Levi Strauss (February 26, 1829 – September 26, 1902)
Today, 181 years ago, Levi Strauss was born Löb Strauss in the Franconian region of Bavaria. In 1853, he became a US citizen and moved to San Francisco from New York, where he had immigrated at the age of 18. In 1870, a tailor from Nevada named Jacob Davis started making the famous trousers and in 1873, he and Levi were granted a patent for rivet-reinforced pockets on denim work-pants. And, that is how one of the truly American fashion icons was created …
In 2006, Western Union sent its last telegram. A 150-year-old method for sending congratulations, announcements or greetings; it was the IM precursor in fast communication with the benefit of a hard-copy record for future generations to appreciate. Wishing you had known to use it before it was gone? Looking to add a touch of old-world style to your special occasion? Just want a fun, unique look for your correspondence? These letterpress telegram blanks are the answer. Handset with lead type from the early 20th century, my cards are printed on Crane’s Lettra “Pearl White” paper, using a foot-powered 1889 press. Each card measures 4.25 inches x 5.5 inches and comes with a matching envelope, in a set of 10. $16.00 per set.
Recently, I have been looking at getting some business cards printed and was intrigued by letterpress options. While searching for low-cost letterpress printers, I came across the Lucky Duck Press on Etsy.com – who does business cards – and these cool note cards. Don’t they look perfect for little random notes or for any number of other uses?
The quintessential British country squire wears tweed and the classic image of a stuffy old professor generally includes a tweed coat, but tweed is, in my opinion, cool! Originally woven by small crofters for their personal use, tweed is one of the original working man’s fabrics. In the early 19th century, the surplus of these crofters made its way into the London shops with ‘tweel’ (the pattern in which it is woven) being misread as tweed (a famous Scottish river). Under this name, it was advertised and after the death of the 6th Earl of Dunmore in 1843, his widow commissioned a pair of sisters, known as the Paisley Sisters, to weave fabric in the family tartan. This fabric was then made into uniforms for the staff of the Dunmore estate. Being hardwearing, water-resistant, and warm, it was ideal for the gamewardens and the Countess quickly realized that it was ideal for a range of other outdoor pursuits. By the late 1840s, with the Countess’s constant promotion, Harris Tweed was the fabric of choice for the landed gentry and the aristocracy. Read more »
While she is best known for the Migrant Mother, many of her other works are visually more interesting and tell much better stories …
Oregon, August 1939. "Unemployed lumber worker goes with his wife to the bean harvest. Note Social Security number tattooed on his arm." (And now a bit of Shorpy scholarship/detective work. A public records search shows that 535-07-5248 belonged to one Thomas Cave, born July 1912, died in 1980 in Portland. Which would make him 27 years old when this picture was taken.)
Or, something closer to home (aka, North Carolina) …
Fourth of July 1939 near Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Rural filling stations become community centers and general loafing grounds. Cedargrove Team members about to play in a baseball game.
For me, both of these images speak volumes. The top image is of two people that, in today’s world, could make a good living with their looks but who are having to live meal-to-meal. The bottom image shows the type of community that is rare to find today, plus I love the vintage baseball uniforms.
The BBC has a great new program that I have been watching on iPlayer called Around the World in 80 Days. It is part of their charity appeal for Children in Need and is a very interesting program. Based on Phineas Fogs fictional adventure, this program has six pairs of celebrities racing around the world for charity (there is only one rule: No Flying). While you may say, “what another travel program” or “another reality TV show”, it is not that simple. This is real travel! They miss trains, get turned away at borders, have car trouble, and everything else that happens when you travel. But, that is not why I am writing this post … it is because in the last episode (which I have not actually watched but needed to post about this before the auction ends), John Barrowman (of Captain Jack fame) gets a pair of custom cowboy boots from Rocketbuster boots.
Steampunk has arrived at the Museum of the History of Science! In the world’s first purpose-built museum building is the world’s first museum-housed exhibition of steampunk art. Curated by Art Donovan and Jim Bennett, this exhibition is a radical departure for the Museum of the History of Science, and is very successful in blending the artworks in the main special exhibition with a number of museum items displayed in the small basement gallery.
If you are in town, it is definitely worth a visit. We visited the week after it opened on Sunday and we waited in line to enter the exhibition … a real rarity for the Museum! Inside, you are confronted with a variety of steampunk artifacts (for some photos, click here). The overall effect is quite interesting and completely different from any of the other exhibitions that the Museum has housed. The time that we visited, it was very busy and we were not able to spend a lot of time … so, I really need to go back and spend more time examining some of the exhibits closer.
It is a wonderland for the imagination and highly recommended!
What could be more traditional than a handmade baseball or football?
These balls, while being artisanal products, are made for play, according the maker. I would love to have a couple of these balls in my bag for when I want to play catch or have a special game of toss. Of the balls that are currently on for sale, I like the blue & white baseball but for some reason, this football makes me sick! But, except for that one football of the wrong color^, the rest are amazing creations!
The Symbol Coat Rack is half art installation and half functional coat rack. According to the DESU Design website, …
During the coatless summer months the Symbol hangs as a purely aesthetic piece, as the hooks lay flat and belie their function. When needed, the hooks pull smoothly out to help you organize your stuff. Available in monochrome aluminum, or in white with vibrant anodized colors. Monochrome is anodized aluminum finish for both the housing and the hooks. Color has white housing and vibrant color anodized hooks.
Recently, while starting to pack up stuff around the flat, I have been going through the design and architecture magazines and have started to think about what I want in a house when we are back in the USA. One thing that I would like is a great statement piece as either a secondary sink in the kitchen or in a downstairs loo (as they call them here in the UK). This concrete sink, shaped like an ammonite, fits the bill! Read more »
My ideal chair … the Le Corbusier Chaise Lounge is the chair that I have wanted for years for my future library! I like the cowhide versions (like pictured) but it is also available in plain leather. So, one day …
The Le Corbusier Chaise Lounge is one of the most popular and unique chaises available today. It was designed with the idea of “serving” our limbs by providing comfort to the body. Simple shapes contrast with the aesthetic qualities of chromed steel tubing and soft leathers or hides. “The human-limb object is a docile servant. A good servant is discreet and self-effacing in order to leave his master free”. – Le Corbusier
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