You can follow me through here and we can visit a while.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Hey! Do ya know what day it is?

It was the third Monday of October and that means they're having the Vintage Alphabet Party over at the Etsy Cottage Style Blog all week long! And, Wednesday is Rednesday at It's a Very Cherry World, so I'll be linking to both parties!

This months letters are  for the Vintage Alphabet is S, T, and U.
I was so happy with these letters this month cause I'll get to show-off my............................................
Unique Souvenir  Plates and Trays
Not a word about that U it's the best I can do 8)

Souvenir Plates

Jim went here as a child. He someday wants to take me there.



These 3 states were fun rides.

Jim went here to visit his Brother back in the 80's

I was born in Californis, so  this is a special plate to me.

and, these 2 plates are from our home State. The one with the Cardinal, the state bird, is really a basket when you lift the handle. I thought that was unique....and Yes Cincinnati has a Coney Island. In it's hayday it gave NY a run for it's money. Paddlewheelers and other vessels would dock at the Riverboat entrance. It is still open today, just on a smaller scale, but it is a popular local attraction. To learn more you can go Here

Aluminum Trays
If you see past posts you have learned I am crazy about 1940-50 hand-wrought aluminum pieces. Today I'll showcase some of my more unsual finds.
The first 2 trays were made for Farberware. The insets are Limoge....a colonial kitchen pattern and a French Country Gentry, almost toile like pattern. They had full placesettings to match the aluminum serving pieces.

You can clisk the pic to enlarge.

 You've seen this one before, but I love the Dutch scene

 This is an August Wendel Canape' Tray

 I display some of my vintage plaster cottages on this 3-tier tray.
 I created a shelf above my dining room window to display some of my collection. These are (left to right) A large serving tray, a relish tray, and a lazy susan tray. The lazy susan should have a glass center with matching cut-glass cover..all of them did, but today you only find the aluminum by itself. How do I know this...My Grandma, who began my collection when I was 14, had one on her dining room table forever. They came in various patterns to choose from in the 40's. I wish I knew what became of hers.........
 2 more trays with a poinsettia pattern.
The next 2 trays are just plain metal.
Cincinnati is a German town, so beer was a big biz here until the 80's. Huedepol Brewery was a large employer and a very popular brand around here.
I know you've seen this tray before too.

 And, this is my newest tray. A $10 wooden bed tray found at the Lawrenceburg Antique Flea Market. The gentleman I purchased it from said it was from his Aunt's estate. She purchased it in the 40's with her first paycheck.

I works perfect for my laptop. It needs a little cleaning, but I don' have the heart to redo it yet.

Some of you may be wondering why I haven't posted about vintage Sewing or Stitches....I assumed you may be a little tired of me showing my creations...if you'd like to see those just go thru my past posts or visit my shops Here...over Here...oh, and don't forget Here
If you'd like to view some vintage stitches visit The Embroidery Guild or to Stitch School

Let's go on over to

 Susan's and visit her Very Cherry World thru Here and see all the 'red' hot vintage finds,
then why not hope over to the.....
at the Etsy Cottage Style Blog, where I co-host the Party thru Here and see all the
Uniquely Special Timeless collections!

Oh and don't forget any time this week you can link your own Vintage Alphabet post at the party too. I'd love to see you there!
Melody

25 comments:

Sue said...

You have some interesting pieces. I've seen the old aluminum items out there in shops, you have a few that are very unique. It is nice how the plates all mean something special, that makes for a great collection.

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

You have lots of souvenier pieces!! Great post! Thanks for the opportunity to join in!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Sweet Friend, Oh you have a wonderful collection. I always love viewing your pics of special treasures. Your so creative and think of the best way to showcase the challenge. Love what you did for U.
I hope you do get to Texas and if so, we could meet.

Have a wonderful week and beautiful Fall evening.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Debbi said...

Melody, my grandma was a collector of souvenir plates. I have 2 apple boxes full of them in the attic. And I must have at least a dozen on display in the house. Someday those are gonna be worth a lot!

monah http://graciouscottage.com/ said...

Hi,
I am visiting your S, T, U...I love Americana souvenirs and TRAYS. OMG, after my own heart. Thanks for sharing. monah

Anita Diaz said...

Hi Melody, you have some great trays and other things too!! Love the plates!

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Hi Melody,
Nice tray collection!

Kimberly :-)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Your souvenir plate and aluminum tray collections are very interesting! You are the second blogger I've come across that has such a nice assortment of aluminum pieces.

I live in Brooklyn and I never knew there was another Coney Island in Ohio!

Happy Rednesday!

♥ Pat

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Melody!!!
What a great post and souvenirs!!! How are you, sweet friend?
Sending hugs your way,
Cindy
XO

bj said...

A fun collection of plates..and I love all the trays. Trays and I have had an affair going for years but I only have a very few...tole being one of my favorites.

LV said...

What a nice blog for today. You shared such a variety of neat things. Of course, your Texas plate caught my eye. You have a very nice tray collection. I am going to join your other friends and become a follower.

Lily said...

You have an awesome collection, truly beautiful pieces. Thanks for showing us!
~Lily
www.neverfadingwood.blogspot.com

craftyles said...

Love the aluminum-I collect it too. Also like the souvenier plates!

Sally Annie Magundy said...

Melody!
Seems like forever since I've seen you, so nice to catch up with you.
I love your souvenir plates - I want to start a California (and/or Los Angeles and Santa Monica) souvenir collection.
Happy Rednesday,
Sally

★Carol★ said...

I always thought it would be fun to have a whole wall with a plate from every state! You've got a really great collection. But that bed tray is my favorite thing today. I've wanted one of those for ages!
Happy REDnesday!
Carol

Shabby Cottage Studio said...

Ok first I have to say I'm totally loving the Halloween music! :-) How fun to see all your plates and trays and the new one you got is wonderful...what a great idea to use for your laptop! I hope to get a laptop next year and was wondering how I would use it when I want to sit in my comfy chair. Now I know what I can do! :-) So glad I was able to give you a mountain whiff...if I hadn't lost my pictures I would have given you more!

Miss Merry said...

I have never really noticed the aluminum items, but yours are spectacular! Very unique and very beautiful. Thanks for stopping by for a visit.

Char said...

You certainly have some beautiful trays Melody. This is an amazing collection and it's lovely to look at. I have been remiss in joining in on all the fun. I never seem to be prepared. I need to work on that, thanks for all you do and a great post, Char

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Melody, There are some really fun items here! I love your collections.
♥, Susan

Judy said...

Wish I'd thought of the souvenir plates. My sister put together a set of plates that were from each state I have ever lived in. It was a birthday present one year. Took her a whole year to get it together.

Thanks for sharing!

Cinderella Moments said...

Are ya'll comin' to Texas? I'm sure you'd love it here. I love the three tier tray. And I'm totally crazy about your cottage collection!
Caroline

Susan said...

I had forgotten about those aluminum
pieces! Thanks for the memories!

monah http://graciouscottage.com/ said...

Sue,

Hi monah here, and I am new to Etsy Cottage Style where I found your blog.

Your blog looks like my life. LOL. From the aprons to the cooking from recipes cut out of newspapers years ago.

Visit me if you can & follow back.

Thanks for making your blog like a home...monah

Unknown said...

Hi Melody, I'm so sorry not to have gotten back to you. The message given to me was so vague, I couldn't imagine who was trying to call me. Yes I did get your giveaway gifts and was so pleased you chose my name. I love the quilted hoop piece. This post is so wonderful. What a fantastic collection. I have a fondness for hammered aluminum as well. You have such a wonderful display! Have a lovely weekend! Elizabeth

fiberdoodles said...

These trays are just beautiful!