The Merriam–Webster online dictionary at http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memorabilia describes the word “memorabilia” as:
Main Entry: mem·o·ra·bil·ia
Pronunciation: ˌme-mə-rə-ˈbi-lē-ə, -ˈbē-lē-ə, -ˈbil-yə
Function: noun plural
Etymology: Latin, from neuter plural of memorabilis
Date: 1785
1 : things that are remarkable and worthy of remembrance
2 : things that stir recollection or are valued or collected for their association with a particular field or interest :mementos <baseball memorabilia>
Where would we be without our memories?
Trish, a family friend, recently sent me an e-mail with photographs of memorabilia which gave me several minutes of delightful childhood reminiscing. I thought I might include them in our blog to see if any of them awaken any family memories you would like to share with us.
- 45-rpm Spindles
- S&H Green Stamps
- Metal Ice Cube Trays
- Beanie and Cecil
- Roller-skate Keys
- Cork Pop Guns
- Marlin Perkins
- Drive-in Theaters
- Drive-in Restaurants
- Oleomargarine
- Car Hops
- Studebakers
- Topo Gigio
- Maytag Washing Machines with Wringers
- The Fuller Brush Man
- Sky King
- Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorders
- Tinker Toys
- Erector Sets
- Lincoln Logs
- 15-Cent Hamburgers
- 5-Cent Packs of Baseball Cards
- Penny Candy
- Penny Postcards
- Jiffy Popcorn
- 25-Cents a Gallon Gasoline
- Gum-wrapper Chains
- Chatty Cathy Dolls
- 5-Cent Cokes
- Speedy Alka-Sellzer
- Falstaff Beer
- Burma Shave Signs
- Brownie Cameras
- Flash Bulbs
- TV Test Patterns
- Chef Boy-AR-dee
- Timmie and Lassie
- Ding-Dong, Avon Calling
Hopefully, some of the above will bring forth a fond memory from your childhood which you might share with the rest of us.
I know the Burma Shave Signs brought forth a delightful memory for me as my father, mother and I were driving to the “big city” of Schenectady for my father to replenish his electrical equipment. He was one of the first electricians in our area to “wire houses” and bring electricity to many farmers.
I vividly recall reading one set of Burma Shave signs which read: ”On curves ahead / remember, sonny / that rabbit’s foot / didn’t save the bunny / Burma Shave!”
I thought it was put there just for me to read! Imagine that.
The signs helped to cheer us up during World War II, and were as much a part of a trip to the city as whipped cream on Mother’s strawberry shortcake.
The Maytag Washing Machines with Wringers brought forth a somewhat sad tale of children assisting their Mothers with wringing out their washing, and getting their arms caught in the wringer. I recall seeing children whose arms were badly scarred by this. The washing machines later had a red release bar above the wringers which would disengage the wringers in case of such an accident.
I also remember oleomargarine which was white, like lard or Crisco, and came in a plastic bag with a small packet of yellow coloring agent which one had to pop open and then massage the bag until the entire mixture was yellow, like butter. My brothers and sisters and I used to sit around in a circle in the kitchen, each taking our turn mixing the oleomargarine and then tossing it on to the next one … it was not an easy task!
Ah, where would we be without our memories?
© 2010 Copyright, Norman R. Brown
