2022! This is the time for revelry and anticipation in welcoming the New Year!

Or is it?

In spite of periods of optimism last year, we are now faced with more uncertainty about COVID and its ongoing twists and turns. The Omicron variant and winter spikes have ushered in greater concerns and caution among many people. With all that uncertainly, how can we retain our sanity?

As collectors, we have an edge over pretty much everybody else in the non-collecting world. When faced with fewer recreational options, collectors have many ways to keep profitably busy. Let's review some of them.

Hunt for New Acquisitions There is no reason to stop adding to your collection during a pandemic. There are so many options available, beginning with eBay. Good ol' eBay. It is true that certain collectors dislike eBay for various reasons and an increasing number of sellers feel poorly treated by eBay and yet, that platform brings a mind-boggling number of vintage items to market, often at highly competitive prices. Most collectors find it easy to hunt and bid on eBay and, during a pandemic, it represents a pretty good port in the storm. If you enter "vintage advertising" into the eBay search field, it brings up over 1.5 million listings!

Specialty auction houses, such as William Morford, Antique Advertising.com (also a Morford enterprise), Morphy Auctions, Route 32 Auctions, Chupp Auctions, and several others offer a wondrous array of vintage advertising through internet bidding. Don't like on-line auctions? In many instances, you can order a hard copy of an auction catalog in advance and participate in telephone and mail-in bidding.

On-line antique "malls" represent another option for shoppers who prefer to stick closer to home. Etsy, Go Antiques, iCollect247, Ruby Lane, TIAS, and many others, are multi-dealer on-line malls that offer a wide range of vintage items, including advertising.

This is a time to push your boundaries a bit and try out something new in the way of hunting for treasures.

Take Stock of Your Collection When you don't feel safe in going out, it is a great time to take stock of your collection. What does that mean? Take a deep breath and slowly look it over with a fresh set of eyes. Include every nook and cranny and don't ignore those items in storage. Are there any displays that should be re-organized? Does anything beg to be tidied up? Are there any pieces that do not do justice to your collection and should be replaced or upgraded? Are you feeling inspired to branch off in a different collecting direction? Is it time to think about downsizing or selling off items not being displayed? As obvious as some of these questions might seem, its funny how they don't get answered until they are asked. A couple of hours of taking stock of your collection could lead to engaging activity for weeks or months.

How about an Article? You have spent years, perhaps decades, passionately assembling a collection that you are proud of. It brings you and others much joy. However, the sad fact is that unless you have somebody to pass it along to, one day, your collection will be scattered among many people or it will become somebody else's collection.

The best way to do justice to all of YOUR efforts is to chronicle the fruits of your labors while you still can with an article published in AAAA's Pastimes (paper) or Checkerboard (digital) newsletters. Not only will you memorialize your collection in perpetuity, you will give others the chance to enjoy it. How many people have seen your collection? An article in an AAAA publication will be seen by a myriad of collectors who "get" and appreciate what you have done.

Now, before you stop yourself cold and decide this isn't for you, here are the most common excuses for not writing an article along with the reasons those excuses don't hold water:

So now that we've piqued your interest putting together in an article and have debunked your excuses for NOT writing one, your next step is to contact Paul Lefkovitz, AAAA Publications Editor, at [email protected]. Working on an article can make the hours fly by during a pandemic!

Network with Other Collectors Sharing your experiences with other like-minded collectors is one of the most enjoyable aspects of our hobby. The revised 2022 AAAA Membership Directory will be coming out very soon (see article below)--and this publication will provide you with a portal to many hours of fulfilling contacts with your fellow enthusiasts.

The Directory will not only include contact information for hundreds of AAAA members, you will be able to easily find those who live in states you wish to visit, those that share similar interests, and those who welcome visitors. We encourage you to actively reach out to others with similar passions by phone or email. Perhaps open with a question about your area of common interest to get the ball rolling. New friendships can result and you could end up even buying and trading with new pals.

Plan to attend the 2022 Convention After a long hiatus, the 2022 AAAA Convention promises to be one of the most exciting ever! It will take place at the Embassy Suites in Dublin (Columbus), Ohio from July 13-16. Plan to be a seller and take the time necessary to select items from your collection to sell, price them, and package them. See the article below for further information about the Convention.

The Bottom Line No matter how you decide to spend your time in 2022, we would like to wish you good health and much joy throughout the year! THANK YOU for being a member of AAAA! If there is anything AAAA can do to help you enjoy your hobby more during these challenging times, please let us know!

The 2022 AAAA Convention is scheduled to take place from Wednesday evening, July 13 to Saturday morning, July 16 at the Embassy Suites in Dublin (Columbus), Ohio. We fully expect to meet in person after our long convention hiatus and will take all appropriate steps to help ensure a safe experience for all.

In recognition of the loyalty shown by so many members to AAAA through our past two years of in-person convention cancellations, the Board has authorized a one-time gift of $100 in "buyers bucks" to each member that registers to attend. These "buyers bucks" can be used just like cash in all selling rooms and the silent auction. (This gift is not available to new members or spouses/partners attending with members). Infusing the convention with this much hot cash should lead to record sales and will help ensure an exciting, memorable experience for all!

The schedule will include room hopping (several time slots each day), three seminars, a silent auction (past event is shown in image to the right), two banquet dinners, one lunch, an award-winning, made-to-order breakfast each morning (for hotel guests), membership meeting, daily hotel receptions with free snacks and unlimited beverages (wine, beer, cocktails), raffles and games with prizes, and abundant opportunities to meet with old friends and make new acquaintances. You will be kept busy from morning until night from the time you arrive until the time you leave. The complete Convention schedule will be provided in the February issue of the Checkerboard.

One of the best locations in the US to hunt antiques is located only 35 minutes from our hotel in Springfield, Ohio. Highly regarded antique malls are located there with good inventories of vintage advertising. The photo to the left shows the Heart of Ohio Antique Center, regarded by many as the best antique mall anywhere in this country.

Leo Fry will once again kindly open up his home to AAAA members to visit his world-class collection of Vertical Pocket Tobacco Tins and Tobacco Soft Packs. This is a "must-attend" activity if you haven't already seen it. Thank you, Leo!

There is much more that can be said about the 2022 AAAA Convention and we will do so between now and the Convention.

1. If you are a seller, those who register early will be assigned the best locations. It will be a "first come-first served" room assignment process.

2. With the pent-up demand, it is very possible that reservation requests might exceed our room block. To avoid disappointment, PLEASE register as soon as possible to lock in your room reservation.

To register online, simply click the blue link below. It is a very user-friendly online form. We ENTHUSISATICALLY encourage online registration because it is more accurate, secure, confidential, and MUCH easier for AAAA staff to process.

We look forward to reuniting with many members at this event!

Some time in early February, you will receive the long-awaited 2022 AAAA Membership Directory! It will arrive via USPS mail. This one tops them all with color photographs, expanded interest categories and over 60 pages of content!

We encourage you to celebrate the arrival of this new publication by carefully perusing its pages and selecting at least three members to contact in the near future.

Planning a trip? Visit some great collections in the area!

Have a question? Reach out to those with the answers!

Looking for that special piece? Find it with the help of kindred souls.

The Directory is a handy 5½" by 8½" size so it can easily be slipped into your glovebox and accompany you on all of your adventures. Copies will ONLY be made available to members of AAAA. It will not be sold to the general public. Also, it will not be placed on line to help provide an extra measure of security.

We hope this important AAAA member benefit will add greatly to the enjoyment of your hobby!

If you hearken to travel back to the old west, put the Museum of the Mountain West on your to-do list. Located in Montrose, Colorado, this village is a reconstruction of an 1890's town with a 10,000 square foot museum that includes a saloon, dentist and doctor's office, hotel, millinery shop, drug store, and a general store, among others. The assemblage also features 28 historic buildings, including the 1890's carriage building where boxer Jack Dempsey trained, a train depot, a one-room schoolhouse, a church, and more.

We received the following report from AAAA member, Jerri Davis, about this Museum, as follows: "As my husband and I were traveling east to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, we drove through the little town of Montrose, Colorado. As we always do on a long road trip (started out in California the day before), we checked Trip Advisor’s list of top things to do in Montrose and #1 on the list was the “Museum of the Mountain West.” We arrived just after they opened and were instantly amazed at the size and diversity of the place. There were many restored buildings (including a church), and almost every one of them full of antiques collected by one man. It was a thrill to see his life’s work and passion on display for all to enjoy!

The museum was not offering guided tours at the time we were there but we were thrilled to meet the owner and lifelong collector, Richard, and hear a little about his life and collector beginnings at age 4. He asked us about our interests and then proceeded to show us some “behind the glass” items that he knew we would especially love! Wish we could have spent much longer there exploring because it is impossible to see everything in the hour we had. At least I know we will definitely visit again when anyplace close to Montrose! I’m very happy to share this experience with my AAAA friends and hope many of you get to visit!"

Antique advertising collectors will especially appreciate the excellent collection of vintage advertising memorabilia on display. He has captured the essence and spirit of the old general store. Trained docents provide delightful tours of this entertainment complex. There is a great deal to learn from a visit. The museum receives rave reviews on sites like Trip Advisor. If you are able to visit this amazing village, do so! It sounds like it will be an unforgettable experience!

The Museum of the Mountain West is located at 68169 East Miami Rd, Montrose, Colorado. The telephone number is 970-240-3400. Hours are Monday-Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Winter Hours (Nov. 15- March 31) are Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The web site address is: https://museumofthemountainwest.org. It is always wise to call before visiting.

The popular Antique Trader magazine extended a gracious shout-out to AAAA in its first 2022 issue, themed, "The Best of 2021". AAAA received kind kudos for the virtual conventions we hosted in response to challenges over the past two years. Click here to see the Antique Trader's section of "Best of 2021" shout-outs. Ours is the last one (each tribute is a full page in the magazine). Sincere thanks are tendered to Paul Kennedy, Editorial Director of Antique Trader, for this heartwarming and deeply appreciated acknowledgement! For further information about the Antique Trader or to subscribe, click here.

Route 32 Auctions will be hosting its first Circle City Antiques and Advertising Show in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 3-5, 2022. It will take place at the Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 East 21st Street, Indianapolis. It is an expanded version of the Gateway Gas and Advertising show that used to take place in Missouri and Illinois. On Thursday, February 3, dealers will set up for the ballroom show and there will also be room vending that will run until 10:00 PM. On Friday, February 4, ballroom vending will occur between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM and room vending take place until 10:00 PM. On Saturday, February 5, Ballroom vending will take place from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM. An auction will then take place at 1:00 PM.

Questions can be directed to Route 32 Auctions at 765-307-7119 or [email protected].

Representations of the old-time general store inhabit attics, basements, and other locations in the homes of numerous AAAA members. In this article, we are pleased to feature an outstanding general store collection that was lovingly assembled over many years. The owner wishes to remain anonymous but if you'd like to send a note or ask a question, please click here and we will be happy to pass it along.

Bruce Weir, who was co-owner of the Indianapolis Antique Advertising Show (Indy Ad Show) for a number of years recently died. He and his wife Donna, owned and managed the show until 2017.

JAY LAST

Jay Last passed away on November 29, 2021. He was a physicist, Silicon Valley pioneer, entrepreneur, author, art collector, and philanthropist. In his New York Times obituary, he was heralded as “One of the Rebels Who Founded Silicon Valley".  He was well-known as one of the group of 8 who founded Fairchild company in 1957, considered the “ground-zero” for Silicon Valley. He personally led developments in semi-conductor technology that changed the world as we know it. What is less known about Jay Last is that he assembled what may be the largest collection of vintage advertising ephemera in the world. The following paragraph is quoted from his obituary in the San Francisco Chronicle: "When he moved to Southern California in 1970, Jay was attracted by the orange box labels for sale at local flea markets, and he built up a collection of these colorful examples of advertising art. He wrote a book on these labels with Gordon McClelland, California Orange Box Labels (1984). While writing this book, he became interested in the color lithographic techniques used to print the labels, and investigated the history of American color lithography. Jay assembled what became the largest private collection of lithographic prints, color plate books, theatrical and circus posters, advertising posters, sheet music, advertising cards, pamphlets, game boards, city views, and product labels. Beyond art and lithography, his collection has proved to be valuable for research on many aspects of nineteenth century American social history, with special emphasis on the dynamic final quarter of the 1800s. To provide public access to this collection, now numbering over 100,000 items, it has been donated to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. An exhibition of selected items from the collection was held at the Huntington from October 2009 through February 2010." To read the entire obituary, click here. To read the New York Times obituary, click here. Jay was a member of AAAA from 2002 or before until the time of his passing.

The January, 2022 issue of "Kovels on Antiques & Collectibles" newsletter features a one-page Sales Report on collectible advertising displays. Included are some desirable items such as a large countertop display with curved top that sold at auction for $2,829 and a countertop bag holder with string dispenser that went for $461.

Kovels' newsletter includes very frequent references to vintage advertising, which is not surprising since Terry Kovel, Editor and Publisher, has been an ardent collector of the genre for decades. This monthly newsletter not only includes fascinating and timely content in a myriad of areas, it also treats the reader to its fabled "tips" and witticisms that make all of the Kovels publications uniquely helpful. Annual subscriptions (12 issues) cost $45. Inquires can be directed to: Kovels on Antiques & Collectibles, PO Box 292758, Kettering, Ohio 45429-8758.

The 24^th Annual Metro Advertising Collectors Show will take place on Sunday April 3, 2022 8AM-1PM at the Pompton Lakes NJ Elks, 1 Perrin Ave. Rain or shine- indoor and outdoor vendors. Free parking/free admission. All welcome. Automobilia, petroliana, advertising signs, country store antiques, old toys, etc.

Call 201-493-7172 for additional information.

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.

Pedal car related items. To reply, click here.

Matchbook holders. To know what these are, see my articles in Checkerboard for Nov. 2020 and May 2021. I will consider all items, in any material from plastic to gold, and not necessarily with advertising. Email Andy at [email protected].

Cigarette Packs. Advanced collector looking to purchase vintage packs. Please contact Dheeraj by email: [email protected]

Donald Duck Goyer Coffee Cans; One Pound Can & 3 oz Sample Size in Good Condition With Lids. Please Send Email With Photos & Prices to [email protected]

Morimura Brothers (Japanese import company operating in NYC from 1880-1941) advertising items wanted: trade cards, pamphlets, catalog pages, salesman sample pages, porcelain items with advertising. To reply email at [email protected]

DeLaval Items and Farm Advertising Signs. Always looking for top quality and unique items. Contact Gregg Hillyer at [email protected]

Antique Advertising pertaining to Country Store or Drug Store Products or Places. Especially those showing Women or Girls with the product or location shown. I would consider any  Antique Advertising (paper, cardboard & metal Signs). Quality a plus! Dale Peterson at [email protected]

Wanted top condition: Hard A Port small top tobacco tin; Convention Hall 1 lb coffee tin (green or yellow); Army Navy coffee slip lid canister; Big Horn 1 lb coffee tin; Continental Cubes medium size kidney shape tobacco tin.

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. 

Banjo related advertising wanted Pre-1940s. Long time collector buying banjo company signage, catalogs, billheads, periodicals, minstrel banjo items such as posters, broadsides, sheet music ( pre-1870s ) with illustrated banjo covers, early photographs showing banjo players (pre-1915). My main collecting interest is in 19th century material. To reply, click here.

Antique American Medicine Bottles by M. Knapp... soft cover book with price guide. Printed in 2012. [email protected] or 781-248-8620 also, see my other want ad for Clarke’s ephemera and bottles.

Looking for 3 Vintage Tins. American Eagle "Oriental Mixture" tobacco (dimensions approx. 6.5" long, 2 3/4" wide, 1.5" tall); 1 Gal. Indian Head Hydraulic Brake Fluid; and Packham´s Caramel Toffee. Any offer is welcome and any condition considered. To reply, click here.

Morton Salt, older items, and also Pacific Coast Borax, especially a crate or box. email [email protected] or call Peggy Dailey 612-522-9211

Comic Book-Related Advertising Items: Must be from before 1980. To reply, click here.

Clarke’s Vegetable Sherry Wine Bitters, Sharon, MA & Rockland, ME: All sizes, variants, smooth/pontil base. Especially need labeled Clarke’s any size! Also, any Clarke’s ephemera…trade cards, almanacs, newspaper ads, etc. Charlie Martin Jr., 781-248-8620. Email: [email protected]

George Petty: Advanced collector looking for unique or rare items. Photo’s, store displays and non paper items. NO Esquire pages. Pete Perrault. To reply, click here or call (502) 290-7661.

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

Stock food, poultry food, veterinary advertising wanted. Posters, medicine packages, give-aways. Email [email protected] or call (256) 520-5211.

Singer Sewhandy Model 20-Green-regular paint, not hammertone. To reply, click here.

National Biscuit Company, Nabisco, Uneeda Biscuit, Uneeda Bakers, Muth Bakery, NBC Bread toys, signage, tins, containers, displays, historical items. Please Email [email protected] or call (937) 205-2232.

Early Cigarette Rolling Papers: Pre-1940’s - American, Zig Zag, Braunstein Freres, Bambino, and Ottoman papers wanted. To reply, click here.

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

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.

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 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 the Editor of the AAAA Checkerboard. Copyright 2022, Antique Advertising Association of America