Weekly View » collectibles

Drawing the Line . . .

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 06:08:39 +0000

What do you get when you combine a U.S. President, four Mississippi bear hunters, a Brooklyn toy maker and The Washington Post? You get one of the most adorable of all American icons, the teddy bear.
As the story goes, our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, traveled to Mississippi to assist in settling a border dispute between that state and Louisiana. Roosevelt was know as an avid hunter, so his hosts decided to take him bear hunting. After many hours of traipsing through the woods, the President had not managed to bag a trophy so some of the members of the hunting party captured a bear and invited the President to have first shot. Roosevelt refused to take a shot at the restrained and defenseless animal, settled the border dispute and headed back to Washington.
This story became the topic of Clifford Berryman’s now famous political cartoon, “Drawing the line in Mississippi” which appeared in the Washington Post in November of 1902. Response to the cartoon was so great that within a few weeks it was reprinted in papers throughout the country.
Brooklyn toy makers Morris and Rose Michtom were inspired by the cartoon (which showed a gentle side of Roosevelt that was seldom seen) and made a bear in honor of the President, which they named “Teddy Bear.” Unlike the other toy bears of the day, with their fierce looks and angry posturing, the Michtom’s bear was sweet and cuddly. Demand from the American buying public for the Teddy Bear was so great that the Michtom’s joined forces with Butler Brothers Wholesale to assist with distribution. Within a few months the two companies merged, and the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company was formed.
Meanwhile, across the pond, a young German art student named Richard Steiff was working at the family business putting the stuffing in stuffed toys. An avid an animal lover, Steiff often spent his free time at the Stuttgart Zoo sketching animals, his favorite models being the bear cubs. In 1902 the Steiff Company made a prototype bear cub based on Richard’s drawings. Introduction of the bear (Baer 55BP) to the public came in 1903 at the Leipzig Toy Fair. The response was not good.
Unlike the cute and cuddly toy bears of the day, the Steiff’s bear was more realistic, with a humped back and long snout. People all but ignored it at the Fair, with the exception of one American buyer who ordered 3,000 units to be sent to the States. America loved the Steiff cub! Orders came pouring in and by 1907 they were producing 975,000 bears a year with nearly 90 percent of them being exported to the United States. Within the next few years most major toy manufacturers both here and in Germany joined in production. Everybody loved “Teddy.” Women decorated with them, children had portraits painted with them and Theodore Roosevelt used one as his mascot for his re-election campaign.
The war years of the 1940s all but halted production of stuffed bears, and many of leading companies were forced to close. The 1950s saw the return of the teddy bear but this time as a mass produced bear made of cheap synthetic materials, with plastic eyes and noses and stuffed with foam rubber. The 1960s “Race for Space” turned children’s interests from stuffed toys to space toys and the once popular teddy bear fell out of fashion.
While it has never returned to it’s pre-war popularity, the teddy bear has managed to sustain a loyal audience. Collectors look for early bears from Steiff, ideal, Bing and Hermann and Schudo. Until next time………Linda

Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-429-7887 or lkennett@indy.rr.com

Front Page Profile: Hart Bakery Puts the Heart in Baking

Weekly View — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 06:10:59 +0000

Hart Bakery is a full line bakery that has been serving up the best cakes, cookies, doughnuts, breads, pastries, and brownies in town for many years. In 1946, “Uncle Joe” started the bakery after returning from World War II. Sandy Taylor, the current owner, came to work for him after training with Martha and Wesley Wilton in 1968. The Taylors bought the bakery in 1992. Now, Sandy’s son Dan, and daughter-in-law Cherice, a graduate of the Art Institute of Indianapolis, work at Hart Bakery. Recently, Hart Bakery added 1,500 square feet of working space to the building. Hart is the third oldest independent bakery in Indianapolis.
Sandy is a Certified Master Baker, and her son Dan is a graduate of the American Institute of Baking and the Kelly School of Business. They have carried on the tradition of great handmade baked goods you can’t get anywhere else, such as Uncle Joe’s melt-in-your-mouth Butter Cookies, Princess Bars, Crown Bread, Salt Risen Bread, and much more. They are also known for their fantastic doughnuts, eclairs, glazed croissants, coffee cakes, and bear claws. They also make stunning wedding cakes and special occasion cakes. Everything is made fresh, with no preservatives or chemicals.
Earlier this year, Hart Bakery introduced gourmet, handmade fudge to their lengthy list of treats. Check out the Tiger Stripe, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Pecan, or any of the over 200 seasonal flavors by the square or by the pound — it also makes a great gift for the holidays. Selections change frequently, so stop in regularly to see what’s new.
Hart Bakery and Gifts also has one of the biggest and best selections of gift items and one-of-a-kind collectibles in the Indianapolis area. They feature Precious Moments, Jim Shore, Painted Ponies, Steiff, Alexander, John R. Wright dolls and animals, Limoges boxes, and Ginny Dolls. They also have a selection of card making and scrapbooking supplies. They carry many hard-to-find items in their extensive gift shop.
Come to Hart Bakery’s Annual Open House on Sat., Nov. 30 and Sun., Dec 1 from 1-5 p.m. to meet the people who are carrying on a fine baking tradition, and pick up some wonderful treats to take home. This is the only Sunday of the year the bakery is open.
Hart Bakery is located at 7030 E. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46219. Call in your special orders at (317)357-4706. Their web site is www.hartbakery.com

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Summertime Junkin’

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 05:08:39 +0000

Find yourself a little short on cash this summer? Thinking that vacation is just not gonna happen? Well, before you put away the luggage, you might consider a day trip or even a weekend getaway to one of the great midwest antique shows only a few hours drive from central Indy. Beautiful scenery, great food, live music and some of the best “junkin’” on the planet await you on less than a tank of gas!
Lawrenceburg, Indiana has been the site of the largest, regularly scheduled, outdoor antique market since 1985. Boasting over 200 dealers, The Tri-State Antique Market is held the first Sunday of each month May through October. Have no fear of a rain out as foul weather takes the show inside to 125 sheltered booths. One mile west of exit 16 off Interstate 275, it features free parking, rest areas, food stands and paved sidewalks all for a $3 admission charge (children under 18 are free). The Lawrenceburg show, which has been features in Midwest Living, Country Homes, Antique Week and Indianapolis Monthly, draws quality dealers from around the midwest. Merchandise from 19th Century primitives to 70s Pop Art is on sale from 7-3 with early birds admitted from 6-7 during dealer set up. Check out their Web site at queencityshows.com/tristate.
The Sandwich, Illinois Collectors Show offers a double treat for shoppers. Split into two sections, one side is set up with craft displays, homemade items and flea market merchandise and the second side contains antiques and collectibles from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Scheduled dates for this year are July 28, August 18, September 22 and October 27. For more info go to www.antiquemarkets.com.
From September 13-15 the Country Living Fair comes to Columbus, Ohio. One of three stops selected for this year’s tour, the Columbus show will feature 200 artists and craftsmen along with live music, country cooking demonstrations and a chance to meet the editors of Country Living magazine. Open from 10-5 daily, this is more than just another antique show. Among the great finds available again this year are European nightdresses ($35), clock faces ($4), steel locker baskets ($35), and one-of-a-kind cotton dresses made from vintage fabrics ($50-$100). Ticket prices vary from as little as $8 for a one day pass to $40 for a 4-day pass with early bird privileges. To learn more go to www.countryliving.com/antiques/deals-at-country-living-fair.
Our friends in the Buckeye state boast of many great antique venues, and at the top of the list is the Springfield Antique Show. The setup at the Springfield Fairgrounds is open to the public the third week of each month year round with approximately 200-300 dealers, but from May to October that number swells to over 2,500 booths. Advertising signs, Midwestern pottery, vintage fashion, coins and stamps, primitives and painted furniture are just a few of the finds. Check out their Web site at www.springfieldantiqueshow.com.
Not for the faint of heart, but an amazing adventure for those who dare to tackle it, The World’s Longest Yard Sale covers 690 miles of some of the most scenic country side in the U.S. From the start 5 miles north of Addison, Michigan to the last vendor on the outskirts of Gadsden, Alabama this event, also known as the 127 Sale, is one incredible treasure hunt. This year’s sale runs from Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 4. Go to www.127sale.com for information on both the sale and the many special events held along Highway 127 during the four day run.
Antiques and a day out with the family in the beautiful heartland of America: It just doesn’t get any better than this! Until next time………Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-429-7887 or lkennett@indy.rr.com

It’s Question and Answer Time!

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 05:08:23 +0000

The best part of writing this column for the past 15 years has been the e-mails, phone calls and one-on-one conversations I have with my readers. You arouse my curiosity, challenge my memory and send me scurrying to the computer for research on a regular basis. It was my greatest fear in starting this column that I would run out of subject matter, but all of you have seen to it that “what in the world do I write about this week?” has never crossed my mind.
Once a year I like to do a little “catching up” for those of you whose questions I did not get covered in a column. So here are the answers to some of your unanswered questions.
Q: What is the proper way to clean old wicker?
A: After dusting with a soft cloth, clean any areas with concentrated dust and dirt with a soft toothbrush. For areas with a high concentration of dust use a small hand vacuum. When the dust is removed, wash the wicker with arm soap and water using an oil-based soap (I like Murphy’s Oil soap) using a “sponging” action rather than scrubbing. Then wash again with clear water until all soap residue is gone. It is important to let the piece dry thoroughly as sitting in a wet wicker chair can cause warping. The best place to dry old wicker is outside on a warm day with a slight breeze. Maintain your antique wicker by dusting it on a regular basis and don’t wash it more that once a year.
Q: How can I tell if my family silverware is sterling or silver plate?
A: The most common maker of silverware is 1847 Roger Brothers. If you find this mark on your “silver” it is always plate, as Roger Brothers never produced sterling. If your items are sterling they will most always be marked with the word “sterling” or a number indicating the purity of the silver. Look for the number 925 or the letters S or SS. Another simple way to tell is a simple magnet test. If your piece of tableware sticks, it is not sterling. If still in doubt you can send your silver to a refiner to be tested. These facilities use x-ray technology to test metal content and are 100 percent accurate.
Q: Is there a way to tell old cast iron toys and banks from reproduction?
A: There are three things to watch for to determine if your iron toys and banks are old. The surface on newer banks will often be rough from the sand used in their production. Old banks were produced with very fine sand and their finish will be quite smooth to the touch. The seams on old banks and toys will be so tight that they will often be almost invisible. Newer pieces do not fit together well and will often have an actual gap between the pieces. The screw holding together an old bank will be flat. While original screws may have been replaced with a Phillips head screw, the presence of one should be reason to beware.
Q: How do I clean the inside of an old bottle?
A: For bottles that are cloudy use a mixture of half white vinegar half water and soak overnight. But do NOT use this method on painted or gold trimmed bottles as the acid in the vinegar will eat the paint. If your bottles have a large amount of debris, pour 1-2 inches of uncooked rice into the bottle and fill the remaining space half way with warm water and two drops of dish soap. Cover and shake vigorously for several minutes. Another good way to scrub the inside of old bottles is with an aquarium brush and hot soapy water.
As I begin my 15th year of ‘What’s in the Attic?” I would like to thank my readers across the mid-west country for their comments and questions. Keep ‘em coming! Until next time…..Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-429-7887 or lkennett@indy.rr.com