By Roy Nuhn  Of all the holidays Americans have celebrated over the last two centuries, none can compare to the special place that Valentine’s Day holds in the hearts of lovers. During the height of the picture postcard mania, from 1904 to about 1917, thousands upon thousands of different lovely and beguiling Valentine’s Day postcards were published. They were made […]

By Robert Reed What began as a courtship of stoneware in early days of America became a full-fledged romance during the growing years of the country. Stoneware, which had its origins in 16th century, became a very practical and attractive earthenware in England by the 17th century. Being highly-fired and treated with common salt in the kiln process, the resulting […]

By Anne Gilbert Cribbage has been a favorite game since it was invented in the 1600s by Sir John Suckling. For several decades Cribbage boards have found serious collectors. The game reached its peak of popularity in the 1970s. It was considered trendy to replace expensive chess sets with an even more expensive Cribbage board. Even those who didn’t play […]

By Anne Gilbert       In the post American Revolution years up to the early 19th century 1780-1820s) Americas finest craftsmen created what has come to be known as “American Federal” furniture. It was adapted freely from English designs by Chippendale, Sheraton and Hepplewhite. For the growing wealthy classes quality and fine design was important.      While the […]