1970s and 80s thrift store flashbacks

During my retro treasure hunts, I often come across all manner of items that bring me right back to my youth.  Check out the abundance of groovy 70's, and awesome 80's goodness I came across in the recent past..

Westclox alarm clock made in the good ol' USA.  This technological wonder features a dimly back lit orange face for easy nighttime viewing, snooze button, and second hand.  I couldn't resist, and had to buy it.

 Cool ceramic bank. (perfect for my kiddo's)

Coffee mugs that reminded me of ones my grandma had

Wild Mushroom mugs that many folks owned in the 70's

 Old wooden sign circa 1975. It reminded me of signs

my old man decorated his barber shop with.

I remember tons of folks owning souvenir wooden clogs from Holland in the 70's and 80's.  Interestingly enough, this pair has some considerable wear on the soles!

An old filmstrip projector like the ones used in schools during the 70's and 80's.  I remember some teachers letting their favorite student's operate the machines for them, while they would grade papers, read, or sometimes nap.

It's not every day you run across a Rick Springfield 8-Track!

The Florida Gulf Coast.. an Alligator and Kitsch enthusiasts dream

I had an absolute blast vacationing down South last year, and the merchandise I come across in Florida gift shops and stores never ceases to amuse me.   Ever since I was a kid, I've been amazed by Alligators.  I mean, after all.. these creatures roamed with the Dinosaurs, and I guess could even be called modern day dinosaurs in their own right.



Apart from the massive amounts of great Alligator items I saw last time around, there was also plenty of great Florida kitsch.  Check out some of these great items below..

 Happy Gator Wine Bottle holder

 Gator Hammock Seasonings and Spices
(Some of these came home with me)

Gator Letter Opener

Hand Blown Glass Gator Wine bottle stopper 

 Ceramic hanging signs

 Crafty Alligator toy

 Almost bought this just for the heck of it

Gator Toilet paper caddys

 Manatee Wine (or beer) holder

 Bought some of these, and they were delicious!

 Another near impulse buy

 Wicked looking Rattler Wine Bottle holder

I love hitting the souvenir shops and tourist traps in Florida.  If I come across any good finds next time I visit (and I know I will) I'll make sure to post more pictures here.

Stumped while Retro treasure hunting

It's not too often that I get stumped identifying items while perusing the aisles of flea markets, thrift stores, or antique malls.  However, late last year I came across an item that had me a bit perplexed.  Check it out..

It's a sculpture of some cat with a fu manchu sitting in a red chair, atop a cracked piece of ground with patches of grass.  Furthermore, he has a ciggy in his mouth, a sack full of who knows what in his left hand, and something resembling a spike free chain mace in his right hand. It wasn't very old, was cast out of resin, and had no trademarks on it whatsoever.

What may even be more perplexing, is that there were three of these puppies on the shelf.  Who is this cat?  What's in the bag?  What's that in his other hand?  Is he some sort of Spanish Godfather? Officiant? Gaucho? Banker?

I'm sure there's a simple answer, but for the life of me I can't find one.  Any ideas? 

Mom's old cookie Jar

I went to my Mom and Dad's house recently and saw something I haven't seen in over two decades.  My Mom's old cookie jar!

Mom brought it down from the closet and placed it on the table recently.  Her mother gave it to her years ago before I even came along, so I'm thinking this cookie jar is from the 60s.

Seeing this kitschy ceramic turtle once again, certainly brought back a lot of good memories.  From Mom's homemade oatmeal raisin cookies she used to fill the jar with, to the way I could skillfully replace the lid without making any noise whatsoever. Seeing my old green pal instantly had me reunified with great memories that I had all but forgotten about.