Another treasure with a little history!

So the other day I brought home this pair of wooden shoe lasts......Looking on the bottom I see this marking for Jones & Vining, Inc.  So I do what I always do and looked it up on the web.....

Only to discover this company"s long history of manufacturing....on it's website the Jones & Vining, Inc. state  "A last is the foot-shaped form over which a shoe is made and is the single most important and scientific element in shoemaking. The last determines the shape, look or fashion of the shoe; it determines the fit and size of the shoe; as well as influencing the shoe's tread, heel height, toe shape, comfort and overall balance and proportion of the shoe."   They are still in business and have moved on to more technologically advanced shoe lasts.   http://jonesandvining.com/history.html

Okay I am probably the only one that....
1. Even cares about the history of the shoe last.
2. Thinks that is super cool how a shoe is made.
3. Has a shoe last hanging on her wall (have had it forever and just think it looks neat).

These boys (I say that because they look like men's feet) are at my Etsy store for sale......http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38473194

Thrifty finds and a little history lesson

Yesterday was a rare day when the whole family wanted to go with me to some thrift stores. I picked up a few treasures. This cute little squirrel toothpick holder was too adorable to pass up for 25 cents. Made in Japan in 1978! Drama Queen wanted to put it in her room on her shelf-I had to wrestle it from her hands!!! At another thrift store, I found this plate for under $3. I bought it because I liked the white and black look. Plus the little picture was intriguing too. Maybe it's the historian in me but I love to come home and try to research my treasures. Where they came from, what they were used for, etc. I found out that this plate marked Sterling on the back is restaurant ware. What I also discovered was the Nassau Inn. It's in Princeton, NJ! It still is in business and with a rich history. I linked my title to the official website-very interesting! In 1776, the signers of the Declaration of Independence stayed there.

Then it makes me wonder-how did this plate get to Northern California from New Jersey? One of these days if I ever make it to Princeton-say Boy Wonder gets accepted there- I may just have to check out the restaurant!

So for under $4-I am a happy camper. Not only did I pick up some things that I liked but also have some history. It really doesn't take much to make me happy!!! Does anyone else like to research their treasures?