junk and howe

Leftovers For Friends

2011-10-26T08:35:00.056-05:00

Remodeling

2011-07-14T18:45:00.000-05:00

Junk and Howe is remodeling. Updates to come soon. There are items in the store, but no new items will be added as of now.

Thanks, and sorry for the inconvenience...

- Junk and Howe

First National Bank of Dwight - Dwight, IL

2011-07-05T11:59:00.005-05:00

As I traveled to central Illinois for the holiday weekend, I stopped in Dwight to snap a couple pictures of the First National Bank of Dwight. I've been through Dwight dozens of times throughout my life and have never stopped to see the bank. What makes this bank special is that it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Built in 1905 to house both a bank and real estate offices, it is one of only two banks Frank Lloyd Wright designed (and built). It was originally named Frank L. Smith Bank, after the man who owned it and commissioned the project. Wright even designed the interior (furniture and all, of course), which couldn't be pictured due to obvious reasons, and after a remodeling in the 1950s and later preservation/restoration in the '60s, the bank remains almost unchanged from its original Wright design.

Urban Remains in Chicago has an oak standing desk supposedly from the time the bank opened in 1906. I can only imagine the price.

Here's a picture of the roman brick fireplace, found at The Prairie School Traveler website:

Its facade is Indiana Limestone (Bedford Limestone), which was also used for the Empire State Building and Pentagon. Its front exterior is the only thing I photographed.

picture of Frank L. Smith Bank unknown date 1970s

Junk and Howe's 4th of July Sale!!!

2011-06-30T23:10:00.017-05:00

Once a year we celebrate Independence Day, and we are knocking 10%-50% OFF a third of our store's merchandise for you! All Made in the USA items. All classic vintage.

Sale starts 7/1 and goes through the end of day on 7/4.

Go to the store's sale section to see the items that are marked down for this limited time sale. Some truly amazing deals. You'd be crazy not to take advantage of it.

Here are some highlights:

Vintage American Tourister Escort Marble Red Suitcases – set of 2
SOLD

The Hamilton Metal Products Co. Climax Vintage Industrial Metal Blue File Box
Sale: $13.20 Reg: $22.00

Vintage Fire King Painted Fruit Colonial Nesting Mixing Bowl Set of 3
Sale: $16.80 Reg: $24.00

Vintage Jordache Leather Belt
Sale: $9.10 Reg. $13.00

Mid-Century Metal Gooseneck Desk Lamp
Sale: $20.30 Reg. $29.00

Vintage Crocodile Framed Brown Handbag
Sale: $26.60 Reg. $38.00

Vintage Pyrex 6-Cup Percolator – model 7826
Sale: $24.50 Reg: $35.00

Vintage American Tourister Tiara Brown Suitcase-Briefcase-Attaché
Sale: $16.10 Reg. $23.00

Vintage Women’s Dingo Cowboy Boots
Sale: $21.60 Reg: 27.00

Vintage Industrial Metal Blue Tool Box
Sale: $9.60 Reg: $12.00

Vintage Jackson Pollock Glass Pitcher
Sale: $19.20 Reg: $24.00

Vintage Griffith Laboratories Milk Glass Spice Jar Set of 10 – Red Lids, Red Rack
Sale: $59.40 Reg: $66.00

Vintage Griffith Laboratories Milk Glass Spice Jar Set of 12 – Turquoise Lids, White Rack
Sale: $75.60 Reg: $84.00

Ohio, USA

2011-06-23T23:57:00.000-05:00

I posted about Paul Newman in The Hustler earlier in the week - born in Cleveland. Today, I give you a few other interesting things from the great state of Ohio.

Bob Feller: Hall of Fame pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, mid 1930s to mid 1950s. Missed four years of baseball 1941-1945 to serve in World War II.

Jim Jarmusch: Filmmaker. One of the most regarded and critically acclaimed independent filmmakers ever - Stranger Than Paradise, Mystery Train, Dead Man, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, Coffee and Cigarettes, Broken Flowers, among others. Here's the trailer for Mystery Train:

Screamin' Jay Hawkins: Musician, most famous for his hit "I Put A Spell On You", seen below in a somewhat creepy (and yet pretty awesome) video. You can also see a glimpse of Hawkins in a red suit in the Mystery Train trailer:

Soledad Brothers: Musicians/Band. Independent rock and roll band from Toledo. Now defunct, they once toured the world with big names like The White Stripes (good friends with the Whites), and were even adopted by Detroit as one of their own.

The Big Red Machine: The Cincinnati Reds 1970-1976. Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Dave Concepcion, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, George Foster, Cesar Geromino, and Ken Griffey Sr.

Langston Hughes: Writer. One of the trailblazing African-American writers that defined the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s. "Hold fast to your dreams, for without them life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly."

Paul Newman - Cleveland, OH

2011-06-21T11:44:00.000-05:00

It’s an old story. A young man with unlimited potential – with unmatched talent – confident, but cocky – trying to have it all at once – getting it all and losing it all – finally getting it all back at a terrible cost. Loss and redemption. It is the schooling you get from Life itself. It’s a comeuppance, and it’s even for the blessed.

Paul Newman, portraying pool shark Fast Eddie Felson in the 1961 film The Hustler, plays that character to perfection. The desperate confidence fills the screen – the need to be the best – to live up to his potential – drives him to sell his soul to the devil – personified here in Bert Gordon, portrayed magnificently by George C. Scott.

Newman’s performance is dynamic in every moment – his subtleties are poignant and his flare is cool. He displays a vulnerability that evokes empathy for the anti-hero. It’s a classic performance, setting the bar high in the early 1960s – just as American film was beginning to change dramatically. Amidst amazing performances by Jackie Gleason (Minnesota Fats) and Piper Laurie (Sarah Packard), Paul Newman as Fast Eddie Felson is one of the best moments in cinematic history.

Crisp black and white. Skinny ties, with the suit jackets still a little boxy. Jazz. Pool. Gambling, drinking, and sex. Violence, sorrow, and glory.

25 year later, Newman would resurrect Eddie Felson in The Color of Money, directed by Martin Scorsese. He won an Academy Award for best actor for that role – his first after eight nominations.

Home Workspace - Chicago, IL

2011-06-16T09:23:00.000-05:00

It simply came to be. I had a desk - it worked just fine - but then I saw this beautifully worn wooden kitchen cabinet. The yellow Formica top happened to match our dining table, which is why we got it in the first place. It wasn't until we got it home that Julie suggested I use it as my desk. And just like that, the search was on for a stool. The next week, I landed an industrial metal stool at a garage sale for just about nothing. Suddenly, I had a new workspace.

Other notables in the picture:

Large Charlie Parker painting...
Miller High Life aluminum cooler...
Black & Decker metal saw box (for files)...
Brown canvas duffel and black doctor's bag...
Groucho Marx Esco statue...
Wool houndstooth Dobbs hat (on Groucho)...
Hamilton Industries (Chicago) collapsible desk lamp (made in Japan)...
Small Roseville crock (for writing utensils)...
Large Moleskine notepad...

Individuals 3

2011-06-14T01:25:00.000-05:00

Grover Cleveland Alexander - 1917

A picture of "Old Pete" taken as he arrives in Chicago, after being traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Cubs. He is third on the list for all-time wins as a pitcher of 20 seasons - from 1911 to 1930. World War I veteran - made sergeant. He suffered from shell shock when he came back, but still managed a few great years. Alexander was also an epileptic and alcoholic. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1938. Looking dapper and somewhat annoyed here in 1917, carrying what looks to be a (cool) leather duffel bag.

Girls Waiting For Bus - July 1940

Taken in 1940 in Chicago's 1st Ward, which is where I've lived for most of the last 14 years. Unfortunately, I can't identify the building in the background (if it still exists). Bus (trolley) stops look a bit different today. I bet I see a few similar vintage hats being used for shade this summer though.

Welcoming Summer Part II

2011-06-08T00:50:00.000-05:00

More junk...

Pyrex Flameware Set - new in original box - 1940s (originally sold for $2.45)
Libbey Window Pane Tumbler Glasses and Carafe
Texas Ware Confetti Bowls
Remembrance Turquoise Picnic set - Cooler, Ice Bucket, and Salt & Pepper and Sugar Shakers
Industrial Metal Tool Boxes and Lunch Box
J.C. Higgins #2433 Med. Red Football Helmet
Kromex Brushed Aluminum Salt & Pepper Shakers - 1950s
Norton Abrasives India Oilstone
Fire King Floral Colonial Mixing Bowls
Blue Chicago Specialty Manufacturing Co. Sectioned Metal Tool Box
Fire King Jadeite Sugar Bowl with Lid
Glasbake Green Daisy 2-qt. Roaster Dishes and 1-qt. Oval Casserole Dish

Junk and Howe Finds - Welcoming Summer

2011-06-06T23:25:00.000-05:00

The heat has hit here in Chicago - record highs. The sales are fruitful, and the finds are producing smiles. We are keeping some of the trove, but there is some great stuff coming to the Junk and Howe store soon. Take a gander at the vintage treasures - preview the classic junk. More pictures coming soon as well...

Griffith Laboratories 3.5" Milk Glass Spice Jar Set of 10 - Red Tops, Paper Labels, Red Rack
Speidel Gold Art Deco Tie Clip and Cuff Links Set
Griffith Laboratories 4" Milk Glass Spice Jar Set of 12 - Turquoise Tops, Paper Labels, White Rack
Fire King Painted Fruit Nesting Mixing Bowl Set of 3
Universal Food & Meat Chopper No. 2 - New in original box
Maynard Stainless Steel Egg Beater/Hand Mixer with Turquoise Handle
Vintage General Electric School Clock with Continuous Second Hand
Wear Best Velva-Hide Black Leather Doctor's Bag
Pyrex Primary Color Nesting Mixing Bowl Set of 4 - 1940s set
1923 Stanley Super Vac Thermos with Cork Top
Kenro Holiday Melamine Large Bowl, Divided Bowl, Dessert Plates, and Snack Plates/Trays
Bolero Therm-o-Ware Atomic Insulated Bowls
Reinecke Atomic Insulated Thermo-Bowl - Black and Avocado
Mallo-Ware Melamine Bowls with Handles - Large and Cereal
Pyrex Constellation 1-Quart Divided Dish
Metal Serving Tray
Northwest Orient Carry-on Travel Bag
TWA Carry-on Travel Tote
The Best of Sam & Dave LP (Atlantic Records)
Aretha Franklin - Aretha: Lady Soul LP (Atlantic Records)

78 RPM

2011-06-05T18:45:00.000-05:00

I see old 78s while junking every week. They only go for a buck a piece at local record stores. They're not worth much anymore, unless you come across a rare one. Even so, I came across a few last week that I decided to buy. Not sure why.

Perhaps, in the moment, I thought about the music on these records - records themselves - even just actual physical music - it's all dying. It's going fast. I bought them out of respect, if not merely to avoid having someone throw them away, as if they were garbage. Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, Glenn Miller - the good old stuff that my grandparents enjoyed - back when being in a band meant you were an actual musician - a seasoned musician. Okeh, Columbia, Victor, Decca - some of the former giants. It was a nostalgic buy, and worth the fifty cents I paid for each of them.

I can't play them, but I may have another use for them. Either way, it was worth a few dollars, and it was certainly worth tracking down a few of the songs. Some I recognized, others I didn't, even though they were hits in their day. Enjoy a few:

Bing Crosby with Vic Shoen and His Orchestra - The Road to Morocco
Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra (vocal refrain by Frank Sinatra and the Pied Pipers) - I'll Never Smile Again
Glenn Miller and his Orchestra - American Patrol
Frank Sinatra - Among My Souvenirs

What a Piece: The Esco Statue

2011-05-30T21:22:00.000-05:00

I typically prefer to talk about functional vintage items, but being that I stumbled across these beautiful statues last week, I figured I’d talk about them – collectible or home décor, The Esco Statue.

When I was a kid – 10 or 11 years old – I asked for a Babe Ruth Esco statue for Christmas. I had no idea what they were, but I knew that I liked Babe Ruth, and the statue was pretty neat when I saw it at Marshall Fields or Montgomery Ward or wherever I spotted it. A few years later, it got knocked off a shelf and a few major pieces broke off (half of the nose and the bill of the hat). A few years after that, another incident, and a few more chunks of Babe came off. Eventually, during a mass purging due to a move, I had to lay Babe to rest – I threw him away.

(Babe statue in an Esco collection)

I’ve since seen statues that were obviously broken in pieces and put back together again. Made in New Jersey starting in the 1970s by the Esco Company, these 17” chalkware statues are true pieces of art. The craftsmanship is evident, and the likenesses are quite accurate. Seemingly to avoid paying royalties to the pop culture figures whose images they were using, they only did runs of 100 statues at a time for each design. Comedians, actors, sports figures, presidents, and so forth. There are over 100 different figures out there, and that doesn’t include the knock-offs and statues influenced by Esco.

Like anything, some statues are more common than others, and of course, some icons are more collectable than others. The trick is quality. Without care, they can chip or cracks easily. You typically see, at the very least, nicks in the paint, revealing the white chalkware underneath. If you can find a statue in excellent condition or better, pick it up.

There’s not a lot of information around on Esco statues – even less on the company – but there is a forum where Esco collectors share information and pictures of collections. Some of the collections are simply amazing by any standard. You can typically find statues on Ebay, but they’re going for big bucks nowadays – especially for monster statues, like the Wolfman Esco, which recently sold for $800. Crazy.

I found a couple late last year for my uncle – Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.

Last week, I bought 7 Esco statues at one sale. Two for my uncle (John Wayne and Jimmy Durante) and two for me (Groucho Marx and Humphrey Bogart) – three to sell (Bud Abbott, W.C. Fields, and Elvis). I may even keep W.C. Fields as well.

Elvis will be in the Junk and Howe store this week. Bud Abbott coming soon.

Elvis Esco Chalkware Statue for sale (SOLD)

Cassandra Stadnicki - Chicago, IL

2011-05-23T11:55:00.000-05:00

(a home was here)

I can’t recall when exactly I met Cassie, but while some meetings are thunderclaps, others seamlessly blend in, as if the connection in the web had been there all along. Cassie is a bold person, and given my own directness, our conversations are often worth charging admission.

As an artist, she faces the audience squarely and challenges them. However, the engagement is completely dependent upon the audience – there is never anything forcing or begging attention – it’s simply a statement. Painter, designer, stylist, photographer, gardener, master canner – there’s not much she can’t do.

She recently snatched up a bright orange Fire King roaster from Junk and Howe, along with an amazing Federal Glass Co. Golden Glory dish set, and knowing her as a great cook, I figured they’d get some use in the kitchen. On her Peabrain blog, she shares her experiences with food and drink. From marmalade to chutney to curds to canning and so forth. Along with the recipes, the photographs are fantastic – she even used the Fire King roaster dish in her post about making salsa verde.

Last week, Julie and I made a pork loin roast and tried the apple chutney Cassie dropped off for us a few weeks ago. Simply amazing. Next, we’re going to buy some cheddar to have with it, just as Cassie suggests on her blog.

That’s one of the best things about most of the people I know well. I can trust them – their tastes, recommendations, and suggestions. I have faith that most of the time I will second their emotion about whatever particular subject. If I don’t, it’s still a pleasure having a discussion or debate about it – especially with someone like Cassie, who can bring such enthusiasm and insight to a conversation.

Her passions run deep, and she wears them proudly in every facet of life. That’s what makes her a great person, as well as a noteworthy artist.

Be sure to check out her blog and website for more art, food and information!

(Oven)

(Vent)

(from Stadnicki's crawlspace collection)

What a Piece: Canvas Duffel Bag

2011-05-19T13:10:00.000-05:00

Esquire Magazine is consistently pushing their style/fashion book, Esquire's Big Black Book. On their site, they have a related slideshow on what they say is a new American style revolution. It's one of the few mainstream publications that are trying to set the tone - now that the so-called American trend looks like it's going to stick around.

It's been a trend for well over a year now - since the recession really started to grab hold on the day-to-day lives of Americans. What I hope people realize is that this is not really a trend, but rather it is now the norm. This is the way things will be from now on, for some time. Back to basics, personalization, individuality, vintage, classic - keywords that you will hear time and time again.

#6 of their "60 products, places, people and ideas that transforming the way we dress in 2011" is the canvas duffel bag. The bad thing is that new canvas duffel bags are expensive. There are a few that you can get for under $100, but most are far beyond that, and even fewer are small enough to actually be called duffels.

I found a vintage canvas duffel bag recently, and though it has been used well (as it was built/meant to be used), it's still a fantastic bag - full of character and life. The black stripes give it that extra style, and the brass knobs on the bottom supply a solid foundation to rest upon, allowing the duffel to stand without slouching. Size: 15" L x 8" H x 7" W

The other vintage canvas duffel bag I came across was fairly small, but like the other one, still in decent condition and still a great little bag. The canvas on this littler one is not as stiff as the other, but it has the cool red piping that gives it its standout quality. Size: 12" L x 6" H x 5" W

Here's more of what Esquire has to say about the canvas duffel bag:
"Because, when you're itching to escape, nothing beats one of these tough, sturdy SOBs for sheer utility. Toss it into a taxi's trunk or onto the luggage rack of a tour bus, and the canvas shell (which is actually tightly woven cotton) can take whatever fresh hell your travels entail. Do yourself a favor, though, and leave that free PBS canvas duffel at home. Better to invest in something with a distinctive look than to chance a baggage mix-up when you (finally) arrive at your final destination."

Utility is the key word here, as these types of bags used to be primarily for tradesmen (i.e. masons, engineers, etc.).

Here are a number of new bags available, ranging in price, size, and style - many of them are made in the USA, which we would obviously recommend:

J. Crew Rugged Twill Travel Bag - $168
Brook Farm General Store Canvas and Leather Tool Bag - $79
Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag (at Nordstrom) - $75
Jack Spade Mitchell Military Canvas Duffel Bag (at Nordstrom) - $395
Jack Spade Boat Canvas Duffel Bag (at Nordstrom) - $245
Alternative Canvas Duffle Bag - $138
Wm. J. Mills & Co. Classic Duck Duffel Bag - $130-$150
Port Canvas Cruiser Duffel Bag - $55 + options
J.W. Hulme Co. Classic Field Duffle Bag - $365
Frost River Small Explorer Duffel Bag - $110
Ernest Alexander British Tan Wax Overnight Bag - $395
Beckel Canvas Products Olive Drab War Bag - $68.95
Beckel Canvas Products Possibilities Bag - $63.95

Junk and Howe Finds - 5/15

2011-05-17T23:13:00.000-05:00

Flea market season is upon us! Unfortunately, it rained our first flea market weekend, but we still managed to pick up a number of fantastic items.

Here's just a few things we found last weekend...

Pyrex Butterprint Mixing Bowls - 2.5 and 1.5 quart
Vintage Spring Green Blossom Glass Pitcher
Turquoise and White Deep Dish Vintage Ashtrays
Vintage Dealer's Choice Ashtrays
Westinghouse Clear Large Vintage Refrigerator Dish with Lid
1932 Glass Syrup Dispenser - Etched Flowers and Yellow Bakelite Handle
Pyrex Yellow 2.5-quart Hostess Casserole Dish with Lid
Mckee Ebony Glass Salt, Pepper and Sugar Range Shakers
Universal Food Chopper #1
1971 Red and Black Thermos - NEW in plastic
Vintage Maid of Honor 4-quart Yellow Mixing Bowl
Vintage Milk Glass Salt and Pepper Range Shakers
Pyrex Butterprint Cinderella Casserole Dish - 2.5 quart
Vintage Luce Brown Leather Train Case with Mirror
Pyrex 1.5-quart Rounded Casserole Dish with Unknown Pattern and metal holder/carrier
Vintage Texas Ware Confetti Mixing Bowl #118
Thermo-Serv Brown and Beige Vintage Carafe/Coffee Pitcher
Foley Sift-Chine Triple Screen Vintage Flour Sifter
Vintage Monarch Tool Box
Hazel-Atlas Glass Sugar/Candy Dispenser with Plastic Orange Lid
Jadeite Glass Vintage Pepper Shaker
Vintage Anson Music Note Tie Clip
Art Deco Speidel Tie Clip and Cuff Links Set
Pyrex Avocado Colonial Band 1.5-quart Mixing Bowl
Sonomor Safety Pins
Griffith's Spice Jar Set
Vintage Film Reel Canisters
Vintage Canvas Sport/Gym Bag

Harmon Killebrew - Payette, ID

2011-05-17T15:40:00.000-05:00

Rest in peace, Harmon Killebrew.

USA Today obit piece.

Just bought a Hillerich & Bradsby Safe Hit Harmon Killebrew baseball bat a couple weeks ago:

The National Jukebox

2011-05-11T22:42:00.000-05:00

Art is for consumption, and everyone, regardless of their class or status, should be able to consume as much art as they can and want. When I hear about something like The National Jukebox, it makes me think there are others out there with the same perspective.

The National Jukebox is an archive of over 10,000 sound recordings – recorded 1901-1925 for the Victor Talking Machine Company.

All of the content is currently owned by Sony, and they have granted streaming access to the Library of Congress for free.

Just upon an initial browsing, I came across some really interesting things. There are presidential speeches, such as “The farmer and the business man” by Theodore Roosevelt, recorded September 22, 1912:

Opera, spoken word, and early pop music, like Irving Berlin. Even as an avid music listener, the music collection is daunting, but the Library of Congress has already done a wonderful job bridging that gap by creating suggested playlists – by genre, or by subject/theme, such as the Early Tin Pan Alley playlist.

Granted, the sound quality is not what most are used to, but when you’re looking that far into the past, everything gets a little fuzzy. But behind all that dust, scratches, cracks and pops, the good stuff is there.

To me, there’s nothing more important than having access to art and historical documents. Thanks to the efforts of the Library of Congress, and the generosity of Sony, we have another wonderful addition to the public collection.

Another Book

2011-05-09T03:06:00.000-05:00

I collect books. I wish I read them all, but I can't keep up with my queue of print, filed in no particular order on various shelves in my house. I've finally gotten to "Deadly Spin" by Wendell Potter - about the healthcare industry and basically everything you need to understand about that world, public relations, and why you may care to know about it. He was an executive at Humana and Cigna. High rank. Arrived at his conscience. It's pretty amazing stuff.

After reading Paula Deitz's book review of "Founding Gardeners" by Andrea Wulf, I feel very compelled to put myself in the very familiar position of having to find a place for yet another book I want to consume. My interests far exceed the space and time I have. Perhaps I'll just call myself an optimist.

Here's a snippet - see if it intrigues you:
"In 1961, when John F. Kennedy asked Rachel Lambert Mellon to design the Rose Garden at the White House, the commission established a strong link with America’s botanical past. And so, much more recently, has Michelle Obama’s organic vegetable garden, elsewhere on the grounds. As Andrea Wulf reminds us in her illuminating and engrossing new book, “Founding Gardeners,” the first four presidents were passionate botanists whose country seats became laboratories for their grander vision of an independent agrarian republic in the New World." [read entire article at the NY Times]

Pyrex Percolator II & Fans II

2011-05-05T00:03:00.000-05:00

We've talked about Pyrex Percolators before, and just a couple days ago, we posted about vintage metal fans. In the last two weeks, we've come across some items we thought we'd share - as an update to those other posts.

First, is the 1929 Emerson Fan, type/model 29666. I found it at a tag sale. The folks running the sale didn't even know it was in the house. I got it for a good price. It's in amazing shape, though I do think the original cord has been replaced. It needs a good cleaning, but it works!

And then the Pyrex Percolators. We found a bunch in one place - these two are the best of the group. The metal holder is ours - recently purchased. It has no markings, but the all-glass 6-cup fits perfectly. Enjoy!

Pyrex 6-Cup Percolator - pre 1952 (BUY IT!)

Charles W. Cushman - Poseyville, IN

2011-05-04T09:40:00.000-05:00

10/29/50 - 910 Maxwell St.

Taken from the Indiana University Archives website dedicated to Charles W. Cushman:
"Charles Weever Cushman, amateur photographer and Indiana University alumnus, bequeathed approximately 14,500 Kodachrome color slides to his alma mater. The photographs in this collection bridge a thirty-two year span from 1938 to 1969, during which time he extensively documented the United States as well as other countries."

I went to Maxwell Street once in my early teens - before it was shut down and "renovated", and long after its legendary heyday. I bought some crappy socks, but was looking for a cheap Starter jacket. Back in its prime (arguably before the '60s), it was a melting pot of people, filled with an array of goods and products. Musicians played on the streets, churches and their congregations preached the gospel from the sidewalks, and food vendors provided those who packed the street with iconic grub like the Maxwell Street Polish Sausage.

Maxwell Street is also highlighted in the film, "The Blues Brothers," when Jake and Elwood go into The Soul Food Cafe (and run into Aretha Franklin) after checking out John Lee Hooker playing "Boom Boom" on the sidewalk. In the DVD version, the scene is extended, and you get to see/hear the entire song - even the joking/arguing between the musicians afterward. Classic scene in a classic movie, and Maxwell Street remains a historical piece of Chicago to this day for anyone who was alive when it thrived, and anyone else who has heard the stories.

Cushman's photographs give us a glimpse of what it was like. I also included a few Library of Congress photos - a couple from the Tribune, and a couple by photographer, Russell Lee. There is also a documentary called "And This Is Free: Maxwell Street" that is worth watching (it's currently on Netflix's "watch instantly"). It's straight documentary/journalistic style, but it's extremely interesting to watch nonetheless. It was filmed in 1964, and even then, the purists in the film talk about how things have changed, and that the street has lost its luster.

04/18/43 - Maxwell Street

10/01/50 - Maxwell and Newberry

10/09/58 - on S. Halsted at Maxwell St.

10/19/58 - Maxwell St.

Maxwell Street - 1935

Maxwell Street - 1927

Photo by Russell Lee - April 1941

What a Piece: Fans

2011-05-02T02:13:00.001-05:00

Westinghouse Tesla Fan - 1897

With the warmer months coming up, it’s time to get a fan. Instead of getting a cheap plastic one at a local drug store, put out only a few extra bucks and get yourself not only a fan of obvious quality, but one that also serves as a piece of art - a classic piece. Some of the earliest vintage metal fans you come across are decorative pieces by design – made for the rich. Forty years after the invention of the electric fan, as technology got better, companies began making less expensive metal fans for use in the average home. By the ‘50s, so many manufacturers were making fans that some companies sold what is now referred to as “drug-store fans” – fans that were mass produced, and were lesser in quality.

Today, several names have stood the test of time – some very familiar. Westinghouse, General Electric (GE), Emerson, Robbins & Myers, Diehl, Dayton, and Vornado, among others. The early ones are heavy and louder, but they are beautiful pieces of machinery, engineering, and design. The Art Deco era fans are very collectible as well, not to mention quieter, and as defined by the period, they are fantastic to look at. Here’s a 1950 GE metal fan that I had my uncle Nye pick us up recently at an auction. It'll be on sale at the Junk and Howe store this week!

It’s not a rare fan by any means – it seems that I’ve seen similar models in a few antique stores and such – but I just can’t pass it up. It’s one of the essentials that made a real difference in the days before air conditioning. They were functional for so long, and with energy costs rising all the time, cutting back on the air conditioning may mean the fan retains its importance. And, it looks cool.

Here are a few pictures of fans that grabbed my eye, along with some vintage Emerson ads. Some of are from a fan enthusiast/collector website (earlyfans.com) and some are from Etsy stores. All are worth checking out, along with the Antique Fan Collectors Association.

1906 Diehl Fan (photo by Steve Stephens @ earlyfans.com)

1908 Westinghouse (photo by Steve Stephens @ earlyfans.com)

1950s Vornado (LuccaBales @ Etsy)

Wagner Metal Fan (arksendeavors @ Etsy)

Dominion Metal Fan (reneecourt @ Etsy)

Reference

2011-04-27T13:07:00.000-05:00

Here are two articles we threw up on Twitter recently that everyone should have a chance to stumble upon.

One is from Apartment Therapy, and they give a guide to buying modern made in the USA products. It's a quick guide - nothing more - but worth a look.

The other is a great NY Times piece about Allen Edmonds shoe company, but also about the American shoe industry as a whole. Obviously, this relates to American made clothing and products as well. It stresses the point that if you make good, classic shoes and take care of them, they'll last 20 years and be worth the sometimes pricey investment you paid initially. This is true of everything. It was commonplace in my grandparent's generation, but it has disappeared in the last two.

Junk and Howe Easter Weekend Finds

2011-04-26T13:42:00.000-05:00

We had such a great weekend of junking that we couldn't fit half of the stuff in the car to bring it home. With so little sunlight in the last couple days in Chicago, taking pictures has proven a difficult task. I managed to take a few.

For "coming soon" restaurants and cafes, we have a few cases of Pyrex tableware - mugs/cups, saucers, and plates (for the copper pattern). Then again, we may split up the cases so individuals can stock their kitchen with cool, quality tableware.

We also came across an abundance of Pyrex Butterfly Gold dishes lately - unopened divided dish, brand new juicer, casserole dish set, and mixing bowl set - amazing stuff.

This and more coming soon to the Junk and Howe store! Also pictured...

Mid-Century Metal Gooseneck Cone-shaded Desk Lamp
GE Metal Oscillating Fan (12" cage)
Black & Decker Metal Saw Case/Box (huge!)
Westinghouse Electric Roaster Dish Set (new in box) - RARE!
Pyrex Butterprint Refrigerator Dish - 1.5 qt.
Brown Sweater Coat with real fur collar
Starflite Blue Hardshell Hat/Train/Carry-on Case
Pyrex Early American Mixing Bowls - 1.5 qt. and 1.5 pint
Wooden Condiment Caddy with Stainless Steel Bowls and Serving Spoons (with plastic lids)

Not pictured:
Hazel Atlas Tumbler Glass Set of 8 with Metal Holder
Pyrex Tableware Copper design - new in box
Fire King Large Mixing Bowl with Pink Flamingo Striped Rim (2.5 qt?)
Glasbake Green Daisy Roaster Dish - 2 qt.
Pyrex Ribbed Cake/Casserole Clear Bowl (old, and not in any reference books or online)
Pyrex Percolators (4-cup, [2] 6-cup, tall 6-cup with plastic handle)
Industrial Metal Silver Box (originally for 8mm film reels)
Unmarked Clear Refrigerator Dishes
Orange Metal Tin Mug Set of 4
Black Tin Percolator
Vintage 6-ft. Metal Kitchen Storage Cabinet with shelves - white
Vintage Brown Leather Clutch
Garner Ware Canister Set
Masterware Canister Set

Detroit, USA

2011-04-20T19:44:00.001-05:00

Not sure why, but Detroit popped in my head today. This is what first came to mind. Cadillac Motor Car Company (1900-1910), The Stooges (1969), electric car (Detroit Electric - 1919), John Lee Hooker (1965), Ty Cobb (1912), The White Stripes (2004 - Grammys), Packard Automobile Plant (1900-1915).

The Seamstress

2011-04-17T17:20:00.001-05:00

For the everyday person, everything basically goes through our cleaners today, which have replaced the tailor and seamstress. Unfortunately, you don't find a lot of cleaners that employ the kind of skilled workers that a seamstress or dressmaker from a couple generations ago would've had. To actually sew anything is a skill that is lost from the general population in the past couple of generations.

However, there is a movement - a back to basics feeling among the masses. I see young women knitting on buses, planes and even bars. The abundance of boutiques in the cities, along with handmade sites like Etsy - there is a sense that more and more of the younger generations are taking a page from their grandmother's book and learning how to sew, knit, cross-stitch and such. To make their own clothes, pass the time, or just to be able to repair a piece of clothing they already have.

We have a couple of famous seamstresses in our American history that everyone would know. Of course, there is Betsy Ross, but most don't know that Rosa Parks was a seamstress as well. Here are a few pictures of some seamstresses and female shop owners that you wouldn't know. An Ansel Adams photograph of some women at a seamstress class (1943 - California), a seamstress from the Langdon Tent and Awning Co. making pup tents for the U.S. Army (1941 - Wichita, Kansas), a photo of a young seamstress by Lewis W. Hine (1917 - Boston), and the owner of Rosetta Frocks dress shop, Cecilia Hall, by Jack Delano (1942 - Chicago, IL).

Individuals 2 / What a Piece: Buffalo Plaid Jacket

2011-04-12T23:50:00.000-05:00

Glenn O'Brien, the GQ Magazine Style Guy, from a recent interview:

"I have been spotted in my red plaid Woolrich jacket around town a couple of times, but usually on a casual day. And there’s something to be said for that. It’s warm. The thing about vintage is, you don’t want to look like everybody else. So you buy something old, you know there aren’t a thousand of them out there. It’s more likely to be a unique thing at this point."

True. It's about being unique - an individual. Personalize your wardrobe, as well as your home. Find the items - clothing, dishes, lighting, luggage, etc. - that define your personality and specific taste. Don't be fooled by the advertisers, who prey on insecurities. If you like something, like it with confidence. Confidence is classic. Individual style is classic. Be that.

Nearly a century ago, Woolrich originally popularized the buffalo plaid print jacket that O'Brien refers to here. We have a quality-made John Blair jacket that is patterned after the Woolrich. Best guess, it's from the 1960s. Amazing jacket. Amazing price. Made in the USA. The vintage Woolrich jackets will run a few hundred, as will the new ones. Our vintage John Blair is only $33.00. Seriously.

Junk and Howe's John Blair Buffalo Plaid Jacket (BUY IT):

Junk and Howe Finds - 4/8/11

2011-04-09T23:57:00.000-05:00

Got a lot, and a little bit of everything. Some junk for others, some junk for us (like the Clue and Stratego games!), and a bunch of junk for YOU! Here's your preview. Let us know if you see something you like...

Pyrex Primary Color Nesting Bowl Set
Pyrex Woodland Mixing Bowl Set – Original Box, Never Opened!
Pyrex Butterfly Gold Divided Dish – Original Box, Never Opened!
Pyrex Primary Color Refrigerator Dish Set
Handmade Yellow Polyester Skirt and Sleeveless Top
Brown Box Handbag - Satin Lining inside slots
Pyrex Juice Server – new with original cardboard insert
Sears Forecast Cream Train Case with tray and zip bag – brand new
Equitable Handbag Co. Genuine Leather Black Structured Handbag - Gimbels 14.90
Brown Structured Handbag inside zip section
Anchor Hocking Fire King Mugs – green and yellow
Anchor Hocking Juice Servers – white tops
Lincoln Beautyware Coffee and Tea Canisters
Minnetonka Brown Moccasins – Women’s 9 – Brand new (1989)
J.A. Miller Tweed and Suede Hat – Large
Thermos Picnic Set
Anchor Hocking Juice Server – orange top
Porky and Petunia Pepsi/WB Glass - 1976
Proctor and Gamble Tin Fruit Canisters
Stratego Board Game – 1961 – Never used
Clue Board Game – 1956
1970 All Star Game Baseball Pennant
Milwaukee Brewers Souvenir Baseball Bat
1975 All Star Game Baseball Tickets
Wilson Harvey Kuenn Baseball Glove
Goodell Pratt Drill
Black Plane

Individuals 1

2011-04-07T16:37:00.000-05:00

People doing things. Many different things. Participating and contributing. Working hard. Individuals.

Fantastic picture. Three men studying plants on Brandenburg Farm in Lake Villa, IL - 1931. One, Gunnar Erdtman, a renowned Swedish scientist whose primary study was pollen (left). Another, George Damon Fuller, a professor of Botany from the University of Chicago (right). And the third, Henry Chandler Cowles, helped ecology get recognized as a field of science (middle).

Within five minutes of searching, I got an idea of who these men were and what they did before their lives ended. It was a nice little jaunt, and it got my imagination going. Other pictures of these men, which just added to it...

The Tailor

2011-04-05T22:29:00.000-05:00

The men's clothing store and the tailor are endangered species, and they have been for a generation now. However, is it possible that the tailor could make a comeback? I'd like to think so.

A tailor shop in south Texas, early 1900s. Photos by Robert Runyon...

Watching the Hawks

2011-04-03T16:21:00.000-05:00

WGN is killing it today. First the Cubs (though they blew the game at the end), now Hawks are on. Here's an awesome old picture of Bobby Hull - 1966.

Junk and Howe April Fools Finds

2011-04-03T15:35:00.000-05:00

Spring is here, and the tags sales are abundant. Next month, the flea markets start up. Can't wait! It was a great first weekend of April for Junk and Howe, and here's a taste of some items that are coming to the store this week.

As always, drop us a line if you see something you like and want to make a fair offer on it before it reaches the Junk and Howe store.

We're on Twitter, so go follow us to see and hear about cool things we come across while out junking or enjoying our beautiful city here in Chicago. You'll know the minute new items are up, so you can grab that cool vintage treasure you've been looking for before someone else gets it first!

Pyrex New Dot Orange Bowls
Pyrex Daisy Cinderella Bowl Set
Pyrex Refrigerator Dishes - 2 early (yellow & blue with old clear lids), 1 later (blue)
Washington Forge Bakelite Stainless Steel Steak Knives
Pyrex Pink Daisy Casserole and Divided Dishes
Pyrex Butterprint Iridescent Mixing Bowl Set - RARE
Hazel Atlas Milkglass Pepper Range Shaker
Jackson Pollock Styled Mid-Century Glass Pitcher
Gits-Ware Orange Plastic Cups with Yellow Starbursts
Purses and Handbags
Pyrex Clear Refrigerator Dish - early dish - RARE
Yellow Plastic Napkin Holder with Green Daisies
Glass Juicer

Watching the Cubs

2011-04-03T13:40:00.000-05:00

Cubs are on WGN (a rarity today). Here's a picture of two old Chicago Cubs on the street in Chicago in 1905 - Frank Chance and Otto Williams. The former, part of the famous Tinkers, Evers, Chance infield combination. Happy Sunday...

the Record Low - Chicago, IL

2011-03-29T22:24:00.000-05:00

I met the Record Low’s Hank and Robby at a small open mic on the north side of Chicago almost seven years ago. Back then, they were an acoustic duo. I can’t say I was their biggest fan right away, but I saw the potential and talent that was obvious and evident. Through the publication (The Crutch) I ran, I did an event in 2004 called the Best of Chicago’s Open Mics. I chose Hank and Robby as one of the finalists. Then, we became friends.

They eventually added drums and bass – Justin and Markus, respectively. Collectively, they were the Record Low. Hank was beginning to push past his charming Tom Petty-style of writing and seemed to tap the subconscious more often. Robby pulled out his trademark black Gibson SG and showed signs of genius.

They released Here to Stay in 2007. The songs were great – I was now a fan – and they were fun, but one could sense more was to come. They got some local attention and that was that.

Then, Justin and Markus left the band, and the core started deconstructing everything. They experimented with different line-ups, instrumentation combinations, and went into the abyss with I saw as a mission to create something new and potent.

Last year, over two years later, they released Away From Us. They had taken the leap and found their voice.

Robby is one of the most creative guitarist I’ve seen. I’ve seen hundreds from ten feet away and he stands at the top. Hank’s lyrics and vocals are penetrating, yet untouchable. The album has precision, laid over an atmosphere of sound, with Hank soloing somewhere in the cloud. Their live show takes that and turns it all upside down. Busted bottles, stomping on guitars, and screams – there is nothing that can’t happen at a Record Low concert.

This is the beauty of this band. They are ever-changing, and multi-faceted – multi-dimensional. Like some of my favorite people, they’re always looking to better themselves. Both work their asses off in the studio, and all the hard work is now paying off, as they are receiving attention every time they play in or out of town. The Onion’s AV Club has been a fan for some time, and they made a number of "best of" lists last year.

Last summer, they added one of my favorite drummers, Jonny, who is best known for his work with The Changes. I think so much of Jonny’s drumming that I asked him to play on my own record last year. Robby actually auditioned him during that recording session. In the history of rock and roll folklore, this is how perfect matches happen, and Jonny may just be that for the Record Low.

The Record Low is currently working on another album. I was going to do a short documentary on the band, but after one day of shooting, I realized I didn’t have the tools to accomplish what I envisioned. However, I salvaged the day’s footage and created a short film for one of the most dynamic and creatively gifted bands I’ve seen in the last decade.

Go see the Record Low live this Thursday, 3/31, at the Empty Bottle in Chicago. If you RSVP by 11:59pm Wednesday night, the show is free. Send an email to rsvp@emptybottle.com with “the Record Low” in the subject line. Otherwise, it’s $8 at the door. They’re playing with Hospital Garden and F.Y.K.M.A.’s.

Finally, if I had to hand-pick Junk and Howe items for these three guys, this is what I would choose:

Hank:

Robby:

Jonny:

Siobhan's Photography & the Samsonite Bag

2011-03-28T23:37:00.000-05:00

Samsonite Silhouette Suitcase at The Inn on Bourbon Street

A couple weeks ago, my friend and outstanding photographer, Siobhan, stopped by to say hello and check out a couple new Junk and Howe items I thought she'd like. She was on her way to a still-recovering New Orleans for Mardi Gras that week, and spotted a light blue Samsonite Silhouette Garment Bag/Suitcase. She wanted it for her drive down to Louisiana. The only problem was that someone had put a small lock on it and I didn't have any bolt cutters to get it off yet.

She had some.
Problem solved.

The bag hadn't even been photographed yet, and thus hadn't been added to the Junk and Howe store either. But, for someone I've known for years and whom I've kind of adopted as my little sister, I had no problem selling her the bag, along with a couple other items. My only condition, because I didn't want it to leave without having something to remember it by: "Please take a picture of the bag somewhere in New Orleans." She did, and as with most other pictures Siobhan takes, it's amazing, as you can plainly see above.

Siobhan did her undergraduate work at Columbia College in Chicago - Fine Arts Photography - and is currently doing graduate work there as well. I've known her since I ran my rock and roll publication, The Crutch, and I was always amazed at how easily she could adapt to photographic situations that she wasn't familiar with. After seeing so many bad snapshot type of photographs at small rock and roll shows here in Chicago, I urged her to get up there against the stage at Chicago staple venues, such as Empty Bottle and Double Door. She did, and she has taken some of the best rock and roll concert photos I've seen. Unlike the stuff you see in magazines, Siobhan captures the rawness that is rock and roll. The other stuff is too polished, and lacks the feeling that you get at an $8 show at a small venue.

King Khan

But it's her original, innate visual artist's eye that puts her on the fine arts level, as she is able to extract the feeling of even inanimate objects - as if she somehow is able to give voice to the walls of the Packard plant ruins in Detroit, or a lonely forgotten railroad track in tiny Argenta, Illinois.

Packard Plant

I did a couple favors by modeling for Siobhan while she was studying her undergraduate. By no means am I a model, and yet while attempting to play natural in a familiar setting, she revealed an emotional skeleton that I didn't realize was visible in every way. I, as a writer, would have a real task to match that kind of temporal breakthrough in words. Her gift couldn't be overstated.

Younger me, as a smoker

The Samsonite Silhouette bag is nothing like I've ever seen. Literally - I've never seen another one of these, and still can't find one anywhere on the Internet. Its design is so interesting, with both sides opening up to create a garment bag - with a hook for hangers and all. It's boxy, but it's rounded, so as not to crease whatever you want to keep unwrinkled. And its fabric zip-up girdle on the inside helps keep those hanging clothes secure against the skin, and separate from all the folded clothing you fill the bag with, as it acts like a large duffel would. It's pretty cool.

It's even cooler sitting on the bed at The Inn on Bourbon Street in New Orleans at Mardi Gras. Thanks, Siobhan!

Check out just a sliver of Siobhan's portfolio at her website. I believe she is going to be making available some stunning prints of her work in her own shop (on Etsy) sometime soon. We'll keep you posted.

Newman's Own Organic Fig Newmans

2011-03-23T21:50:00.000-05:00

If there’s one snack Julie and I love to take with us while we’re on the road junkin’, it’s Newman’s Own Organic Fig Newmans. They’re so good that I figured I’d take a moment to mention them.

This is one of those things where I feel the pictures say more than I can actually describe, especially since it’s food. The difference between Fig Newtons and Fig Newmans is noticeable in every way, from appearance, to ingredients, to taste, and even where they are made.

If you don’t know anything about Newman’s Own, you may enjoy checking out their history and work. Founded by actor Paul Newman in 1982, it really is one of the more beautiful organizations out there, who have genuine intentions. They give thanks to giant Kraft on their Fig Newmans website for allowing them to use the name (an obvious wordplay on the Fig Newton name). Kraft may go back on that agreement if more people knew about how amazing Fig Newmans are.

A glance at the picture and it’s obvious which has the more fig inside the cookie, and the organic ingredients of the Fig Newmans make them taste…real. The texture feels like a real cookie as well, rather than the sponge-like Fig Newton, and there is richness in each bite that doesn’t come with the Fig Newtons. The Fig Newmans are simply better in every way.

Knowing that some money goes to charity every time I buy a package of Fig Newmans is a nice added bonus for my consumerism, and I feel just as good knowing that they are made in the United States – unlike Fig Newtons, which are made in Mexico. And, with a quick check on Peapod, it seems that Fig Newmans are actually cheaper than Fig Newtons. What else can you ask for? You just have try one.

Connie Mack - East Brookfield, MA

2011-03-20T21:41:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid, I loved and lived baseball. I not only played it for over 13 of my first 18 years, but I also studied its history. I learned the names of forgotten stars from decades past, read baseball books when they were available, and read the 2580-page Baseball Encyclopedia a few times through, which is solely comprised of statistics. I scoured thousands of stats, learned about the greats from every generation, and created many, many lists – best teams, best seasons, best in each decade, by position, by era, and so forth. Basically, I was a nerd about baseball.

One of my goals in life is to coach a high school baseball team – or be an assistant coach. While talking about it not too long ago, I vowed that if I ever did manage a high school bench, instead of wearing a uniform like the players, I would dress in a suit – like Connie Mack.

Born in 1862, Connie Mack played in the late 1800s and managed until 1950. Yes, those dates are right. He holds the record for most wins, losses, and games as a major league manager. He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame while still a manager, in 1937. He won five World Series and nine American League pennants, mostly with the Philadelphia Athletics.

He was known as a contradiction in personality, but “gentleman” comes up a lot. Taking a look at his career in baseball, and him in his trademark suits, “class” is obvious. A saint of our national pastime, and not a bad dresser to boot, here are a few pictures of Mr. Mack just in time for baseball season.

New Junk and the Junk and Howe Store!

2011-03-17T10:07:00.000-05:00

Just added a few items. Due to Life we haven't added as much as we've wanted to in the past couple weeks, but our shelves are full of amazing items already, and more is sure to come. As soon as the weather breaks, and the rummage sales begin, it's going to be crazy. Can't wait!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone from Junk and Howe!

Federal Glass Co. Golden Glory 21-piece Dish Set (BUY IT)

Vintage Women's Zodiac Cowboy Boots - size 7M (BUY IT)

Vintage Henry-Lee Polyester Striped Shirt Dress (BUY IT)

Vintage Women's Sears Red Spring Jacket (BUY IT)

Late 1940s Washington State Apple Commission Slicer/Corer in original box (BUY IT)

Exploding Pyrex?

2011-03-15T00:22:00.000-05:00

Just about everything in this country has been processed to the point of degradation – our food, our public services, and our everyday tools – everything has been cheapened. It’s the Industrial Revolution’s worst nightmare, and a businessman’s dream. In the kitchen, Pyrex is still king – except it’s the old Pyrex that is worth the money, while the new stuff turns out not to be, and it’s even shown to be potentially dangerous.

Consumer Reports did a fantastic report on exploding glassware in their January issue. They point out the differences between soda lemon glass, which is used today, and borosilicate glass, which was used a generation or two ago. They tested both in various ways, using Pyrex and Anchor Hocking (owned by the same company today), along with European contenders and even a vintage Pyrex dish, like the ones we sell at Junk and Howe.

They also bring to attention a good reminder for anyone who cooks with glass ovenware, which is to read the warning labels and be informed as to how to use your glassware safely. At Thanksgiving last year, while waiting for the oven to warm up, my dad put a Pyrex baking dish on the electric range top. He didn’t know it was on, and within a few seconds, the dish exploded. When you watch the Consumer Reports video, you’ll see it happen in their test lab.

It’s not to say that the vintage dishes will never break – they’re simply less likely to bust because of what they were made out of in the past. It’s also just another addition to the long list of things that have diminished in quality over the last few decades. When it comes to glassware, whether it’s Pyrex, Fire King, Mckee (Glasbake), Hazel Atlas, etc., the quality of the vintage dishes have stood the test of time. They really don’t make them like they used to. ***

Howlin' Wolf - White Station, MS

2011-03-11T08:24:00.000-06:00

It's Friday - enjoy yourself this weekend.

Howlin' Wolf - Smokestack Lightning

Made in the USA

Pyrex Percolator - Made in the USA

2011-03-09T22:24:00.000-06:00

As you can see in our “Diane Sawyer Loves Junk and Howe” post from a few days ago, they (ABC News) had a hard time finding a coffeemaker that is made in the United States. They couldn’t find one at all, actually.

Many nights, Jules and I will make coffee, and we make it the “old fashioned” way. We use a Pyrex Percolator – made in the USA. It may take a few minutes more than an electric coffeemaker, but it tastes much better, no matter what kind of coffee you like, and you never have to flush clean a coffeemaker. I saw a commercial for CLR the other day, demonstrating how to clean your coffeemaker with this toxic product. And then you’re supposed to brew coffee through that? And drink it? Multiple cups? Ack.

I’m quite fond of this classic piece of flameware by Pyrex. It’s one of my favorites, and probably the one we most often use. We have a 6-cup – they also made 4 and 9-cup versions. Since we have the 6-cup, we use 6 tablespoons of coffee for 6 servings. Here are the instructions.

1. Fill water to the line at 6.

2. Place a filter in the glass and metal basket. You will have to poke a hole in the center/bottom of the filter in order to do this.

3. Fill the filter with 6 tablespoons of your favorite coffee. We recommend Chicago favorite, Intelligentsia.
4. Place the top on the glass basket, and place the stem and basket in the middle of the pot. Put the lid on.

5. Turn the flame on high. VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT use glass percolators on electric range tops. They will shatter. Flame only!

6. It should take 8-12 minutes for it to begin percolating, causing the water to begin turning brown. After about 30 seconds or so, the entire pot of water should be brown.

7. Keep flame on high and let the coffee percolate for 4 more minutes.

8. Turn off the flame.
9. Using a kitchen towel, carefully remove the lid. Wait 2 minutes, and then carefully remove the stem and basket.

10. Replace lid and pour your coffee.

To clean, simply use a sponge with soap and water as you would with any other dish. The inner pieces – the glass stem and glass basket – are fragile, and should be handled with care. You can leave the handle and stainless steel band on for several uses, but it is ok to unscrew it and the handle to clean under the band once in a while. I would not put any pieces in a dishwasher.

We will have a few in the Junk and Howe store in the first couple weeks of May. There are a number on Ebay, but they’re often overpriced. If you can get your hands one, we’d recommend it. You’ll never want to use anything else.

Recent Junk and Howe Finds!

2011-03-07T20:51:00.001-06:00

We're very happy to reveal some new stuff. We're keeping some of it - the Formica top metal kitchen counter for one - but we're also putting some of it in the store very soon. We always announce new items being put on the shelves via Facebook and Twitter, so please follow us. This is a good way to hear about 24-hour sales and other random things as well.

Update: The Pyrex Red Hostess Set sold in about an hour after it was put on the shelf! Some other items are now up - go grab 'em before they're gone!

Stax Records - Memphis, TN

2011-03-06T15:07:00.000-06:00

A Continuous Lean posted about a video of the 1967 Stax/Volt Revue in Norway - part of their '66-'67 European tour. No doubt, it's one of my all-time favorite live video recordings of any set of musicians, so I thought I'd give a quick blurb.

Booker T & the MG's open, with the Mar-Keys joining them for their own set. From there, this is the Stax Records house band, who backed just about everyone in those days in the studio. Stunning performances by Arthur Conley and Eddie Floyd just about get the all-white Norwegian hipsters moving, but there are Norwegian police there keeping everyone in check throughout the concert - keeping many in the front seated.

This all changes when the final two acts come out. First, the wildly entertaining Sam & Dave. If anyone wants to know where from John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd got the inspiration for their Blues Brothers characters, just watch Sam & Dave shake and scream and shout through their riveting set. They even entertain the other musicians, such as Donald "Duck" Dunn and Steve Cropper (both were also in the Blues Brothers Band). Then comes Otis Redding, and the energy explodes from the stage - matched by the crowd rushing the stage, finally breaking the lines of the policemen. It's sheer joy, and Otis Redding in his prime. It brings chills every time I see it. One of the best performances by anyone, ever.

These guys were uncertain young musicians at the time, and though they did ok back home in the States they were not sure how they would be welcomed when they traveled Europe. They were welcomed with open, loving arms, and when the Stax musicians returned home, many of their careers took off. The Monterey Pop Festival helped the effort ten-fold. Some might like Motown soul, but my heart lies more with the raw feeling I get hearing the old Stax soul.

A supplemental video that should be seen is "Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story", which does a sufficient job at giving a history and context to the artists and music that came out of Memphis. Another one would be "Tom Dowd and the Language of Music", which documents the life of engineer/producer/musician, Tom Dowd. He's interwoven in the story of Stax, and more so Atlantic Records, who owned Stax 1961-67.

Amazing stories branching out all over the place between these three videos - all worth watching immediately.

By the way, if you ever see Stax or Volt Records while at a tag sale, flea market, or junk shop, pick them up. They're not only worth dusting off your old record player for listening, but they are also collectible to many soul/r&b fans.

Diane Sawyer Loves Junk and Howe

2011-03-05T16:07:00.000-06:00

Indirectly, she shows it.

Diane Sawyer and ABC News did an interesting segment all last week, "Made in America", which talked about the fact that just about everything we own in our homes is made outside the United States. They picked a family, showed them that all their household items were made elsewhere, and then replaced just about everything they owned with American-made products. They talked about the cost, and also U.S. jobs, which was the underlying point of it all. According to ABC News, if we as a population spent only $64 a year on American-made products, that would create 200,000 jobs. Next week, they're talking about clothes.

Unfortunately, they weren't looking for vintage items for either, otherwise Junk and Howe would have been on television. Anyway, here are the 5-minute segments - thought some might find them interesting.

By the way, the junkin' gods were with Junk and Howe on Friday - we have some very cool items coming to the store soon. Photos coming when the clouds disperse.

Segment 2
Segment 3
Segment 4
Segment 5

Pictures of Pyrex as Promised

2011-03-01T17:42:00.000-06:00

Here's a few pictures of some Pyrex that we'll have coming to the Junk and Howe store this week!

More Pyrex at Junk and Howe!

2011-02-28T00:15:00.000-06:00

More of everything is coming to Junk and Howe - we have a ton of amazing vintage items that have yet to be put up in the store. You won't have to wait long to get your chance at getting your hands on some wonderful "new" Pyrex - more beautiful and useful dishes are arriving to the Junk and Howe store shelves as early as this week. We've sold a few of our favorite Pyrex dishes already, and we know that as soon as these new ones are revealed they'll go fast as well.

This all doesn't even include the Pyrex gems we're keeping for ourselves! Pictures to come soon for everything. Until then, take a gander at a few vintage ads and a couple screenshots from films/commercials where Pyrex is featured in a scene. Enjoy!

If you didn't know, we're on Twitter - go follow to get first word of our sales and other announcements.

Imitation of Life

M&M's commercial

New Items at Junk and Howe!

2011-02-23T23:14:00.000-06:00

We have just added some items to the Junk and Howe store for spring - a little of everything! And there's more to come next week!

If you've never seen it, and like film noir or French films, take a look at Jean-Pierre Melville's Le Cercle Rouge, starring the impressive Alain Delon (also in Le Samourai by Melville). Not only are the acting, writing, and directing outstanding, but stylistically it's wonderful to watch. It's on Netflix's watch instantly until 3/1. Saw it was going away and thought we'd pass it along as a recommendation.

Here are a few gems we just added to the store!:

American Tourister Black Briefcase (SOLD)

Navy Canvas Bag (SOLD)

Arnold Palmer Van Heusen Windbreaker (BUY IT)

Sears Blue and Blue Insulated Vest (BUY IT)

Chalet Green and White Platter Plates and Mugs (SOLD)

Retro Chalet

2011-02-21T20:43:00.000-06:00

During my research on Spaulding Ware, I came across a blog called Retro Chalet. I sent Ira Mency an email about the Spaulding find, and she was kind enough to write about it and Junk and Howe on her blog. Retro Chalet is not only an informative and interesting blog, but also a store (at Etsy) – both are very cool and worth checking out. From a ton of vintage melamine to print block letters, there’s a “wow” waiting at each click.

My favorite piece of Ira’s has to be the Spaulding turquoise melamine spice canisters. Rare, and simply amazing!:

Here are a couple other cool finds at Retro Chalet. Go visit and enjoy!:
Lenox Melamine Dinnerware Set

Branchell Salt & Pepper Shakers

Starflite Train Case

SALE! Winter Wear

2011-02-21T00:16:00.000-06:00

JUNK AND HOWE SALE

Junk and Howe likes to make you happy. Sales make everyone happy. We don’t put items on sale because we have too many of them, or because the items are worth any less than their price tag says they are worth. In fact, we price everything to sell.

When you visit Junk and Howe, you know you are going to get a deal on something very cool – something you’ll receive a compliment on – something you’ll use – something you’ll be reusing. You’ll leave with a smile, and maybe even wide, excited eyes. At best, you’ll have a well-made item – classically designed, always in style, and made in the United States.

UNTIL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2011 AT 4PM CST:

20% OFF ALL WINTER WEAR!

The entire country has seen the cold, crazy weather in the last couple months. It’s still winter, and it will be for another month, at least. Get a coat. Get a second coat. Get insulated. Get layered. We have some amazing winterwear! Everything in our sale section has been marked down 20%! You have until Friday.

JUNK AND HOWE SALE

What a Piece: Luggage

2011-02-14T13:31:00.000-06:00

“What a piece.” That may mean something different to whoever is looking at whatever. This is a recurring feature, in which we will spotlight certain vintage items that we feel are noteworthy and cool - classic. Function, use, quality and design. Made in the USA. This is what Junk and Howe searches for, and this is what we find.

Luggage. If you go anywhere, you need it. Samsonite and American Tourister are household names when it comes to luggage. Once fierce American-made rivals, today they are both owned by the same company and mostly made outside the United States.

Samsonite advertised and sold their first piece of luggage at Macy’s in 1918, and became famous for their “Strong Enough To Stand On” slogan during that time. It was started in Denver and run by Jesse Shwayder, who brought in the rest of his family. Such things aren’t always a good idea, but it was a picture of Shwayder, his three brothers, and their father all standing on a wooden plank resting across a row of their luggage that helped gain attention for the company, eventually pushing them to the top luggage company in the country. By the 1970s, they were making their bags overseas.

Sol Koffler wanted to make durable luggage for affordable prices. He set out to do that by opening American Luggage Works in Providence, Rhode Island in 1933, which eventually became American Tourister in the ‘40s, after World War II. The company did well for the first few decades, but exploded in the 1970s due to an ad campaign that featured a gorilla jumping up and down on an American Tourister suitcase. In actuality, it was a man in a gorilla suit, but the impact had been felt and seen. By the early 1990s, they sold the company and began making luggage in other parts of the world.

The old luggage is still durable, and built to last – especially the hard shells. The larger suitcases are ideal for road trips. They’re big enough to carry two people’s things – great for a relaxing, simple getaway weekend. Pare down and get out of town. Sounds like ad copy. Or use them for storage - perhaps to store seasonal clothing or files. Stack them in a room and use them for decoration at the same time.

The smaller of the sets – especially the American Tourister carry-ons and train cases – are great for so many occasions and uses. Use them as your carry-on bag for the plane – they’re small, light, and resilient. Use one or the other as an overnighter, day tote, gym bag, make-up case, sewing kit case, art supplies storage, and so forth. Like the briefcases and medium-sizes, the train case is perfect storage for a musician – cables, microphones, pedals, etc. Know a friend, lover, or family member who’s a musician or artist? These kinds of things are the perfect unique gift – even for yourself!

There are tons of brands of vintage luggage out there because there were boutique shops and smaller, regional companies. And of course, there are brands like J.C. Higgins, which was the sporting goods brand by Sears & Roebuck. Or Louis Vuitton, which is French designer luggage and an obvious mention, so I’ll spare you. Whichever way you go, a quality vintage suitcase can get you there – safely, and in style.

Visit the Junk and Howe store and see what we have waiting for you. Here's a few directly:

Vintage American Tourister Hard Shell Briefcase/Suitcase (BUY IT)

American Tourister Escort Marble Red Hard Shell Suitcases set of 2 (BUY IT)

Vintage American Tourister Tiara Carry-on Bag (SOLD)

Vintage J.C. Higgins Small Suitcase (SOLD)

Vintage American Tourister Train Case (SOLD)

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Some recommended travel music that Junk and Howe has enjoyed in the last couple months:

The Strange Boys – And Girls Club
Harry Nilsson – Nilsson Schmilsson and Aerial Ballet
Merle Haggard – Mama Tried
Loretta Lynn – 20 Greatest Hits
Waylon Jennings – 16 Biggest Hits
Dwight Yoakam – personal greatest hits mix
Greg Cartwright – Live at the Circle A
The Shangri-Las – Myrmidons of Melodrama
Neko Case & Her Boyfriends – Peel Session 9/13/00
Hank Williams – 40 Greatest Hits
Blanche – If We Can’t Trust the Doctors…
The Record Low – Away From Us

Spaulding Melamine Set - 49 Pieces

2011-02-09T21:28:00.000-06:00

Here it is - the Spaulding dinnerware set. It's not complete - it's 49 pieces out of 55 - but most of it has never been used and it's still in its original box. The price tag says $66.40. That was 1960 or before. With inflation, today that's a $489 melamine dinnerware set. Lawdy.

For the record, it's missing everything on the right side of the inventory list except that it still has the one large server platter. The rest are crazy 8s - dinner plates, soup/cereal bowls, dessert bowls, bread and butter plates, cups, and saucers.

Made in the USA - "Chicago 18, Illinois"

So, while I'm researching, here are the pictures...

2/5/11 Finds - Holy Junk!

2011-02-08T19:41:00.000-06:00

We visited Fat Nye, Slick, and Mudville this weekend. We had presents waiting for us when we arrived. One was a Spaulding melamine dinnerware set - still in the original box, with only six out of 55 pieces missing. Amazing. Pictures will be coming very soon, but we haven't decided whether we're going to keep it or not for ourselves. This is a constant challenge for us at Junk and Howe.

We do have pictures of some other items we picked up on our snowy weekend of junking in central Illinois. A lot of kitchenware, ranging in style, era, and use. We even picked up an old Wilson T2000 Tennis Racket - the kind Jimmy Connors used to use. If you don't know who that is, well, you probably won't care about the racket. If you do, you may know just how cool this is.

My favorite piece is the Yorkraft, Inc. (York, PA) "Please Don't Shoot the Piano Player" wooden sign, stamped 1957 on the back. This is an item that was produced to look like it was from the late 1800s. 54 years later, it's now an antique itself. The badge of wood that seems to have been shot out of the face of the sign was not factory made. To add even more character to it, someone long ago lightly painted esses to make the sign read "She's doing the best she can" - instead of "he," as originally intended. I can only imagine the story behind it.

These items will be in the Junk and Howe store in the coming weeks...

SOLD for $45.00

Only $21.00 (BUY IT)

Only $10.00! (BUY IT)

Only $11.00! (BUT IT)

Only $18.00! (BUY IT)

24-Hour Sale!

2011-02-08T11:10:00.000-06:00

24-HOUR SALE!
25% OFF SPECIALLY MARKED ITEMS!

STARTS: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2011 AT 1 PM CST
ENDS: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011 AT 1 PM CST

We’re going to give you a chance to walk away with the deal of the month! You can be the envy of everyone who paused to say “cool!” or even "favorited" these items. Only five items, and for such a limited time. Happy junking!

Click on the items to see more pictures, descriptions, and to buy them at the Junk and Howe store!

Set of Two Vintage American Tourister Escort Marble Red Suitcases (BUY IT)
SALE: $37.50
Reg.: $50.00

The Hamilton Metal Products Co. Climax Vintage Industrial Metal File Blue Box (BUY IT)
SALE: $22.75
Reg.: $29.00

Classic Clean Vintage Black Leather Handbag (BUY IT)
SALE: $29.25
Reg.: $39.00

Hollywood Regency Hanging Swag Lamp with Green Glass (BUY IT)
SALE: $33.00
Reg.: $44.00

Mid-Century Metal Gooseneck Desk Lamp (BUY IT)
SALE: $26.25
Reg.: $35.00

Preview New Junk

2011-01-31T22:23:00.000-06:00

You've only seen a fraction of the treasures we have. Here are some "new" items coming to the Junk and Howe store this week. Everything is made in the USA.

And now you can follow Junk and Howe on Twitter!

24-Hour Sale! Vintage Country Place Plaid Poncho

2011-01-29T23:54:00.000-06:00

Dropped from $59 to $39 for twenty-four hours! Sale ends on 1/30 at 11:59pm CST. Please contact us for a shipping quote!

Vintage Country Place Plaid Poncho

J&H Shipping Options and How to Save Money

2011-01-28T09:27:00.000-06:00

I think everyone can acknowledge the fact that shipping costs are high. This puts a damper on ordering anything online. Hell, when I order out food, it costs $2.50 for delivery, plus a tip. For a $20 meal, I'll end up paying $7.50 to have it delivered to my door - most of the time from within 2 miles away. It seems like a lot - it is a lot - but like anything else, sometimes it's just easier to have something delivered to you. The good thing is that there are options that may lower the price of shipping, such as USPS Parcel Post and First Class mail.

Everything at Junk and Howe is estimated to ship Priority Mail, unless otherwise noted. However, we do entertain other methods, and are happy to give you a unique quote on the items you are buying. Parcel Post typically lowers the price on large items, while First Class mail is sometimes helpful in mailing very light items. They may take longer than Priority, but on some items it'll be much cheaper. Here are a couple examples:

Set of Two Vintage American Tourister Escort Marble Red Suitcases. These things are big, and they are heavy (to ship, not to carry!). For Priority Mail, we estimated it shipping from Chicago to the west coast for $64. With the price of the suitcases, it's not a bad overall price for the nice matching pair. However, send it Parcel Post to the same destination and knock the price down to $23! Sending them from Chicago to...Nashville? Priority Mail would be $28 and Parcel Post would be $18. Don't ever let the estimated shipping cost on the listing deter you. Simply ask for a quote and we'll be happy to assist.

The next example is for this cool Vintage Amity Buffalo Calfskin Wallet. For Priority Mail, from Chicago to the west coast, it's $5. Send it to the same destination using First Class Mail and it's $3. On a $15 wallet, such differences can make or break the deal.

Other ways to save money is combining orders. Again, we can supply quotes upon request. Or, you can always schedule a local pick-up. Please contact us about local pick-ups before you purchase.

Basically, if you see something you want, but shipping looks to be out of your range, drop us a line and simply ask us how much it would ship to your front door. Happy junkin'...

Here's a young rock and roll band from Austin, Texas. The Strange Boys. They have music for sale, released on the In the Red Records:

WATCH: The Strange Boys - Be Brave

Everyday Sale

2011-01-27T02:26:00.000-06:00

Enjoy a little Merle Haggard while you're at it:

LISTEN/WATCH: Merle Haggard - Mama Tried

Junk and Howe is NOW OPEN!

2011-01-26T16:39:00.000-06:00

That's right - the Junk and Howe store is finally open! We're excited. So many cool things up for sale. And more is coming! Contact us with any questions. Thanks, and happy junkin'!

Here are a few things that have sold already:

Junk and Howe's Housewares

2011-01-13T21:24:00.000-06:00

Junk and Howe’s Housewares

When I think about being in a kitchen, I think about my grandmothers or my mom. Just as I marveled at my dad’s indestructible Craftsman tools in the garage, I remember the women in my family using quality tools in the kitchen. Unfortunately, Pyrex isn’t made like it used to be. Fire King has been cheapened as well (along with just everything else, right?). Federal Glass or Glasbake (by McKee) – these were affordable products in their day, and they lasted. They’re still lasting.

Even melamine products, like the Texas Ware mixing bowls my grandma used to mix concoctions in. Or watching her using her turn of the century Universal Food Chopper No. 1 to grind up ham for ham salad – we called it a “grinder.”

My dad had his Stanley Aladdin green thermos with him every day, working as a mason. That stainless steel thermos got beat up pretty good over the years, but it always kept the coffee hot the entire day in its vacuumed-sealed canister.

As I grew older, I was lucky enough to get some durable housewares passed down to me. I know they’ll last, and on top of it, the design of a lot of products from the last 50-plus years have become classic. They might have been trendy in their day, but now they’re timeless. I use Pyrex when I’m cooking. I bust out the antique grinder every so often to make my grandma’s specialty, “Hillbilly Tacos,” and I plan on utilizing a resurgence of the back to basics butcher shop here in Chicago to get myself some meat to grind up for hamburger patties to grill come springtime.

With times being tight on everyone, it’s nice to cook something at home – for the health benefits as well as the monetary aspect. And I get to use the coolest, most resilient stuff to make it all happen. Luckily, we have extras, so take a look and grab what you need.

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Same story - the grand opening is coming soon!

Here's a little Waylon Jennings. He was a staple down at my grandma's...

LISTEN: Waylon Jennings - Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way

Junk and Howe's Vintage Neckties

2011-01-10T22:52:00.000-06:00

Section: Vintage Ties

Fads quickly come and go in men’s fashion, cycled through and combined like never before. At this point, regardless of what era you’re wearing, if it fits, and you wear it well, there are certain things that never go out of style. Straight-leg jeans is one. A white dress shirt is another. Tie sizes and designs have ridden the trends, but a tie is simply classic.

No matter where I’m shopping for a tie, I am looking at the design and color before I ever look at the name or the price tag. As for quality, your hands will tell you, if not the name or where you’re buying it. Since you’re buying from Junk and Howe, you can bet that every tie you buy will be quality. In terms of vintage ties, they may get wider or thinner, but it’s the artistic design and colors that determine whether or not it’s going home.

I don’t even wear ties that often, but if I see a tie I like, I buy it. It gives me a reason to dress up a notch and go out to dinner with my girl. And she always likes me in a tie. It’s also nostalgic for me, being that I’ve always liked the fact that two generations ago, wearing a suit, tie and hat was the norm. Then there are shows like “Mad Men”, which takes place in the ‘60s, that will make you want to dress like a classic man, and look sharp. Add my natural gravitation towards manly type things, such as tools, and I end up with a great collection of ties for any occasion.

The old department stores, such as Carson Pirie Scott, Marshall Fields, Sears, JCPenney, and Montgomery Ward, were go-to spots for the average working man for at least the second half of the 20th Century, but at the same time, you find a lot of quality-made ties with very striking designs on them – especially their high-end or executive styles. And then there are the vintage designer ties, such as Countess Mara or Christian Dior, which really stand out from the lot. These are the ties that were sold at the haberdasher men’s stores, such as Chicago’s Capper & Capper or Hart Schaffner & Marx.

The kicker is that because men traditionally received ties as presents, many ties hung in closets for years, never worn. Today, it is not too uncommon to find brand new vintage ties with the tags still on them! On top of it all, most likely you’ll never see another one of its kind out and about.

One of the best things about buying a tie from Junk and Howe is that shipping is FREE on most ties. And then there’s our everyday deal: Buy three ties, get the fourth (of equal or lesser value) FREE!

Wear one from Junk and Howe and you’re guaranteed a compliment. Ladies, buy some for your man and tell him to take you out somewhere nice.

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The grand opening for the Junk and Howe store at Etsy is happening within the next couple weeks. Excitement is in the air. The sadness of letting loose of so many beautiful and useful things is trumped by the happiness that others will be able to appreciate it all.

This song has been the song most listened to in the last few months. Not sure why, but it probably has something to do with Harry Nilsson's genius. Enjoy:

LISTEN: Harry Nilsson - Gotta Get Up

New Year's Day Finds

2011-01-03T10:26:00.000-06:00

It's 2011. We're just a few weeks away from the grand opening of Junk and Howe, and more treasures keep funneling in. On the first day of the year, we found more clothing than anything, which was kind of nice because everyone needs cool clothes. We even kept some. Here's a peek at some of the things that will be for sale very soon...

Notables:

Forstmann Black Coat with Real Fur Collar (amazing!)
Golden Envelope Zip Clutch
Henry Lee Striped Shirt Dress (with pockets!)
Kenneth Roberts Gray Wool Blazer
Levis Beige with Red Stripe Zip-up Jacket
McGregor Windbreaker
Members Only Jackets (his and hers)
Suede Fringe Vest
Countess Mara Tie

and more...

Here's just one of the many tracks we listened to on the road. Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Loretta Lynn:

WATCH: Loretta Lynn - Fist City

Pictures:

End of December Finds 12/21-12/27/10

2010-12-28T20:16:00.000-06:00

We had a good end to the month of December. The holidays were fun and all, but junking was where all the excitement was - probably because it's like the holidays every time we're out.

The Junk and Howe store is opening in January, so stay tuned for the grand opening announcement!

Here's what we found this past week:

American Tourister Escort Red Suitcases
American Tourister Blue Hardshell Attache Suitcase (50s)
King Seeley Thermos - small yellow
Aladdin Insulated Thermo Jar - 6 oz. Blue and White
Orange Marbled Sectional Trays - 3
E.O. Brody M6000 White Milk Glass Pedestal Bowl
Fire King Anchor Hocking Mini Casserole 12 oz. Dish
Fire King Soup Bowls - Peach Luster Ware with handles - 3 bowls
Fire King Peach Luster Pie Plate (2 plates)
Fire King 8 oz. Pie Dish with handles (2 dishes)
Pyrex Primary Color Bowl (Yellow - largest) - 50s
Pyrex Bowl w/ Spouts - sunburst
Pyrex Mixing Bowl – White
Pyrex White Bowl - 2 quart #024 - White with gold stripe and clear lid 624C
Pyrex Large Yellow Primary Color Nesting Bowl - 40s
Pyrex Avocado Green Double Spout Casserole Bowl 2 quart
Pyrex 444 Light Blue Spout Bowl 4 quart - butterprint cinderella bowl
Pyrex Corning Harvest Bowls (orange and rust - small and medium)
Pyrex 19 White Ribbed Mixer Bowl
Anchor Hocking Dessert Bowls with lids
Anchor Hocking Soup Bowls
Meldale Melamine Turquoise Bowls with handles (5 bowls)
Federal Housewares Sun Frost Thermoware Green Mug
Universal Food Chopper No. 1 (Grinder) - turn of the century
Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home Metal Cash Box
Sears Roebuck & Co. Simpsons-Sears 1 quart - "unbreakable"
Tupperware Lazy Susan - 3-cup plastic
The Hamilton Metal Products Co., Hamilton OH - Climax (Blue)
Dinex #1187 (Classic) Bowls - Mustard - Set of 4 - stackable
Metal Mini Trays - flowers (set of 8)
Green Plastic Sectioned Plates - no brand
Sewing Kit box - made for Singer (made in Japan)
Suede Fringe Hippie Purse (with arrows and arrow holder)
RRP30 Roseville Crock
7-UP Recipe Book - 1961
Fotron III Camera - Traid Corp. - CA - with Leather/Felt/Zip Bag - Color Film - 10 exposures
Sunbeam Electric Clock - MS - Plastic - 428A Series B
Norfolk Southern Transportation First Aid Kit Metal Box - empty
Wooden Hanger
Curtiss Glass Candy Jar with Yellow Lid - Chicago
Robinson Ransbottom Roseville Mini Crock #303 (2 crocks)
Canonsburg Pottery Co. Temporama Atomic Small Plates (5)
Chinese Die Cast Figures
Kassner's California Shops Tie (brown, gold, cream & green)
Brown & Gold no brand Polyester/Acetate Tie
Wemlon by Wembly Brown and Orange Tie
Countess Helena Gold & Olive Green tie c. 1970s
Givenchy Gentlemen Paris (Weinberg's Chicago) Striped Tie imported
Richman Brothers Green and Cream Tie
Carson Pirie Scott/Michelsons Shetland Wool Black Tie (England
Montgomery Ward Brown Tie
Countess Mara - Capper & Capper Chicago Orange, Gray, White Tie
Countess Mara - Allen's Des Plaines, Red, White Blue tie
Countess Mara - Capper & Capper Chicago Orange Tie
Countess Mara - Capper & Capper Chicago Red Tie
Countess Mara - Goldwaters Arizona - Brown with White stripes Tie

Now the pictures!:

Day of Amazing Finds - 12/18/10 - Part 1

2010-12-20T01:25:00.000-06:00

We spent one day this weekend scouring the Chicagoland area and stumbled upon an array of treasures. Most of this lot will be available for purchase when the Junk and Howe Store opens in 2011. From clothing to housewares, here's what we found:

Women's Brown Wool and Fur Collar Coat
Men's John Blair Coat – Size 44R, Taupe
Black Leather Grace Kelly-style Handbag, 1960s
Dorian Black Leather Three-Section Handbag – Grace Kelly-style, 1960s
Blue Carpet Bag – Black Leather Handle c. 1964
Green and Brown Carpet Bag – Brown Leather Handle c. 1964
Vinyl Overnighter Bag (good for laptop as well)
Tapestry Zip Wallet – Blue and Green
Polyester Scarf (made in Japan)
Goldenrod and Green oval print Tie (no brand) - polyester
JC Penney Navy and Red diagonal-patterned Tie - Towncraft Plus
Sears Brown and Green patterned Tie - polyester
Brown with Orange and Gingham Stripe Tie (imported)
Craigmill Wool Tie (made in Scotland) - blue diagonal
Craigmill Wool Tie (made in Scotland) - green diagonal
Carson Pirie Scott Executive Collection Tie, Brown and Paisley
Sears Yellow and Goldenrod Stripe Tie

Pictures:

Day of Amazing Finds - 12/18/10 - Part 2

2010-12-20T01:14:00.000-06:00

Part 2:

King Seeley Ace Thermos 1 Quart (grey/red)
Thermos Keapsit – Pint – Blue c. 1963
Aladdin Pump-a-Drink Thermos – Red and Fall-colored, Quart
Fire King 1-Quart Baking Dish - Painted Fruit Design - 40s
Fire King Anchor Hocking Soup Bowl with handle
Fire King Anchor Hocking Mini Casserole 12 oz. Dish
Fire King For Sunbeam Large Mixer Bowl with spout
Federal Glass Co. Casserole Dish – White with Blue Design
Glasbake Casserole Dish - 1 Quart
Pyrex Double Tough small bowl with 2x green stripe
Federal Glass Co. Golden Glory Tea Cups - 3-piece set, early 1960s
Fire King Anchor Hocking Green Mug
McCoy Daisy Mug – 286
McCoy Mini Crock – 851
Ball Jar Zinc Caps (box of 12) - 1975
Stationery and Blue Quadrafold box (20 envelopes, 17 paper)
Golden Aristocrat Stationery and box (13 envelopes, 20 paper)

And pictures!:

Auction 12/11/10

2010-12-12T13:22:00.000-06:00

We got out-bid on most of the stuff we wanted at this Wisconsin auction, but we left with a couple great pieces nonetheless:

#4 Crown Crock
Stanley Aladdin Thermos - Half Gallon

The crock was a good buy, but the Stanley Thermos was an amazing find, considering its quality and apparent rarity.

Made in Nashville. Two slight scratches, but otherwise it's mint (i.e. vintage mint), and still has the cap and stopper. Completely odorless and rust-free.

I had a hard time finding this model number (A945DH), and when I did, the two were selling for $40 and $50 (ended Ebay auction and Amazon used store). That's not including shipping.

Here are a couple pictures: