Children's Fairyland - Vintage Story Book Land in Oakland, California

Children's Fairyland in Oakland, California was a Story Book Land amusement park that opened in 1950. It was designed by architect William Russell Everitt, and inspired Storybook lands across the country.  Although I never visited Children's Fairyland, I loved Story Book Lands as a child, and visited several of them on family vacations.  They had tableaus and old fashioned rides inspired by Mother Goose nursery rhymes and fairy tales.  I am delighted to offer several vintage postcards from this amusement park, with great Baby Boomer vintage scenes of the fun that was found there!  At Birdhouse Books - Vintage Postcards from Children's Fairyland

Deer Park Petting Zoo - 1950's to 1960's Michigan

Deer Park Story Book Lane in Michigan - between Muskegon and Whitehall - was an old fashioned petting zoo and small amusement park with a Story Book Lane for children. Story Book Lane had Mother Goose themed tableaus for children to explore.  This Story Book Lane and petting zoo was open 1956 - 1968.   The park then changed over to Michigan's Adventure.   I have some truly fabulous vintage postcards from this long-ago amusement park on eBay.  I love vintage Roadside Americana, and I'm excited about these!   Deer Park postcards at Birdhouse Books

More Mid-Century Motel Postcards

I've been having lots of fun adding Mid-Century motel postcards to my store.  Many are from the Southeast USA (lots of Florida postcards), but I also have cards from California, New York, and Canada ... with literally 100's more Roadside Americana cards to come in the next few weeks.   These cards remind me so much of long-ago road trips ... they are a lot of fun!   Vintage motel postcards at Birdhouse Books

Item of the Day: 1962 Parker Brothers Board Games Book

I love, love, love this fun book!   It's Family Fun and Popular Parties by Parker Brothers Board Games, and it was published in 1962.  It has fun retro party and game ideas, and then there is an 8 page section about popular 1962 Board Games, including lots of photos!   Lots of games I've never heard of are featured, like Rich Uncle and Star Reporter.   I had a lot of fun looking through this little book and wanted to share it with you.  It's in my store at: Parker Brothers 1962 game book

Finding Vintage Books with eBay's Saved Search

I love vintage children's books, and love finding favorites from my childhood.  Two series that I loved growing up were The Golden Name Day series by Jennie Lindquist and The Keeping Days series by Norma Johnston.  Several years ago I was able to find these books - affordably - through eBay's Saved Search feature.

Here's how it works.  Search for a book you want to find.  Then, when the search appears, click on ADVANCED SEARCH at the top of the screen.  You can input price range you are looking for (recommended), and even choose to purchase from sellers in your own country (to save shipping costs).

Then you'll get an updated search with the features you've requested.   Look at the search listing and you will see the option to save the search.  Voila!  Just click on that link and you can save your search, with price range you're looking for, and get daily email updates when the book becomes available.

This is particularly helpful with vintage books that tend to price high online ... if you wait with Saved Searches, you will find the book you are looking for -- in the price range you are looking for.   It's a fun feature, and I can attest that it works great!