 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||
|
|
Categories
(This is actually a book under construction that I am sharing
as it grows. You may enjoy it and print out a copy for your own use, but I
do retain all intellectual property rights regarding further publication of
all or any part if the material herein contained. Copyright 2000, Theodore
H. Althof,Jr.)
Christmas Archaeology
Sometime in the mid-to-late '20's, these little houses hit the American Christmas with all the impact that bubble lights had post-war. There was such an unbelievable explosion of creative genius and innovation put into these little dimestore notions that it is hard to comprehend! So many different kinds came out in such a short amount of time! Such creative and artistic designs and handwork and produced in staggering quanitities. It was unbelievable what you could buy for a quarter or a dime! But they have forever made a place in the Christmas memories and traditions of so many American families. And like so many things we've loved - we did not begin to appreciate them 'till they were gone ...
This section is devoted to developing useful NAMES...and HISTORY.. We all
note that there are seeming families of these houses, different styles in
which there are sometimes quite a few related members. Everyone gropes for
words trying to describe them to someone else. It's awkward and can be confusing!
The idea, here, is to group and give names to the most clear-cut style-families
and come up with an agreed-upon terminology with which we can communicate
among ourselves. These things were dimestore friviolities, never catalogued
with make and model numbers as were the trains, erector sets and even Christmas
light"outfits." What little space has been devoted to them in the
collectibles books is far from complete and rife with errors. So we're faced
with coming up with our own best system and our own evidence of time period.
If we have names we will be able to communicate in more accurate and compact
language. I have tried to gather a few I've heard that seem the best.
As for history - the reliable facts can come from the most unexpected sources,
such as a date scribbled on the bottom - or a story that you get from the
original purchaser. New facts and dates are expressly and eagerly sought,
so if you have first-hand knowledge of any group or piece, PLEASE forward
that to me -
([email protected])
- and maybe add an important contribution to the growing knowledge!