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Advertising Remains Tops With Collectors

Here’s a famous face from the past, Elby’s Big Boy, an advertising icon perfect for antique enthusiasts to enjoy. Aged to a warm gingerbread color, this bank was the first one issued by the company in 1938 and even today, it retains his signature cheery look. In a culture driven by consumerism, it’s easy to see why advertising items like this are appealing to so many. Promotional trinkets, signs and ads are plentiful, colorful treasures that antique enthusiasts can’t get enough of. As a social statement, advertising collectibles offer a fascinating look at what was bought ...

A Three-Dog Night

Throughout my childhood, we always had dogs. Our dad raised the most beautiful boxers when I was very young. I remember the puppies were hauled around in a large, red wagon that normally would have held children. The dogs were sturdily built with sleek reddish brown coats. They were strong dogs but friendly with children and adults. At some point, our parents were too busy raising their human family to continue with the boxers. However, that doesn’t mean there were no pets to be had. Throughout the years, there would also be a dog or two, plus a cat, rabbits and even snakes ...

Only Time Will Tell

Sitting before me on the desk where I am composing this column is an assortment of wall calendars. Most of them have been given to us and one I purchased on a whim at a dollar store simply because I liked the colorful flowers on each page. I also chose this calendar for the large squares on each date that allow for making notations of birthdays and other important dates. Paree Insurance has provided two lovely calendars after we attended a program about Medicare and such complicated topics. The first calendar depicts landscapes of America. There are photos of forests, mountains and ...

Celebrate New Year With Wheeling Antiques

Downtown Wheeling has been at the forefront of much news with sewer and street improvements, more housing options and an effort by many small businesses to create an ambiance that inspires residents and visitors to enjoy our Friendly City. This is a perfect time to display Wheeling ...

Can You Hear The Whistle?

Growing up in an already aging Victorian home, the basement was the warmest place in the house during the winter months and often the coolest in the heat of summer. The low ceiling and thick walls kept the heat from the blazing fireplace in check in December while the tiled floor and large windows allowed bare feet a cooling sensation in July. Our dad often retreated to the basement to escape his growing family and the hustle and bustle of pre-holiday activities. There was a dartboard that saw some action and a Ping Pong table that pitted brother against brother. Dad took up ...

Mansion Museum Is Perfect Place to Make Christmas Memories

My relationship with the Museums of Oglebay Institute began when I was a child and my mother, Margaret O’Malley Bierkortte introduced me to the Sweeney Punch Bowl. An artist, historic preservation advocate and antiques enthusiast, she taught me so much just by sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge. Then as a working adult, I was employed as a public relations professional at the Institute and began this column under the guidance of John Artzberger, who was then the senior curator of the Museums and passed away in November 2001. I’m also proud to say that I am one of the museum ...