F. Home, Y.M.C.A. Building, Spring Grove, Snyder Park, Wittenberg College.
(mailed from the years 1906 to 1910. Family names I can make out are: McKinnan, Dingler, Bauer, DeLoug, Sellers, Winemiller, Sisler, Green, and Shaffer). Sites depicted on these postcards: Willipie Street, Auglaize Street, City Hall, English Luthern Church, Auglaize River, Blume High School, New Auglaize County Infirmary, St. Joseph's School, Auglaize River Dam, Interior Catholic Church, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, The Brown Theatre, M. E. Church.
Sites depicted on these postcards: St. Louis Hotel, Bayou St. John, Haunted House, St. Anthony's Alley, City Park, French Opera House, Royal Street, The Archbishopric, Criminal Court House, Canal Street, Post Office, The Cave Restaurant of the Grunewald Hotel, Old Absinthe House, Napoleon House, French Market, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Rex Carnival Parade, Courtyard in the French Quarter, Milk Cart, Arcade of Crescent and Tulane Theatres, Lugger Landing, St. Roch's Chapel, American Sugar Refinery, Crescent Bend, Antoine's Restaurant, Pirate's Alley, Mississippi River, Loading Cotton, Metairie Cemetary.