Monthly Archives: April 2012

Magic Robo Transforming Gorilla Head!

When I was about a freshman in high school, I decided that I wanted to start collecting monkeys.  I don’t know why exactly, but I think it simply comes down to the fact that there is a lot of crazy … Continue reading

Posted in 1980's, Action Figures, Amy, Monsters, Toys, Weird | Leave a comment

Shoe Shine Boxes: Free Enterprise at its Most Basic Form

When it comes to making a living, there isn’t anything that is more basic than shining shoes.   All you need is a box filled with polish, brushes and rags and you’re ready to go! Although having someone shine your shoes … Continue reading

Posted in 1900's, 1910's, 1920's, 1930's, Americana, Historical, Jim | 2 Comments

Not Your Average Dummy

I don’t remember exactly when Jim and I first visited the Landis Valley Museum out in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but it was probably in the mid-1970’s.  We were particularly fond of museums like that where various historic buildings – homes, … Continue reading

Posted in 1800's, Advertising, Americana, Carol, Historical, Weird | 2 Comments

Kojak

“Who loves ya, baby?” Okay, now that I have the obligatory introduction to any mention of the character Kojak, I can talk about this action figure that I picked up earlier this year. That’s right!  There’s a Kojak action figure! … Continue reading

Posted in 1970's, Action Figures, Ben, Toys | 3 Comments

The Hawaiian Cottage

Tiki mugs are one of my many collections that fit into the mid-century category of collecting.  They are colorful, whimsical, and I can usually pick them up for not a lot of money at flea markets.  Though many different mug … Continue reading

Posted in 1950's, 1960's, Amy, Polynesian, Pottery | 5 Comments

Unifighters

History is written by the victors…and that applies to action figures as well. Ask anyone who remembers their toys from the 1980s, and they will almost inevitably rattle off one of four toy lines immediately: Star Wars, Masters of the … Continue reading

Posted in 1980's, Action Figures, Ben, Toys | 6 Comments

It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time

I have noticed in my years of collecting that sometimes I seem to find objects that have a connection to each other within a short span of time.  This phenomenon just happened to me in the past month as I … Continue reading

Posted in 1800's, 1900's, 1910's, 1920's, 1930's, Americana, Historical, Jim, Political | 1 Comment

A Busy Day in Dollville, My First Encounter with Bessie Pease Gutmann’s Art

Some antiques and collectibles reach out and grab you.  Your brain tells you, “I must have that!”  So it was when I saw the small metal sign entitled, A Busy Day in Dollville.  Dated 1911, it advertises Diamond Dyes. The … Continue reading

Posted in 1910's, Advertising, Americana, Art, Carol | 12 Comments