Monday, June 25, 2012

Vintage Treasures - Newly Arrived!

I have some fabulous new additions to my store, Birdhouse Books,, and wanted to share with you.  Some fun vintage photos to share here!

Playskool Match-A-Story Picture Puzzle - Copy Cat - 1968.  Super cute!


Vintage pink plastic shoe bank from Sansone's Department Store in Vernon - advertising Jumping Jacks shoes.

Fabulous Mid-Century ashtray from the Republic of Panama.


Remember Dawn Dolls?  I sure do - I loved them!  This is Angie, Dawn's brunette friend:


Big yellow plastic bunny rabbit bank - perfect for an Easter theme display.


A line up of red flocked reindeer ornaments, all with little bells around their necks.


LOVE - 1960's vintage drum major ornaments made of felt.  Similar to the popular vintage felt elf ornaments, but unique and different.


Little tourist souvenir vase celebrating Hawaii, The 50th State.


Wonderful big white plastic reindeer - vintage Christmas decoration.  Mid-Century in style and truly fab!


Tiny cabbage leaf tea cup and sauce - a dollhouse miniature or toy for child (as part of a tea set).


An old tin or metal store sign advertising Peerless Ice Cream, from a store in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  Shabby chic and perfect for a vintage theme kitchen!


Brown striped California pottery vase by Madeline of California / Madeline Originals.   1960's vintage and RARE:


You'll find all these vintage goodies and more at Birdhouse Books!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Community Cookbooks

I love community cookbooks!  They are so much fun, as they give a sense of the time and the place that they came from.  These are usually paperback cookbooks, many with spiral binding, collected by members of a church, PTA, school, or community.   The recipes always have the contributing member's name, and sometimes have a story about the recipe as well.   The older ones that I have in my store date from the 1960's to 1970's, all the way to the present.   You'll find many to browse through at Birdhouse Books (community cookbooks).

Pictured:  a community cookbook from the New York Sons and Daughters of Liberty

Friday, June 8, 2012

Item of the Day: Vintage Cat Playing Cards



I love vintage playing cards, and these cat playing cards are so cute!   Some date back to the 1940's, up to the 1960's - 1970's.   I have drawings of cats, photos of kittens, and more.   And these items are listed as single swap cards and matched pairs of cards.   These cards look great framed, and they also make a thoughtful small gift, tucked inside a greeting card!    You'll find many more here:  Vintage Cat Playing Cards at Birdhouse Books.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Vintage Postcards Featuring Shopping Malls

I love vintage shopping malls!   I enjoy postcards and photos featuring them.  I enjoy the retro design, and the details of how people lived in past times.   I love websites like Malls of America and Sky City: Southern Retail Then and Now.  These great blogs have photos and descriptions from shopping malls, including ones that are no longer around.  

I always enjoy listing vintage postcards featuring shopping malls.  I have a few in my shop, and would love to add more in the future.  You'll find them here:  vintage shopping mall postcards at Birdhouse Books.

Pictured here:  Oxford Valley Mall in Longhorne, Pennsylvania.  Check out the Woolworth store (I miss Woolworth's!).   Lots of fun!


Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Background Noise


I grew up as a 1970's teen - 1980's college, and ALWAYS had music on while I was doing homework and reading for school.   I truly believe it helps me concentrate!   As a result, I always have something on while I'm working here.  I sometimes listen to a CD, and sometimes the radio, but I believe that music keeps me alert and motivated.  My favorites are oldies, jazz, and Broadway music.

On the other hand - I absolutely cannot work with the tv on.  I never turn it on during daytime hours.

If you sell online, I would be curious as to what you listen to while you are working!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Item of the Day: Anthropomorphic Train Valentine


This little die-cut vintage Valentine is especially cute!  It features a sad train engine and reads, "I"ll just give up, if you won't be mine!"   It is a Hallmark card, 1950's to 1960's vintage.  Anthropomorphic Valentines are among my favorites - they have such a unique vintage charm.   This little cutie is at Birdhouse Books (train card).  You'll find hundreds of more unique vintage Valentines in my store.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Item of the Day: Mother Goose and Nursery Rhymes, 1970 limited edition

This is such a charming vintage children's book - I just had to share it!  It is called Mother Goose and Nursery Rhymes and it was printed Christmas 1970 for Consulting Engineer Magazine.  The beautiful illustrations are wood engravings by Philip Reed.   It is very rare, and even more charming than it is rare!   Here are a few photos - and you will find this book at Birdhouse Books: