Stuff From the Box! - SPECIAL EDITION

It's STUFF FROM THE BOX time! Perhaps you read about it in "Colliers" or "Good Housekeeping"? Or at least "Reader's Digest". It's highlights some kooky collections of vintage STUFF. Usually from a box. But today we have some contributions from GDB pal Steve Stuart, AKA Nanook (which is the name I will use henceforth). You know him, you love him. Nanook generously sent along some photos of two treasures, along with some fun info to give some useful context. Hooray! Let's go:

Evidently this matchbook could be had at golf courses located at either the Sepulveda Dam basin or Griffith Park – both in Los Angeles for those unfamiliar.  Presume they were given out at the myriad of eating establishments ‘hosted’ by Bob Feagans. Bob Feagans also ran a few “coffee shops” in Southern California, some delivering to offices, but I was unable to find any specifics other than just two locations, both in medical buildings, about one block apart on Wilshire Blvd., just east of MacArthur Park. 

I pass the Sepulveda Dam golf course on a regular basis, and once, while walking along the beautiful LA River, accidentally found myself on the course. Long story. The golfers love to see random guys on the course!

George Hjelte was the General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks from July, 1949 thru August, 1962, so that range of dates provides a window into when this matchbook was providing the needed ignition for ‘delightful smokes’... and scorekeeping – two activities that always go hand-in-hand – at least as Madison Avenue often portrayed it.

The image printed atop the array of individual matches is a lovely addition (note: matchbooks with images printed on them are called "feature matchbooks"). Folded, the matchbook measures 3-⅜” wide x 4-¼” tall. Unfolded, it’s 7-⅞” tall. 

Oh man! This has introduced a subject that is near and dear to my heart - vintage matchbooks. My collection is paltry compared to those of die-hards, but I still have boxes of them. Once I get my photography setup in order, I will start sharing some of those!

Next, this magnificent copper token (some call them coins!) from the 14th National Foreign Trade Convention Detroit. “This token was molded from salvaged ships of the U.S.A. emergency fleet and presented by the Ford Motor Company”.  Knowing the density of copper, this token is undoubtedly solid copper, so it’s nice to know even in 1927 ‘recycling’ was a thing. The relief of the images is quite striking in-person. I could not find out any information as to if this token was unique swag for this meeting, or it was one of many over the years.

On the obverse it states that The exploits of the hardy Norsemen still inspire the moern trader to seek out the remote corners of the world. Those Norsemen, you never know what they're up to!

Vital stats – definitely a hefty piece: 

70mm (2.75”) diameter 

0.476 centimeters (.1875”) thickness

165g. (5.8 oz.) weight

AWESOME! And now, for a bit of added fun, here are some random items from your old friend Major Pepperidge. Starting with something that is familiar - yet another "Holiday Inn" employee pin, This one is for somebody who has only worked there for four years. See my other two pins for 8 YEARS and 13 YEARS. Those have rare gemstones. I think I want a complete set of pins for a 20-year span, please contribute to my "help Major Pepperidge acquire more crap that he doesn't need" fund TODAY!

I'm all about SAFE DRIVING, and so was the Sun Oil Company. You can encourage safe driving through bonuses or higher wages, but you can also get away with giving drivers a cute li'l pin. I'll bet it worked great, too.

And finally, a painted metal pin featuring Tony the Tiger, one of my favorite cereal mascots. I can only assume that this was a giveaway in which kids could send in five box tops or whatever, though I could find no specific information. The pin is nice and chunky and painted by artisans in Florence, Italy (I recognize the style).

MANY THANKS to Nanook for sharing some of his personal treasures! And as always, there will be more STUFF FROM THE BOX!