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Scherenschnitte is a paper cutting art form. It was known to the ancient Chinese and others, and it became popular again in the early 1800s, especially in the Pennsylvania area. A group of the pictures were sold at folk art auctions in New England about 2011 to 2019. They often pictured a spread-wing eagle with lacy trim. Each was signed "G.B. French." They were described as the work of an artist working in the early 1800s. Other folk art theorems and watercolors were part of his signed work. Most were mounted in frames about 15 inches by 22 inches with painted corner blocks. We were ...

Antiques & Collecting: Collectibles with company logos

Company logos are a quick message to customers that identify a product on a store shelf or in an ad on TV explaining quality or improvements. Very few have been changed but many have been updated for a more modern look. The clothing, hairdos and changes in the style of the letters have made the Morton’s Salt girl or the Quaker Oats man look like contemporary customers, not an old-fashioned product. The logo showing the Morton’s girl holding an umbrella has been used since 1914 with at least seven changes, so that by her 100th birthday, she had a knee-length yellow dress and short ...

Off the Shelf: Ring in the new year with new books

I hope you all had wonderful holidays. Mine were quiet and cozy, and I made plenty of time for reading. Here are some of the books I enjoyed while sipping my hot cocoa. Senator Cleo McDougal is eyeing a presidential run when MaryAnne, her former best friend from high school, writes an op-ed that goes viral. MaryAnne asserts that “Cleo McDougal is not a good person” and Cleo is left doing damage control, even though she’d rather not rehash past regrets. Her chief of staff suggests a media blitz during which Cleo does exactly that: addresses her ten biggest regrets, including the ...

Park & Rec Reports

We are open! Masks must be worn anytime in the Rec and Civic Centers, including when working out or playing sports. Everyone entering must do a self-screening at the door prior to entering. If you answer yes to any of the questions, you may not enter. Everyone must check in at the Welcome desk prior to exercising and maintain 12’ physical distance. Members are asked to limit socializing while in the building. Please bring your own water bottle, as the water fountains remain turned off. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday from 5 a.m. to ...

Park & Rec Report

We are open! Masks must be worn anytime in the Rec and Civic Centers, including when working out or playing sports. Everyone entering must do a self-screening at the door prior to entering. If you answer yes to any of the questions, you may not enter. Everyone must check in at the Welcome desk prior to exercising and maintain 12’ physical distance. Members are asked to limit socializing while in the building. Please bring your own water bottle, as the water fountains remain turned off. We will be open this weekend, both days from 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Starting Monday, January 4, Hours will ...

Antiques & Collecting: Paris porcelain

Paris porcelain is often a mystery to collectors. Sometimes it is sold as Vieux Paris or Old Paris. It was made in the 18th or early 19th century. Most pieces are not marked, but the porcelain is very white and the decorations are usually elaborate with many colors and gold trim. It was made by several different Paris potteries. A 19th-century cylindrical Paris porcelain vase decorated on the front with a painting of Cupid and Psyche sold for $244 at a Neal auction recently. There was standing putto on the back, and the vase had a blue base with gold shaped trim. Other pieces of Paris ...