Category Archives: Carol

Smile: Lebanon Bologna from Lebanon, PA

What could this happy guy with his jaunty bow-tie be smiling about?  His love of Lebanon bologna, of course! He might be a little bit biased, though.  After all, he IS a giant Lebanon bologna himself holding a smaller Lebanon … Continue reading

Posted in 1960's, Advertising, Carol, Dolls, Humor, Monsters, Toys, Weird | Leave a comment

Smile: Dr. Swett’s Root Beer

This happy young man is enjoying a refreshing glass of Dr. Swett’s Root Beer.  Most likely you have heard of Hire’s Root Beer, but not Dr. Swett’s.  Essentially, though, the products were very similar.  Dr. Swett’s may even predate Hire’s … Continue reading

Posted in 1900's, Advertising, Americana, Carol, Ephemera, Signs | Leave a comment

Feature Matches: These Matches Should Be Featured in Anyone’s Collection

I’m not a matchbook collector, per se, but if I were a phillumenist, I’d definitely collect Feature Matches.  When it comes to little scraps of advertising ephemera, these clever and colorful matchbooks with pictures on the actual matches are matchless! … Continue reading

Posted in 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, Advertising, Americana, Carol, Ephemera, Historical, Political | 6 Comments

Smile: Kreiss Psycho Ceramics

Look at those sparkling baby blues!  Note those gigantic pearly whites!  If this doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will. This is a Kreiss Psycho Ceramics figure from the late 1950’s or early 1960’s.  This company made all … Continue reading

Posted in 1950's, 1960's, Carol, Humor, Pottery, Weird | Leave a comment

Have a Happy Fourth of July! Here’s Something to Put a Smile on Your Face!

New on Collectorgene.com:  Beginning today, we at the CollectorGene want to start bringing you something to smile about weekly.  In addition to our full-length articles, we will be posting themed photos with short descriptions. “Smile” will be brought to you … Continue reading

Posted in 1900's, 1910's, Americana, Carol, Holiday, Toys | Leave a comment

The Best High School Yearbook (Parody) Ever!

I will admit right up front that I love high school yearbooks – any and all. This love affair most likely began in June 1961 when I was a mere child of eight.  My big brother, who was finishing up … Continue reading

Posted in 1960's, 1970's, Ben, Carol, Ephemera, Humor | 6 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

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