By Barry Krause    “By the latter part of 1956, there were already hundreds of items that appeared in every department store, drugstore, specialty shop and music store in the country. There were bubble gum cards, pin-back buttons, handkerchiefs, dolls, guitars, billfolds, photograph albums and… you could even buy sideburns from a coin-operated machine,” says the Elvis Presley collectibles section of […]

By Paula Svincek    The first day of summer is here, with the Fourth of July rapidly approaching. Florence’s Wet and Dry Parade on Independence Day is always a hit with young and old alike. Everyone is looking forward to the festivities during the three-day holiday event in Pioneer Park, as well as an opportunity to stroll the streets of Florence […]

By Robert Reed    At the height of the county’s quest for independence and freedom from foreign domination, America’s leaders selected the eagle as its national symbol.    Historians note that the American eagle was officially adopted in June of 1782 by an act of the Continental Congress. It was a suitable choice.    In writing suggestions earlier to the selection committee Philadelphia […]

By Carol Mobley    First let me say, “I love books.” I love to read, I love the smell of the ink on the paper, I love the feel of turning a page as you read. I love it when an author is especially talented and writes an engaging story but I also love it when a book has an interesting […]

By Anne Gilbert    Chrome was a trendy category from the 1930s to 1940s. It was first made by the Chase Brass and Copper Company in Waterbury, Connecticut.    The name “Chase” became practically synonymous with chrome. As a new and different material it attracted top name designers. It also appealed to young marrieds who couldn’t afford sterling silver, but most pieces […]