Checkerboard

January, 2018

In This Issue

Another exciting Convention is in store for AAAA members July 25-28, 2018. It will take place at the newly renovated Embassy Suites Hotel in the western Chicago suburb of Lombard, Illinois. Like other Embassy Suites Hotels, it is perfectly suited for our Convention.

All of the hotel guest rooms are spacious suites with two entirely separate rooms. That means those selling can have the "living room" set up as their display area and the bedroom, which is behind a closed door, can be reserved for your personal space. No need to remove sales items from your bed each evening! In addition, between each room is a separate area with a microwave, refrigerator and sink. The rooms have all the comforts of home. AAAA has negotiated heavily discounted rates of $129 plus tax for a room with a king bed and $139 plus tax for a room with 2 queen beds.

All guest rooms are located along the perimeter of a large rectangular ten story Atrium which makes it possible to look out over the expanse of the hotel and observe which rooms are "open for business" and how much "room hopping" traffic is taking place. As seen in the image to the left, it is a real sight to behold.

The shared meals and snacks we will enjoy will be hearty and delicious. First of all, convention attendees residing at the hotel will enjoy a free made-to-order deluxe buffet breakfast Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings.

In addition, the $125 per person Convention registration fee includes two sumptuous buffet dinners and one hot plated lunch. The menus appear below. Vegetarian options will be also available. (Please make your request for a vegetarian meal in advance).

Thursday Lunch

Thursday Dinner

Friday Dinner

Friday's lunch is "on your own" but we are encouraging attendees to go to Portillo's Hot Dogs, which is just 1.5 miles down the road from the hotel. If you want an authentic Chicago dining experience, Portillo's is a legendary purveyor of delectable Italian Beef sandwiches and unique Chicago Hot Dogs. In addition to those two local favorites, they have numerous other items on the menu including hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, ribs, sides, great chocolate cake, and more. Adding to the experience for AAAA members is that the restaurant is decorated throughout with vintage advertising and antiques. Even more so, the man who procures the vintage items for the entire national chain of Portillo's restaurants, Bill Rawski, will be a featured seminar speaker at the AAAA Convention. Portillo's food is not only delicious, it is priced very modestly. We have reserved a party room at Portillo's Friday from 12:00-1:30 PM for AAAA members who want to join in on the fun. Please note that there are many other dining options nearby and that you are responsible for the costs of this "on your own" meal.

If all of that isn't enough, the Embassy Suites hotel sponsors an evening reception each day of the week that features complementary snacks and drinks (cocktails, wine, beer, and soft drinks). Time is allotted each day in the Convention Schedule to enjoy the free reception, which is conveniently held in the Atrium of the hotel.

The hotel also features a swimming pool and workout room to augment the enjoyment and relaxation of attendees and their guests.

Also worth mentioning is that the hotel offers plenty of free parking and that AAAA has negotiated for free Wi-Fi in the guest rooms.

In summary, the hotel accommodations will be awesome! The Embassy Suites will provide a wonderful setting for all of the fun and exciting activities we will have in store for you. The scoop on the Convention schedule will be provided in the February, 2018 issue of the Checkerboard.

The Convention may seem like a long way off, but you are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment. Reserving your room now will permit you to rest easy knowing that you will be able to attend this exciting and fun event in July.

by Paul Lefkovitz

The Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot Machine & Jukebox Show is generally considered a major event in the field of antique advertising. Many wonder, however, what the show is all about. That is entirely understandable because this show has more names than the guy in the 1980's "You can call me Ray" commercials. The official name found on the show's web site is the "Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot machine & Jukebox Show". Yet the event is also commonly known as the "Chicagoland Show", the "Coin Op Show" and the "Jukebox Show". So what is it?

In actuality, it is all of those things. It is a unique show with a character all its own. It crosses over a myriad of genres including antique advertising, coin-op, slot machines, and jukeboxes, and even extends further to the whimsical and what can best be described as "man-cave". What you will NOT find there would be "general line" antiques, such as furniture, ceramics, art, jewelry, clocks, lamps, tools, and the like.

This is a show for those who enjoy seeing fun, amazing and quirky things, even though they might not be on your "wanted" list. I personally wondered how much antique advertising material I would find. The answer? Plenty! While antique advertising did not dominate the landscape, there was enough to be found and what was there was of high quality and desirability. The typical range in antique advertising was represented there including signs, displays, tobacco, breweriana, soda fountain, drug store, and so on.

According to the show's web site, 300+ booths are set up in two indoor exhibition halls. Attendees will find a mix of antique advertising, coin-op, and "man-cave" items in every aisle.

Dealers were very friendly and approachable. Several talked about how much they enjoy doing this particular show.

One of the more unusual features of this show is the "Early Bird Preview" day. On the Friday preceding the regular Saturday and Sunday hours of the show, motivated hunters can attend a preview that commences before sunrise. Trucks and makeshift displays fill the parking lot with goodies before the merchandise gets loaded into the expo halls. Shoppers with flashlights scurry about in search of that special bargain before it sees the light of day (literally). There was record breaking cold the day I attended the Early Bird Preview on November 10, 2017 so that undoubtedly put a damper on things.

Some time around mid-morning, dealers move from the parking lot into their regular spaces in the halls. From that point on, Early Bird shoppers get to see the full array of items being unloaded from crates into the booths. Sales were brisk throughout the day. The $50 per-person fee for the Early Bird Preview is pricey but may be worth it if you plan to do some significant buying. General admission for Saturday/Sunday costs $11.00.

The show is held at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois, just west of Chicago. For those wanting to make an entire weekend of it, the resort features other recreational activities, such as golf, plays, and a comedy club. A discounted room rate is available to those that attend the event. Many other lodging options are available in the area at more competitive rates.

The images below provide a peek at the items that were available. The first two images were taken outside while the others were taken inside.

For further information, visit the show's web site: www.chicagolandshow.com.

AAAA member Dale Peterson kindly shared some photos of a delightful recent acquisition, presented below:

The story behind this acquisition underscores the importance of persistence and never giving up hope! Dale encountered this unusual Rat Bisket poison display many years ago but, to his disappointment, it was not for sale. Over the years, Dale kept in touch with the owner and even paid a visit a few times. However, the item continued to be off limits. Nevertheless, Dale persisted in his inquiries and finally, a couple of months ago, the owner relented and sold it to him.

The Rat Biskit display is 18" tall and is constructed of Paper Mache. Dale has found sales records for only two other examples so this piece appears to be scarce. The estimated date of origin is 1905-1920. Needless to say, Dale is greatly enjoying his new acquisition.

If you have any additional information about this fun display piece, please contact Dale by clicking here .

Thanks, Dale, for sharing your good fortune with other AAAA members!

If you have made an exciting recent find that you want to share with other AAAA members, please click here and let us know about it. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

Trade Card Article in Atlas Obscura

An observant AAAA member sent in information about a nice article on Victorian Trade Cards that appeared in a publication called "Atlas Obscura". To view the article, click here.

If you are not already familiar with Atlas Obscura, then by all means, read on. It is a web site and a free daily email newsletter that celebrates the world of the "curious and wondrous". Delving into the recesses and hidden corners of science, history, travel, and a variety of other offbeat and fascinating themes, Atlas Obscura provides you with news and information you could easily live without but are oh-so-happy and intrigued to be edified by.

To give you a glimpse of the types of topics that are covered by Atlas Obscura, here is a sampling of recent titles:

The brief articles are delightfully well-written, often whimsical (as you can see from the titles), humorous, and occasionally irreverent. In addition to their articles about the unusual, they also offer a rich array of pieces about travel destinations all over the US and the world. Their take on such adventures is not what you'll find in more conventional travel guides. They focus on off-the-beaten-path adventures.

While Atlas Obscura is not about antique advertising or even antique anything, it does feature a number of topics that AAAA members or anybody will probably find interesting. At any rate, it is something worth checking out.

For more information, go to www.atlasobscura.com. You can sign up for the free daily newsletter when you access the web site.

Aladdin General Store

If you happen to be traveling along route 24 in Crook County, Wyoming on your way to Devil's Tower or the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, make a little side trip near Highway 11 to Aladdin General Store. This is a "real deal" general store that has been in business as a purveyor of general merchandise since 1896.

The wood framed structure has seen very little change since it was first built 120 years ago, with the exception of its name--it was originally called the Wyoming Mercantile. All of the store's features and fixtures (and even the wallpaper in spots) are completely original. The store continues to serve the locals and tourists with a wide range of goods and supplies.

The store also includes the town's

post office, freight station, gas station,

and even a bar. Upstairs, antiques and vintage items are for sale.

Aladdin never had a population exceeding 50 people, even in the coal mining days of yore. Its current population is 16. The store was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

In 2014, the town of Aladdin was offered for sale for $1,500,000. An auction finally took place in June of 2017, where the store, its liquor license, post office, gas station, an adjacent 2 bedroom home, an outbuilding with a walk-in cooler, and a seven unit mobile home park were sold for $500,000.

Aladdin General Store has a reputation as a fun destination that is well worth visiting.

An article that appeared in the November, 2017 issue of the Checkerboard was reprinted, with our permission, as a whole-page "Guest Column" in the December 20, 2017 issue of the national publication, Antique Trader. The article dealt with recent entrepreneurial developments in the little town of Red Key, Indiana. AAAA got some nice national exposure through this reprint. To see the Antique Trader article, click here.

In this column are those sought-after items of desire that seem to be elusive. If you know where any of these items can be acquired or if you have one available, please click the link to reply directly to the seeker. To place a listing in this column, click here . There is no fee for AAAA members. Up to three listings per member are permitted.

 

Antique/Collectible Banking and Financial System "Give-a way" and advertising items. Specifically from Pennsylvania. Alarm devices and such. To reply, click here .

Unusual one pound peanut butter tins . Tin litho or paper label. To reply, click here .

Marshmallow Tins, Smaller than 5 Pound Size. To reply, click here .

American Cookie, Biscuit and Cracker Tins and Boxes . To reply , click here .

Columbian Stove sign made by the Keeley Stove Co. in Columbia PA To reply, click here or call 717-572-3108.

 

Continental Cubes Tobacco Tin: (Larger pocket tin....one size above the normal size pocket). Also large red 3 lb. Franklin coffee tin canister (Ben Franklin face). To reply, click here .

 

VITAMINS advertising, displays, signs, bottles, and anything related: Hadacol is an example. Most would come from the 1930’s thru the 1970’s. Also anything related to cod-liver oil and WEIGHT-LOSS, REDUCING, ANTI-FAT, and OBESITY ITEMS. To reply, click here .

 

Early tin signs lithographed by Tuchfarber, Wells and Hope, Worcester Sign Company, Sentenne and Green, etc. I can pay more for good condition, but would be interested in any condition. Don Lurito  [email protected] also in the directory. To reply, click here .

 

Dwinell-Wright Co. Royal Ground Spice Cardboard Spice Boxes. One side displays horizontally. Approximately 3.75" by 2.25". Any type of spice is OK. To reply, click here .

 

ENSIGN Perfect and ENSIGN Perfection vertical pocket tobacco tins to enhance my collection. Feel free to contact me at 614-888-4619 or [email protected] to see if you can help fill the voids.

 

Ice Cream Advertising.  Mr. Ice Cream desires better ice cream advertising including: postcards, trade cards, letterheads, billheads, booklets, poster stamps, blotters, magic lantern slides, pinbacks, watchfobs and pocket mirrors. Allen Mellis, 1115 West Montana St. Chicago, Illinois 60614-2220.  [email protected] . To reply, click here .

 

Empty tin cans (new) to place vintage labels on. Different sizes preferred. Do you know of a source where these can be purchased in volume? To reply, click here .

 

Tall 1 lb. Mallard Coffee Can - Shows duck taking off. To reply, click here .

 

Chewing gum packs, sticks, wrappers, full boxes, lifesavers, candy bar wrappers, displays, and boxes.  Anything candy related. To reply, click here . 

 

Pre-1900 advertising items related to: barbed wire, farm fence gates, tools for erecting or mending wire fences, and farm fences. Only primary material please--no ads from newspapers, etc. Larry W. Love. To reply, click here .

 

Armour Foods Signs, Cardboards, Store Displays, Die-Cuts Wanted. To reply, click here .

 

Cigar advertising tip trays, pinbacks, or any unusual cigar advertising items. Harry Cohn: To reply, click here .

 

Walt Foster Art Books Store Floor Rack:  To reply, click here :

 

JG Flynt Sir Walter Raleigh Pocket Tin:  To reply, click here .

 

Vintage Photos of General Stores or Soda Fountains . Authentic 1890-1930 examples only--no modern reprints please. Mounted photo or RPPC. Interior or exterior. Send scan. To reply, click here .

 

Firecracker Packs:  Collector buying all old fireworks-packs, boxes, advertising, whatever. To reply, call 931-237-3646 or click here .

 

Lefkowitz & Sons Company Soda Fountain Collectables:  I am seeking any soda fountain product or equipment labeled "Lefkowitz".  To reply click here . 

 

Posters of Beautiful Women or Children Advertising a Drug Store or Country Store Product.  Pre-1930. Preferable with product shown in image. Original frame and good condition a plus--also NOS country store or drug store products, advertising of any kind, or any product with great graphics and full of contents a plus. To reply, click here .

 

Spice Tins WANTED!!   Hard core collector looking for brands I don't have and upgrades for ones I do have. Looking for good old spice tins with pictures. Birds, people, trains, etc. I have a few traders but mainly a buyer. To reply, click here . 

 

Minnesota Brewery Items including Hamm's, Grain Belt, Fitgers, Gluek and others. Also collect rare Minnesota advertising pieces. To reply, click here .

 

Vintage Baseball/Football Cards:  Pre-1970 Only To reply, click here .

 

Clicquot Club:  Lighted Clicquot Club advertising clock made by Telechron and Telechron lighted advertising clock.  To reply, click here .

 

Yellow Kid Wanted:  The more unusual,the better. To reply, click here .

 

Harvard Brewing Signs/Lithographs:  To reply, click here . 

 

Ivanhoe Pencil Tin:  Fair price and also finder's fee paid. Approx 1" diam, 9" long, blue in color, round, with picture of Ivanhoe on horseback. To reply, click here .

 

Noaker Ice Cream Company Canton, Ohio : 13" Round ice cream tray from "the Noaker Ice Cream Company Canton, Ohio" in good or better condition. It has the boy & girl eating ice cream on the front. To reply, click here .

 

B.T. Babbit Soap Advertisement Posters:  See Antique Advertising Encyclopedia (Vol. II) by Klug page 54 and 55. Condition is very important. To reply, click here .

 

DeLaval:  Tin advertising, give-aways and other collectibles produced by the company. To reply, click here .

 

Edmands Coffee Company, Edmands Tea Company, 1776 Coffee, American Beauty Tea, Japan Tea, Devonshire Tea, (imported by Edmands, Boston/Chicago):  Any items such as tins, signs, paper, or anything else related to the Edmands family of companies in Boston is desired. To reply, click here .

 

Heathman Bakery, Dayton, Ohio:  Interested in any items related to this business. To reply, click here .

 

Indianapolis Brewing Company Ephemera: Circa 1920. Specifically looking for signed documents. To reply, click here .

The AAAA Checkerboard is a monthly e-newsletter that is made available to all AAAA members at no cost. The mission of the Checkerboard is to increase knowledge about antique and collectible advertising among AAAA members. The Checkerboard also provides news and updates about the hobby and AAAA. It is produced each month with the exception of the four months per year when the award-winning PastTimes print newsletter is published. Paul Lefkovitz ( [email protected] ) serves as Editor of the AAAA Checkerboard. Copyright, 2018, Antique Advertising Association of America