Boxing Day originated in England in the middle of the nineteenth century under Queen Victoria. Boxing Day has been a national holiday in England, Wales and Ireland  since 1871.  December 26th is also the feast day of Saint Stephen, the patron saint of horses, which is why Boxing Day has come to be associated with horse racing and fox hunting. […]

By Robert Reed  The Vintage Postcards for the Holidays book includes scores of classic Christmas images from nearly a century ago. Compelling views present early 1900 Yuletide scenes of Santa not only in costumes of red, but also in less frequently found green, blue, and lavender. Other vintage Christmas postcard range from then ‘new’ automobiles to distinguished artists such as […]

By Ann Brandt  Bakelite offers collectors a wide variety of opportunities. Since its invention in 1907, this sturdy plastic has been used in the production of kitchen appliances, serving pieces, dinnerware and flatware, buttons, jewelry, radios, telephones, and other items.  What has been called the material of a thousand uses, Bakelite (pronounced Bay Ka Lite) reached its height of popularity […]

By Bobbie Sweeney  People all over the world set aside at least one day of the year to celebrate the harvest of the land. In America, the first celebration of this kind was instigated by the Pilgrims. ln 1621, they held a three-day festival by order of the Governor of the Colony, William Bradford. The Indians who had become their […]