It's no secret that I like to go junking. You never know what you're going to find. Last weekend I found a piece of Western New York history in the little town of North Rose (which is NOT in Western New York).
One of my favorite hunting spots is a little church-run thrift shop. Okay, I haven't found anything spectacular there, but they always seem to have something I need or, more importantly, want, and for not much money. Last week's gem cost me all of a quarter.
The Arts and Crafts movement was very big in East Aurora, NY back in the early 20th century, thanks to
Elbert Hubbard, a writer, publisher, artist and philosopher, and his Roycroft Press. The village became famous for its artisan shops, and the beautiful
Roycroft Inn.
The inn originally opened in 1905 and closed in 1938. (
It has since reopened (1995) and has rooms furnished in the arts and crafts style, and a wonderful restaurant.) It's lovely, as is the whole village. (Which is also the home of Fisher-Price Toys.)
What's that got to do with me? I've been fascinated with the whole Arts and Crafts movement (we have a lot of books on it) and so I was psyched when I found a Roycroft Inn butter pat, made by the
Buffalo Pottery Company, and dated 1925. Just to have a piece of not only the inn, but of the whole Roycroft past, is really cool. I have a number of other butter pats and have hung them with mini plate hangers. This one's going right over my desk.
What pieces of history are you pleased to own?
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4 comments:
I have 1957 plate that shows the last supper and was given away as a Christmas gift by a Farmers Coop in Winner South Dakota. It was my mom's. I also have a colbalt blue water pitcher that was made for Westinghouse (probably a gift or add on to a purchase.) I know it's from the 60's since I remember it from my childhood.
Congrats on your find.
Lorna, that's a beautiful piece!
I'm not sure of the exact timeframe, but quite at least a couple of decades ago commemorative dinner plates showing key points in a town's history were kind of a popular thing. I have found, mostly at yard sales, plates in excellent condition for almost all of the local communities including my township. They are displayed in one of my china cabinets and they do get quite a few comments.
I think we were separated at birth! In grad school, I spent an entire semester learning about Elbert Hubbard and the Roycrofters. I've ever collected a few of their handmade chapbooks. I also love William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites.
Personally, I collect antique southern furniture, pottery, coverlets, tin toys, and old books. I love pieces of the past! Let's go junk hunting one day together!
I love vintage kitchenware - lots of Pyrex 'Primary Colors' collection from the fifties - and Melmac brand of melamine dishes. I have quite a jumble of old bowls, though, that I've acquired from my grandmother's and mother's discards. For some reason I just love bowls!
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