Here in Fargo, at Antiques On Broadway, there’s this fabulously kitschy vintage Troll house — it’s one of those vintage vinyl cases which opens into a house. Love it!
Month: December 2012
He’s a Brick….House
Some men spend all their lives trying to get a foot-hold in their industry, struggling up the ladder, trying in vain to be recognized for their creativity and ingenuity, then one day — one fine day — they will create something awe-inspiring, something stunning, something that makes the other members of the industry look upon it in awe and wonder.
And then you’ll go to a society ball and they’ll make you dress up like your creation:
This is from the Society of Beaux-Arts Architects annual ball, 1931. That guy in the middle, wearing a Hamburglar bathrobe? He’s the actual, real architect who designed the Empire State Building. He’s so awesome he doesn’t have to stoop to wearing a ten-story sundress like his compartiots — screw you, Mr. Waldorf-Astoria, let’s see you architect something remarkable next time! If only Sid and Marty Krofft had ever seen this picture, we might have been raised watching a TV show about a town populated by an anthropomorphic town, which would have been so recursive people’s brains would have exploded.
**Update: A sharp eyed reader has pointed out that the guy I called the Empire State Building actually looks like the Chrysler Building. JDavis is correct – that’s architect William Van Alen wearing the tippy-top of the Chrysler Building on his head. Apparently it’s a common mistake for rubes who have never been to New York before, which describes me accurately.
Dames & Dogs #67
Connie Stevens & canine pal in this previously unpublished photo.
Hal Leonard’s Triple Tongueing Trumpet Trio
A vintage promotional calling card, stamped Dec. 15, 1939, for Hal Leonard’s Triple Tongueing Trumpet Trio Featuring “The Carnival of Venice”.
The story of Hal Leonard’s Triple Tongueing Trumpet Trio can be found here and here, but the skinny is this: The Edstrom boys, Harold and Everett Leonard, of Winona, Minnesota, were afraid to name the band after themselves using the family name for fear of Dad’s reaction.
[T]hey feared he would feel shame that his family name was spelled out in glittering letters night by night in dance halls all across the land. The boys contrived a name — Harold’s nickname and Ev’s middle name — the Hal Leonard Band.
A day came when the big white bus turned onto McMillan Street at Worthington and came to a stop in front of the Edstrom house. Dad came out to see the wonder, and he was awed. He had one question: “Why don’t you call it the Edstrom Band?”
No one, however, feared use of “tonguing”.
Everett went on to organize Hal Leonard Music, which would become the largest sheet music publisher in the world.
This vintage postcard-sized promotional piece is for sale at Exit 55 Antiques, for just $4. (You can call them — We’re not the one’s who own it; or it wouldn’t be for sale.)
My, What Pointy Ears You Have
The better to play My Little Pony with. Don’t forget to ask Santa for MLP cosplay ears.
The Old Spaceage Satellite
A 1960s photo of the old Springfield, MA, amusement park.
Vintage Celebrity Cowboy Birthday
Roy Rogers & Dale Evans celebrate a child’s birthday with — what else? — a cowboy themed birthday cake. This photo feels like it was taken at a children’s ward… The seller offers no details, but says this is a previously unpublished photo.
Captain & Tennille Reconsider Love Song
Once they see this mighty fine pig at what appears to be a Springfield, MA, fair, the pop song due must have been rethinking Mustkrat Love. That’ll do, pig; that’ll do. Via
From The Obsolete Learning Toy Collection
Dames & Dogs #66
A dame and her dog at the racetrack in the 1950s. Via Lynnstudios.