Historic Homes of America: The Crane Estate

  The Crane Estate, located in Ipswich, Massachusetts, was the summer home of Richard T. Crane, Jr., son of the founder(with the same name) of R.T. Crane & Bro. which later became the Crane Company.  Richard Jr. purchased the property in 1910, and built the first version of the house as well as the gardens in 1912.  It was then torn down in 1924 and was finished being rebuilt in 1928, which is the home that stands now.  David Adler designed the home in a 17th Century Stuart style, with the gardens having remained unchanged, designed by the Olmstead Brothers.  Richard Jr. married Florence Higinbotham in 1904, and they had two children, Florence and Cornelius. Richard Jr. was a member of the Jekyll Island Club, which was a prestigious club with members of the Vanderbilt, Astor, Rockefeller, and other wealthy families.  The Crane Company still exists today, but the house and its grounds are owned by The Trustees of Reservations, who received the property after the death of Richard Jr.'s wife in 1949.

My visit to the Crane Estate corresponded with the Roaring Twenties Lawn Party held there every year, so I was only able to get one shot of the outside.

Further Research:
Crane Co. - History
Trustees of Reservations: Crane Family Collection
Wikipedia: Castle Hill(the grounds of the house)
Trustees of Resrvations: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Ephemera: Writings of the Past II

  During my birthday antiquing trip I found some amazing antique postcards that I just had to add to my collection.
(As before, I'll copy them as close as I can, and will put question marks next to unsure words.)

Who Is Going To Blow?.-

Posted Nov 1, 1916
Mildred Johnston
Donellson, Ill.
We are all well.  tell Larence we do not want the turnips we got here at home.
from Ma.

When you play for me so sweet,

I'm completely at your feet.

Posted Mar 5, 1910
Miss Florence Arnsmeyer
425. Lake Ave.
St. Louis, Mo
Dear Friend
Recieved you card was very glad to hear from you.
I guess you had a good time Sunday by Ida.  Flora ask Lillie why she didn't anser my card.
from your Friend
Emma
ans soon

-What's The Use-

No postmark
Mr. C(?). H. Rudluff(?)
70 Post -Master
New York, N.Y.
Came home yesterday want to go back again but the Dr. wants me to stay here for a while, so it don't look like I will get to go.  we are a(?) going(?) ___(?) to the hospital this afternoon
will write you to-night if nothing happens
E(?). A. W(?).
U.S.S. North Dakota

Birthday Greetings

No postmark
Mrs. Nesbitt
Attica __(?), N.Y.
(Inside)
To Mrs. Nesbitt
From Mrs. Johnson
732 - 6th RN.(?)

For The Love Of Vintage Plastics: My Celluloid Collection

   My celluloid collection has been, almost accidentally, steadily growing since I started collecting antiques.  It turned out many of the items I wanted to buy were made from celluloid, which heightened my interest in learning about this plastic.

  As I had mentioned in my post about celluloid, I first became interested in collecting this plastic through searching for decorative hair combs.  Most hair combs from the 1910s-1930s are made from celluloid, so my love of combs inadvertently started my love of celluloid.

Decorative hair combs, circa 1910s-1920s. 
(There's a possibility the tortoiseshell comb is galaith, but with no markings I suppose I'll never know.)

  I then became intrigued by the beautiful dresser sets of the 1920s-1930s, many of which were made of a mother of pearl-like celluloid.  This type continues to be my favorite form of the plastic, and I struggle with having the will power to not purchase all of it.

 My pieced together, almost matching, dresser/toilet set in Maize Pearl with black edging, circa 1920s-1930s.

Button hook and cuticle cutter are from the same set, unmarked.

Mirror from a different set, unmarked.

Brush from a different set, marked 'DuPont USA'.

Shoe horn, circa 1920s.  A different pattern of pearl, marked 'Hampton Arch Amerith'.

Comb marked 'Lady Bobbie Trade~Mark' in Maize Pearl with rainbow swirl edging, circa 1920s-1930s.  While cleaning I broke off two of the teeth.  I managed to super-glue them back on, but I won't be able to use it now for fear of further damage.  Take it from me - be gentle with vintage plastics!

 Fold-up mirror in White Pearl, circa 1950s.  Marked 'Japan'.

  The rest of the pieces I've acquired are of the French Ivory/Ivorine/Pyralin style. 

Another dresser/toilet set, more specifically a manicure set, all matching, circa 1920s-1930s.  The close ups of the handles visibly show the faux striations to mimic true ivory.

Floral brooch, circa 1930s-1950s.  Not the usual French Ivory type, has no lines and light blushes of paint on the flowers.

Glove stretcher, marked 'French Ivory', 'Made in England', circa 1900-1910.  This is the only celluloid piece I bought not because it was celluloid, since at the time I thought French Ivory meant actual ivory.

My current whole collection.