¡VIVA FIESTA! and CHAPULTEPEC for Some Fine Mexican Dining

Let's say you were in Dallas, Texas back in the 1930s. Hankering for some good food. Well, here you go.

This vintage menu was glued into an old scrapbook I bought years ago, thus the damage to the back of the menu. But how about those prices? An entire dinner for $1.00. With what's in my wallet right now I could order the entire menu.

I think the illustration on the front is stunning and decided to create some items in my Cafe Press shop, Tattered and Lost. Take a look!

LIFE INSURANCE Can Be Deceptive

This vintage post card dates back to sometime during the first ten years of the 20th century. An advertising card from "The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company" in New York City. These days they use Charles Schulz's famous beagle Snoopy for their advertising image and it's called Met Life.

Personally I'd like to see Snoopy walking along this hallway smelling the various pillars. But that's just me.

I find the image a little on the odd side. It makes me think of a fun house where someone stands in one part of the room and is suddenly optically much larger than you. I'm going to give the artist the benefit of the doubt that they weren't loopy and instead were indeed drawing inside a house of mystery. Otherwise why would that man in the foreground on the left be so tiny? And why would so many of the folks look like they simply aren't of that building. I get the sense that the little boy in red and his companion are about to slide down the hallway towards the artist.

I'm thinking perhaps that one artist painted the hallway and then they brought in Harry Buckleston* whose claim to fame was drawing tiny people. Harry obviously had an unjustified reputation. They remind me of the little people I used to put out in my train yard.

Okay, even the hallway has some big problems, but by now you've already noticed that.

Still, a fun card even if I do have to wonder why these people have gathered in the hallway. Hmmm...1907 flash mob?

* If you look up Harry Buckleston online I have no idea who you'll find, but I just made the name up so good luck with your search. And someday, someone, is going to actually do a Harry Buckleston search and they're going to be mighty disappointed or surprised.

The BIRDS REVENGE

The day after Thanksgiving it only seems fair to let a large bird seek revenge. Hopefully the 11 turkeys I chased from my front yard this morning will forgive me and not consider doing this to me.

So who was "Wesley A Mix" and why did someone think this an appropriate card for him? I won't even attempt to understand why the card was made at all.

Over the River and Through the Woods TO GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE WE GO

You're on your way there or on your way back. If you're lucky they're coming to your house.

If you didn't take a plane or the bus I'd suggest a Nash. A 1939 Nash ought to do the trick. Bundle up and set out on the highways and byways.

Click on image to see it larger.

And most importantly, Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember those who are not there to celebrate it with you.

This image is from the December 1939 National Geographic.

Forget About Flying and RIDE THE DOG TO MIAMI

Are you standing around in your socks waiting to go through the security check? Are you wondering if you'll get the official government TSA "excuse me sir, but do you have an M.D. to do that" grope?

You could have taken the bus you know. Leave the driving to Greyhound.

And instead of going to North Dakota you could have gone to Miami. This couple has the whole beach to themselves while you're getting an icy pat down in Fargo.

Maybe next year. By then we'll all be flying in white plastic suits provided by the airlines. All of our clothes will need to be stored in the overhead compartment. Oh yes, it's going to start feeling like high school locker rooms before you ever get on a plain. A plastic suit and a paper bag for your clothes. That will be the only carry-on you'll be allowed.

Good times. Good times.

Now, back to that couple on the beach.

The very nice illustration is signed, but I can't read it which is a shame. I'd like to see some more of their work. This is from the December 1939 National Geographic. I love the colors, the movement, and the nice use of white to outline certain areas to give it a glow. Hope to find more by this illustrator.