Category Archives: Americana

Mr. Clean & Friends – Grown Men in Costume

Posted on October 4, 2013 by

  It’s October, the month when grown men do crazy things like this.  This vintage photo, most likely from the 1960’s, is from my collection.  It’s hard to say why these men are in costume, but let’s assume it’s a … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960's, Advertising, Americana, Carol, Costumes, Halloween, Humor, Photography | Leave a comment

Giraffe-Neck Women from Burma Circus Poster

Posted on August 5, 2013 by

My apologies on the flash flare. This thing wasn’t easy to photograph! It probably isn’t much of a secret that circuses would sometimes exaggerate in their advertising. A case in point is the subject of this article. Were the Giraffe-Neck … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930's, Advertising, Americana, Ephemera, Historical, Humor, Jim, Signs, Weird | 1 Comment

1911 Beach Boys – A Photo Souvenir From Atlantic City

Posted on July 21, 2013 by

  This photo was a recent addition to my collection.  How can anyone view it without smiling at least a little? These men, who look to be about sixty years old – give or take a few years, are obviously … Continue reading →

Posted in 1910's, Americana, Carol, Ephemera, Photography | Leave a comment

Happy Fourth of July from Collectorgene! A Black Humor Postcard With a Timely Message

Posted on July 3, 2013 by

Warnings about the dangers of fireworks – especially when children are involved – abound today. Apparently, things were no different in 1908, which is when this particular card was mailed. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Posted in 1900's, Americana, Carol, Ephemera, Holiday, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Find of the Week: Arsenic and Old Clapperboards

Posted on June 26, 2013 by

We all know what it is; we just don’t know what it’s called. I’m referring to a clapperboard or clapboard. If you’ve ever seen a movie in which they’re making a movie, you’ve seen a crewman go something like, “Scene … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940's, Americana, Jim, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

FIND OF THE WEEK: Naughty Bisque Turtle Girl With Her Bear Bottom Showing

Posted on June 10, 2013 by

One lesson Jim and I have learned over the years is that “finds” pop up all the time, so you have to be constantly vigilant. Obviously, the closer you are to the original source, the more likely you are to … Continue reading →

Posted in 1900's, Americana, Carol, Humor, Weird | 10 Comments

A Good Day at the Flea Market

Posted on May 20, 2013 by

Ah the flea market! Is there a better place to be early in the morning? All the treasures of popular culture seem to find their way there sooner or later. Armed with a few bucks in your wallet, a little … Continue reading →

Posted in 1910's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, Americana, Comic Characters, Humor, Jim, Toys, Weird | 3 Comments

Uncle Sam – He Collects From Us So Why Not Collect Him?

Posted on April 23, 2013 by

It might be more appropriate to talk about Uncle Sam around the Fourth of July, when symbols of patriotism abound. He dresses in red, white, and blue, after all, and sometimes has stars on the brim of his hat and … Continue reading →

Posted in 1900's, 1910's, 1920's, 1930's, 1940's, Americana, Dolls, Ephemera, Historical, Jim, Political, Toys, WWII | 3 Comments

The Dick Clark Doll – An Amazing Likeness

Posted on April 17, 2013 by

Legendary television performer Dick Clark died a year ago on April 18, 2012 at the age of 82. Virtually every American over 18 alive today has some memory or association with him whether it be as the host of “American … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950's, Americana, Carol, Dolls, Toys | 8 Comments

Davy Crockett Coonskin Cap – “Born on a Mountaintop in Tennessee” – In the 1950’s Davy Sent Little Boomers on a Spending Spree!

Posted on March 24, 2013 by

1955 was a great year for Walt Disney. Disneyland opened that summer. The TV show “Mickey Mouse Club” premiered and Davy Crockett became a phenomenon that has rarely been rivaled since. “Davy Crockett”, starring Fess Parker in the title role … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950's, Americana, Costumes, Disney, Jim, Toys, Uncategorized | 1 Comment