Paperweights

Beautiful Baubles

Written by Sam Schunk

Crystal paperweights are much more than an object to anchor papers on a desk. Upon closer inspection, patterns, colors and images emerge, such as distinctive flowers, animal shapes or a kaleidoscopic swirl of energy. Light dances across the surface, making the colors beneath the surface of the glass appear even more vivid. Paperweights are a stunning art form, and one with an interesting history.

History of the Lollipop

Written by Suzi Harkola

The Chordettes had a huge hit in 1958 with their pop song about a high school girl with a crush. It went something like this: “Lollipop lollipop, Oh lolli lolli lolli, Lollipop lollipop.....”

Americans have had more than a “crush” on lollipops for decades, and for good reason. These sweet treats on a stick brought smiles, even giggles, to kids of all ages, and neither the treats nor the lickers’ reactions have changed much through the years.

History of the Hawaiian Shirt

Written by Hannah Roberts

Many of us love colorful Hawaiian shirts! Exploring the history of Hawaiian shirts, also known as the Aloha shirt, we see that it can be traced to the 19th century and to the early western missionaries. Those missionaries thought that covering the recent Christianized natives would be more appropriate than allowing them to go topless. In the 1930s, Hawaiian shirts started to be produced commercially. One of the pioneers of the Hawaiian shirt was a Waikiki, Honolulu, Chinese merchant named Ellery Chun. Mr. Chun was the owner of the well-known King-Smith Clothiers and Dry Goods store. He was born in Honolulu in 1909 and died in 2000 at the age of 91.

Flip-flops:

Florida has wonderful places to explore, great places to shop, and many exciting events. What shoes to wear? Flip-flops, of course!

Flip-flops are found in many shops, shoe stores, and online, and are perhaps the most versatile of all sandals. The shoes are comfortable, affordable and adaptable to most any occasion. While exploring the shoreline or sunning by the pool, plain rubber flip-flops are waterproof and quick to dry. When attending a fun gathering, slip your feet into a pair adorned with tiny baubles, such as rhinestones, pearls or shells. They may be flats, platforms or heels. Choose from hundreds of different colorful designs, printed on the tops of the soles, for men and women. Most are made with the y-shape strap, but you can also find those with a single strap crossing the instep.

History of the Calling Card

The Rules of Social Visiting

Written by Melody Tinder

The etiquette of the 17th through the 19th centuries and beyond is visible in vintage black-and-white movies showing women wearing exquisite hand-sown dresses, living in mansions with carved furniture and architectural accents befit for a castle. Servants were the mainstay for the well-to-do and played a vital part in a family’s daily existence. We can only imagine the life of the prominent in those eras, for little of the splendor remains in today’s world. It is peculiar, however, that one tradition, that of the exchange of a little paper card, has made its way down through the ages, even though it has seen drastic transformations for its use.

Calling cards can be traced to China’s 15th century where they originated. The social tradition gained popularity during the 17th century in France and became widely used among the aristocrats and royalty of England during the 1800s when the custom spread throughout Europe and eventually to America.

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