APRIL FOOL'S DAY

Yay-- another special occasion day, another chance to play with my postcards.

I wanted to put a little something about why we have the April Fool's Day tradition, and found out that no one's quite sure why, and rather than repeat all the conjecture, here's a couple of links: Wikipedia's always informative, and so is Info Please.

In France, it's called APRIL FISH DAY, and they had some lovely, and odd, postcards in the early 1900's.

Here are a few for your amusement and entertainment.

HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY!!

Tales of GI Joe and the Rooster Man

Today's show'n'tell goodies are postcards. I always enjoy listing postcards, because I learn a little something about a variety of subjects. Hope you like them too.

1909 Seattle Washington Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition OFFICIAL Postcard

Read the history of this World's Fair here .

1907 Del Monte Hotel MAZE Monterey California Postcard

The hotel is now owned by the Navy, and the Maze is a parking lot.

1906 Rookwood Pottery Buildings Cincinnatti Ohio OH Hand colored Tinted Postcard

Read the history of Rookwood pottery.

The original building is now a restaurant - see pix of how you sit inside the kiln to dine.

1910s Roller Coaster Luna Park Mansfield Ohio Amusement Park Ride Postcard

You can read the history of the LUNA PARK name here.

And here's a great book, all about Mansfield, illustrated with vintage postcards, including pix of Luna Park.

1943 WWII Military Comic Cartoon sgnd Sgt David Breger Postcard

• Copyright 1942 KING FEATURES , with date stamp on back, 1943

• Cartoonist Breger is the originator of the term GI JOE

• Read his bio here. -- There are tons of websites with more info online.
  

  
  
  
  

Political Cartoon Rooster Man Comic Egg Tariffs Depression Postcard

• Cartoon of a man in a chicken/rooster outfit. Card is not dated, but I'd put it in the 1920s based on my research of the subject.

• Some quick research found there was a lot of controversy about egg prices and competition and tariffs, which grew until the Smoot-Hawley act was passed, which contributed to the causes of the 1930s Great Depression. Read more history on the subject in the following links.

• A little history on egg tariff rates. And for even more history of eggs, chickens, and tariffs, check out this book: The Chicken Book -- read the chapter on eggs and tariffs through google books here.
  

See what I mean -- a variety pack of subjects. Part of the fun of postcard collecting. I buy the card because I think the image is interesting, and then when I find out more about it, it is fascinating. I mean, I doubt I'd have ever researched egg tariffs and GI Joe any other way.

You can see these postcards, and others, in my ebay listings. Thanks!

Gypsys and Knick Knacks

Here's another blast from my past... ebay sales. (Click on the pic if you want to see a larger view.) This group featured a nice Weller Pottery vase. I buy very little Weller, or Roseville, or other art pottery these days. It seems that's the type of pottery that "everyone" knows about now, so there aren't too many sleeper deals out there.

This batch also had some knick-knacks, which I try now to resist. There are so many pieces that, shall we say, are just NOT home-runs.

Ebay has changed that arena, and for the better, really, cuz truthfully most of it's just mass produced junque. I still buy some, but try really hard not to. Now watch, next auction that'll be all I buy!

The coolest thing I had in this batch was the 1956 Gypsy Tour badge, from the American Motorcycle Association. Read more about Indian Motorcycles and the 1927 Gypsy Tour on this great website.

I've had a few other neat Gypsy Tour pieces, and they have all been home-runs. Of course, it helps to buy it right-- in this case, this badge was at the bottom of a box of books I got at the end of an auction, for .25 cents!

But, again, these items are from my past, way, way back in time. It's fun to reminisce about the deals I got back then. Now, $20.00 is the new $5.00! But hey, some day these'll be the good ole days. Okay, enough rambling.

Hope I find some home runs soon to write about...

Top 10 Ways To Pimp Your Ning Member Profile Page

Top 10 Ways To Pimp Your Ning Member Profile Page

Customize your profile page -- Let people know what you're about.

#1 -- Change your page's theme

• To change your profile page's theme, go to your profile page and click the "Change Theme" link underneath your profile photo.


• You can further customize your page's appearance by changing the font and colors of the theme you've chosen.


• Select the theme you'd like to customize and scroll to the "Theme Settings" section of the page.


• Here you can change the font style, color, and size, change the colors of your theme, and upload your own header background. The header background image you upload here will appear in the top section of your page, above the tabs, and will stretch to fit the area. It will replace the social network's header background, but not the social network name (or logo, if one has been uploaded).
  

#2 -- Upload a profile photo --it's nice to put a face to a name.

• To change your profile photo, click on the "Settings" link in the right column of the page.


• Next to the "Profile Photo" field, click the "Upload a photo" button. Click the "Browse" button to find your image on your computer.
  

#3 -- Change the layout of your profile page

• To move content around on your profile page, head to your profile and locate the feature you'd like to move.


• Put your mouse in the title bar of that box. If it can be moved, a small crosshair icon will appear to the left of it.


• Click and drag the box to its new location.


• Drop the box where you'd like it to be, and keep going until you have the perfect layout!


• Some elements on your profile page - like your profile photo, basic information, and the My Friends box - can't be moved
  

#4 -- Use your text box

• One of the easiest things you can do to make your profile page your own is add content to your text box.


• Text boxes are one of the most flexible features on your social network.


• You can add anything you'd like to your text boxes, including text, images, widgets, and links - it's just another way to make your profile page and your main page unique.


• Your text box will stretch to fit the content you place in it, so get creative.
  

#5 -- Add widgets to your profile page

• You can add features and functionality to your profile page on a social network with the Applications feature.


• To add an Application, click on the "Add Applications" link that appears in the left column of your profile page, beneath your photo


• When you find an Application that you'd like to add, click on the "Add to My Page" button and then confirm by clicking "Add Application".


• The Application will now appear on your profile!
  ========================
  

Now, take the next step -- Become an active member -- contribute to the group's success.

#6 -- Discussions and Comments

• Check out the existing discussions, or start your own by clicking the "Start Discussion" link.


• If you find an interesting discussion you'd like to participate in, just type your reply in the "Reply" box.


• Make or respond to comments on member's profile pages, or on their photo or blog pages.
  Comments can be seen by any member of the social network, so don't use them to post personal information.
  

#7 -- Write a blog post

• While threads in your social network's forum are about community discussion, your blog is about you - promote your website, sales venue, hobby or collecting passion...


• To get started, go to your profile page and locate the "Blog Posts" module.


• Click the "Add a Blog Post" link.
  

#8 -- Upload photos, videos, and music

• Add photos or videos -- go to your profile page and click the "Photos" or "Videos" link in the left column of the page, under your profile photo.
  

#9 -- Join a group

• Go to the Groups tab. Once you find a group you like, click on it to view more information and to join!


• If the group is public, there will be a link in the top right of the page where you can join the group.
  

#10 -- Create an event posting

• To create an event, go to the Events tab and click the "Add an Event" link.
  ===============================

Get more detailed info here --

• Ning Help article 1


• Ning Help article 2


• Ning Help article 3
  

Good luck, and have fun!

Fruit Jars on Display at the Lima Public Library

I have a display up at our local library. Here's the article I wrote about it for our bottle club's website:

Fruit Jars on Display at the Lima Public Library

Marianne Dow has a selection from her Antique Fruit Jar Collection on display in the front entry showcases at the Lima, Ohio Public Library.

The display runs through April 11, 2009.

She chose a representative grouping to show that there is a huge variety of jars that can be collected. The display includes an assortment of embossings, closures, and colors, as well as some educational materials, and items promoting the Findlay Antique Bottle Club.

The hope is that the display will raise awareness of the Fruit Jars and Antique Bottles collecting hobby, inspiring some new collectors, and bring in some new club members.

Marianne Dow will be giving a presentation on Antique Bottle Collecting at the library later this Fall. Watch for details on the FAB-club's website.

The Lima Public Library is located next door to the Allen County Historical Society Museum which has lots of great antiques on display.

Lima Public Library - 650 West Market Street - Lima, OH 45801-4678 -- Phone Number: (419)228-5113

Here are some pix of the display, but of course they look better in person!

---

CHEF 1/2 GAL - THE HERO QT - KERR w/COBALT MONKEY SWING - LOS ANGELES OLIVE GROWERS STONEWARE QT

MASONS CFJ 1858 QT - AQUA, GREEN - BALL STANDARD WAX SEALER w/"SPIDER WEB" - BALL SURE SEAL JOHNSBURG SKINNY QT

SELECTION OF COMMON JARS FOR COMPARISON / EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

CLARKE SET - ANSONIA BATTERY JAR

CORNFLOWER - ABGA QT - SNYDER PRESERVES QT - RAU'S IMPROVED SCA QT

HERO CROSS MIDGET - KNOWLTON VACUUM - WHITE KING GREEN DISPENSER JAR - POISON SCA 1/2 PT

2 views of MILLVILLE ATMOSPHERIC SET

AMBER TRADE MARK LIGHTNING PT - BALL PERFECT MASON AMBER QT - ROOT MASON GREEN 1/2 GAL - MASONS 1858 w/AMBER SWIRLS 1/2 GAL

PRODUCT JARS GROUP: AMBER PETRO JELLY - FANCY WHITE MILK GLASS - FANCY AMBER - COBALT JOHNSONS - MULFORDS AMBER 1/2 GAL

ELECTRIC SET -- SEALFAST SOLD BY LIMA DEPT. STORE QT.

SILVER MOON COFFEE - STAR & CRESCENT QT - LAFAYETTE PT - WOODBURY BABY BOTTLE - TINY GEM

KING 1/2 GAL - GOLDEN STATE 1/2 GAL - CURTIS PRESERVES QT - MASONS IMPROVED BUTTER QT

I love the library! It's the best deal in town! Hope you'll have a chance to see my display!

Findlay Antiques Show This Weekend

Just wanted to let everyone know that there's a nice little antique show up in Findlay this weekend.

It's the Annual American Business Women's Association Millstream Chapter Antique Show -- jeesh, what a name, eh?


It's this Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 at the Old Barn ( 10040 W. U.S. 224, Findlay, OH, 45840 (419) 422-8531 ).

You're sure to see some nice things there. You can read my show report from last year.

Have fun!

Antique Week Does the Ning-Thing

I've been a faithful reader and subscriber to Antique Week for 15 years now. They just unveiled their new Ning social site, AntiqueWeek Community.

It's still in it's infancy with just a handful of members. Of course, I signed right up. You can see my Ms Dow Antiques/Antique Week page here.

It's another place to promote myself, and AVCOSA, to meet more like-minded antiquers, and to learn and share info with them.

Hope you'll check it out, and let me know what you think.

AVCOSA Membership Drive

I have recently joined a great new ONLINE social/business/networking group called "Antique, Vintage & Collectibles Online Sellers Assoc" --- AVCOSA for short.

I am really enjoying getting to know the other members, reading their insightful comments, and knowing I'm in the company of fellow sellers who have worked hard to be successful antiques dealers.

I hope you'll check out our growing AVCOSA community, and JOIN today -- it's free, and fun! The set-up is on NING, so it's a social network. You get your own page, can promote your online sales venues, upload pix, write your own blog and read a lot of helpful tips from other online sellers.

Here's an exerpt from their site:

• What is AVCOSA? == It is a professional organization to represent the interests of and to promote professionalism among online sellers of antiques, vintage and collectibles products through education, information and technology.



• What will we do? == At this time, we will leverage the benefits of community (i.e. networking). We will share ideas, information, resources, etc. so that we can effectively make business decisions and manage our time.
  

• When it comes to your professional needs, AVCOSA will be your preferred resource for news and information about relavent and timely topics affecting how you conduct your antiques business.
  

• Additionally, we will use the affiliation of a professional association to our advantage - placing the AVCOSA logo on your site will encourage sales by recognizing you as a reputable seller.
  

• In time, we will provide advocacy services directed to online selling venues to assure that our interests are adequately represented. Speaking to these online auction sites, marketplaces and more with a COLLECTIVE VOICE will give us more power and opportunities to influence change.

Ms Dow Antiques is proud to be a charter member of AVCOSA.

I think that AVCOSA is a "good thing" --an info and resource hub, and new ideas font. It's a place where sellers all speak the same language: "antiques", and all that that entails -- passion, obsession, business, internet activities, selling, buying, marketing, teaching, learning, helping, sharing...

When you JOIN AVCOSA, be sure to tell them I sent you! -- thanks!

Past Treasures

Just reminiscing a little about some of the neat things I've sold over the years. Click on the pic to see a bigger view.

This pic was from back in 2004, if I recall. The miniature doll pin was a surprise. And look what the lunch box brought, even missing a handle. One of the great things about selling on ebay, as a real no-reserve auction, is that I never ever would have asked those prices if I took the items to a show. Gotta love those last minute snipers, too-- so exciting!

I did a quick check on ebay, and recently, no Ponytail Lunchbox; there are always a variety of Skookum dolls; there recently was a Pillsbury Grandma & Granpopper dolls, in their original box, that brought $86.00. I think I did pretty well with this batch, all things considered. I'm not saying this to brag. Just to say that this is one of the fun aspects of the biz. The hunt is great fun, but it's awfully nice to get some closure, that validation, to see your knowledge (and sometimes intuition/gamble) pay off.

Ahh, good times!

My Vintage Cookie Jars

I'm sure I've had over 1,000 cookie jars, and have about 150-200 (give or take a few) left. I went up to my storage room, and was pleasantly surprised. They are just so darned cute! But I'm trying to down-size my treasure trove, and I can't keep everything, so I grabbed a couple dozen gems to start with.

Cookie jars are one of the very first things I collected, way back when I first got into antiquing back in California. I remember we went to a local auction, and everyone there had their cookie jar price guides with them, and they were so intense, and prices seemed so high to us novices. It was fascinating!

The next weekend we had a garage sale, and this friendly guy asked us if we had any cookie jars, which made us exclaim "You should have been at this auction!" Well, it turned out he had, as they were HIS cookie jars. Then he showed us the check he got-- and that was it, we were officially cookie jar hounds!

His name was Bud, and we will always remember him fondly. He gave us some great advice, which I still try to go by, and that is "Buy it right, so you can't get hurt." So we initiated our $5.00 rule-- buy any cookie jar that was $5.00 or less. I told you this was "back in the day". That's how we accumulated so many cookie jars.

I've had fun collecting them, but I also enjoy selling them, and knowing they are going to collectors who really appreciate them. I guess we'll see how they do on ebay this month.

Here's my recent blog post with the TOP 10 LIST of Most Watched Vintage Cookie Jars on ebay now.

Some great sites if you want to find out more about collecting cookie jars:

• The Cookie Jar Net
• Top 10 Cookie Jar Resources (on about.com)
• Cookie Jars for sale on Rubylane.com

Look at these recently sold on ebay: some whoppers!

• American Bisque Harvey Comics HERMAN KATNIP Cookie Jar
  $1,225.00 Apr-13-08
• Laurel & Hardy Cookie Jar Collector's Set
  $1,000.00 Apr-13 -08
• SWEET PEA. JAR COOKIE VERY VINTAGE AND RARE RARE
  $975.00 Apr-15-08
• USA "Smiley" Pig Cookie Jar $900.42 Apr-16-08
• Authentic 1951 Vallona Starr WINKY Cookie Jar ~RARE
  $665.00 Apr-18-08
• VINTAGE MINT HAPPY HIPPO COOKIE JAR BY BRUSH MCCOY
  $650.00
• Vintage Red Wing Cookie Jar Chef Pierre "Green"
  $545.00 Apr-15-08