Collecting Library
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The Companies Behind America’s Restaurant China
Throughout the twentieth century, several American manufacturers produced durable restaurant china that defined commercial dining experiences.…
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Collecting the Bicentennial
The Bicentennial in 1976 marked America’s 200th anniversary, prompting widespread celebration and the production of countless…
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Collecting Hotel Memorabilia: A Glimpse Into the Past, From Postcards to Fixtures
A mysterious postcard from 1921 leads to a haunting New Year’s Eve at Chicago’s Hotel Sherman.…
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A Loop of Track and a World of Memory
A cold November flea market, a faded box marked Marx, and a common toy train with…
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Philadelphia’s Most Famous Cure-All
At a foggy Philadelphia estate sale, an emerald green bottle caught my eye: Swaim’s Panacea, a…
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Tangible Traces of Railroad History
At a small Pennsylvania flea market, a forgotten photograph of a twisted train on a snowy…
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Why Blue Willow Dishware Captivates Collectors
If you’ve ever wandered through an antique shop or peeked into a grandmother’s china cabinet, chances…
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From Doorstep Thuds to Digital Searches: Why Old Directories Still Matter
Remember those bulky phone books that used to land on our porches with a satisfying thud?…
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Collecting American Empire Furniture: Tips and Insights
The term “Empire” in American Empire furniture refers to the style’s origins and inspirations from the…