Article Archives: What’s in the Attic?

It’s All About the Burp

August 25, 2016 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

Dupont chemist Earl Tupper had long dreamed of a line of home products made of plastic, but in spite of his endless experimentation, nothing seem durable or flexible enough to suit his needs. All of that changed with the invention of polyethylene in 1944. Within two years he completed his … Read More

Coke Collectibles

August 18, 2016 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

Since 1886, a large majority of the American public has adamantly agreed that “Things go better with Coke.” The clever marketers for the Coca-Cola Company have enlisted the assistance of angelic looking children, beautiful Victorian women, rock stars, world class athletes, and Old St. Nick himself to catch our attention. … Read More

Collectible Walking Sticks

August 11, 2016 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

Long a symbol of style and social standing, canes and walking sticks offer the collector a glimpse of history, art and pride of craftsmanship. This is not a collectable for the impatient. The collecting of canes requires a considerable investment of time, but as those who relish the challenge will … Read More

Heyward-Wakefield: Elegant Simplicity

July 28, 2016 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

Heywood Brothers built their first chair in the family barn in 1826. Over the next decade they grew into one of the most respected furniture factories in the U.S., challenged only by the opening of the Wakefield Rattan Company in 1855. After 40 years as each other’s top competitor the … Read More

Give Me That Old Time Rock ‘N Roll

July 21, 2016 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

The first electric guitar, invented in 1934, had an annoying hum which prevented it from being played at high a volume. Sixteen years later the Gibson Guitar Corporation, in collaboration with jazz great Les Paul, used double-coiled wires to cancel the hum and introduce to the world the Gibson Telecaster. … Read More