Columns

Antiques Teach Children So Much

When I was a child, my mother gave me lovely doll furniture for my January birthday. Made by a German company Spielwaren Puppen Mobel, the elegant gift is one that I still treasure today. Purchased at the former Stone & Thomas Department Store (likely at the post-Christmas sale), the wooden furniture was created in the style of French Louis XV, with all the twists and turns of Rococo work. The 1960 masterpieces feature working drawers, pink velvet upholstery, lots of roses and gold trim. It includes a bedroom set (with bedding!), sitting room, music room, standing candelabras and a ...

Scary Words From A Five-Year-Old

I had high hopes for 2022 that life would be better. I was certain the vaccine would tamp down the COVID-19 pandemic and life might take a turn toward sunnier days. But I soon learned that the pandemic pales in comparison to the world our young people are living day-to-day. Let me explain. A casual conversation with our 5-year-old grandson recently stopped me in my tracks. He is fascinated with the local firehouse near his school, and I asked if he had fire drills at his elementary school. I knew he would tell me all about it and which fire trucks would come to his school for a ...

Nun, Kitsch Items Offer a Bit of Nostalgia to Collectors

Having been taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph in both parochial and high school, I was charmed when I found a vintage music box statuette in Sib’s consignment shop, located in the Fulton neighborhood of Wheeling. I just had to have it. The black robed nun figurine is attired as I remember the sisters that taught me and stands with three properly dressed altar boys. All four of the figures hold a songbook and are singing. The music box statue plays a song I remember from my youth, “Dominique” by the pop act called “The Singing Nun.” It was 1963-64 that this song climbed ...

The Last ‘Writes’ Are Important

My first job at this newspaper was writing obituaries. I also clipped newspaper stories for all the reporters and editors and kept files that were used extensively by everyone in the newsroom and higher ups. I was proud of the work I did because often the only time a person’s name appeared in the newspaper was when they died. I quickly learned how important it was and still is to give each person an accurate obituary. In the early days of my job on the obit desk, there were none of the modern conveniences of emails and texts. Everything was done one-on-one with the funeral ...

Advertising Remains Tops With Collectors

Here’s a famous face from the past, Elby’s Big Boy, an advertising icon perfect for antique enthusiasts to enjoy. Aged to a warm gingerbread color, this bank was the first one issued by the company in 1938 and even today, it retains his signature cheery look. In a culture driven by consumerism, it’s easy to see why advertising items like this are appealing to so many. Promotional trinkets, signs and ads are plentiful, colorful treasures that antique enthusiasts can’t get enough of. As a social statement, advertising collectibles offer a fascinating look at what was bought ...

A Three-Dog Night

Throughout my childhood, we always had dogs. Our dad raised the most beautiful boxers when I was very young. I remember the puppies were hauled around in a large, red wagon that normally would have held children. The dogs were sturdily built with sleek reddish brown coats. They were strong dogs but friendly with children and adults. At some point, our parents were too busy raising their human family to continue with the boxers. However, that doesn’t mean there were no pets to be had. Throughout the years, there would also be a dog or two, plus a cat, rabbits and even snakes ...