Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Way Back When-sday: What is that?

I'm always amazed when I go to a museum, or historic site, and find an object that would have been common to people from a by-gone era, but looks completely foreign now. Some items remain timeless (think toilet or bicycle), but many come and go.

I worked at the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site for ten years and we had quite a few of those unique objects. One of my favorite things to do was stump our visitors. I'd hold up an item that someone could have easily identified in 1910--and would receive hundreds of guesses.

Here are two items that were common in the early 1900's. Can you guess what they are?

Item #1

Item #2


Item #2 comes apart...
Your Turn: I'd love to hear your guesses!

13 comments:

  1. Glove stretcher and an ink well? (I need to come visit you next time I am in town. I love the Lindbergh center)

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  2. I was thinking ink well for the second one, too. The first one, I have no idea, but I like Kate's answer. :)

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  3. Oh, boy. I had thought a chamber pot for the second one. Guess I didn't think it could be a small item! :)

    The first one? No idea either. Fake scissors? I'm stumped.

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  4. At first I thought the first one was some kind of shoe horn thingy, but now that Kate mentioned it, I can't think beyond that. The second one looks almost like a potpourri jar or a place they dropped their rings, but the kiddos are begging for attention, must go!

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  5. Um, something for a lady's hair? Yeah, I don't think that's it but I have no other guesses. And yeah, I'm gonna cheat and say ink well, but I definitely didn't think of it on my own!! Haha.

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  6. Is the porcelain jar a hair catcher? Although why you would want to do that ....

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  7. #1 - a sling shot?
    #2 - no clue...

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  8. No clue about #1, but I think number two is either a chamber pot or spittoon.

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  9. Loving the guesses! :) I'll share the correct answers on Friday. Keep them coming!

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  10. I know what they are, but I won't spoil the fun! Found an item like number two at a thrift store for three dollars and had to have it! It was beautiful white with dainty roses painted on it. One of my treasures that my children have no clue why I like it so much!

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  11. Color me clueless, Gabrielle - I've no idea! *trying to resist Google-ing them* Can I just agree with Kate and Melissa Tagg? ;)

    Wanted to stop by and thank you kindly for the comment and following Dreaming Under the Same Moon today, Gabrielle. I certainly appreciate it and hope you enjoyed your visit. You are welcome anytime. :)

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  12. This is fun, Gabrielle. I have to confess I have no clue about these. Kate's answers sound best to me. I was trying to be creative with number two. At first I thought Potpourri burner, but I doubt they would have spared candles for that purpose back in the day.....

    Looking forward to hearing the answers. :)

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