From the Bookshelf

I've had the cast iron shoe form/last for so long, I forget where it came from. It's about 6 3/4 inches long, and marked only with a "C". Over the years, it's been moved around from bookshelves to tabletops, settling (for now) on top of some books, sitting on my coffee table. Who knows where he will travel to next?



I recently purchased these two books because of their subject matter: A Treasure Book of Homecraft (1934) and the Ontario Public School Health Book (1925).

Although I wasn't looking for information on the benefits of leeching, I was disappointed to find a lot of up-to-date information in the health book. Yet there are some interesting little tidbits, such as:

"Since all agree that the excessive use of alcohol is the cause of much crime, disease, and misery, and since the effect of even a small quantity is insidious in lessening self-control and will power, it is surely foolish in the extreme to have anthing to do with alcohol."

"The best way to take care of the hair is to wash and bush it regularly. Boys should wash their heads every week. Girls may wash theirs less frequently, for as a rule they seldom get it into the condition requiring such frequent washing as do the more active boys."

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Published by The National Girls' Work Board of the Religious Education Council of Canada, A Treasure Book of Homecraft was a pleasure to read. Below, the table of contents and a page listing sample budgets for families earning $125 to $200 per month (click on photos to enlarge):




The book advises married couples: Probably the finest and happiest safeguard against undue interest in this factor [sex] is the arrival of a child to bless the home.

Some advice never gets old.

Biscuits and Cigarettes

I don't consider myself a collector of vintage tins, but these cigarette and biscuit tins appealed to me. When I purchased the Players tins a few years ago, I thought they'd be perfect containers for holding all sorts of goodies in a vintage swap. Unfortunately, I've not yet registered for a swap -- it's on my list of things to do.



I'm especially fond of the Black Cat tins because I have a black cat (though she doesn't smoke). Written on the inside of the lid: Extra Mild Quality Superfine. Black Cat Cigarettes are Guaranteed made entirely from 100% pure mild unadulterated Virginia Leaf. Naturally Matured. Carreras Limited Famous for Fine Quality Since 1788. Fact No. 6, Made in Canada, Port 13D.



This sweet tin once held biscuits from Huntley and Palmers -- famous for their uniquely shaped containers. This one is called the Worcester Caddy and was manufactured in 1959. Go here to read more about the company and its tins. If you're interested in collecting Huntley and Palmers, their tins are well-marked (click on photo to enlarge):

Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees

In the 60's, when I was 11 or 12, I was a huge Monkees fan -- I had their albums and never missed their silly, but fun television show. I loved all the band members, but liked Mike Nesmith best (must've been the hat). One Christmas, my sister and I found these scarves under the tree:




The scarves measure 27 X 28 inches, and one still has a sewn-in tag attached: Glamour Crepe / Hand Rolled / Water Repellent / Made in Japan.

Of course, as much as I adored the gift and the band, I wouldn't have been caught dead wearing the scarf. I am glad I kept them, though.