Macy’s Department Store

Rowland Hussey Macy opened the doors of his "fancy dry goods store" in lower Manhattan in 1858. He was part of the movement which established Thanksgiving as the 4th Thursday in November and now defines the start of the holiday shopping season. In what’s become just as much of a tradition as turkey dinner with the family is watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving’s Day Parade. This year is extra special as Macy’s Department Store is celebrating is 150 anniversary. Scott sent me the following info about Macy’s Store history and souvenirs.

“Since 1924, Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square New York City, has been billed as the “World’s Largest Store.” The company produces the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which also started in 1924. Back in the 1920s, many of Macy's Department Store employees were first-generation immigrants who were very patriotic and proud of being new Americans. They wanted to celebrate the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving with the type of festivals they had loved in Europe.In 1924, the Thanksgiving Day Parade began with Macy’s employees who dressed in vibrant costumes and marched together. There were also floats, professional bands and live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. At the end of that first parade, as has been the case with every parade since, Santa Claus was welcomed into Herald Square. With an audience of over a quarter of a million people, the parade was such a success that Macy's declared it would become an annual event. Through the 1930s, the Parade continued to grow, with crowds of over one million lining the parade route in 1933. The annual festivities were broadcast on local New York radio through 1941.The parade was suspended for the duration of World War II, but resumed in 1945 using the route that it currently follows. The traditional parade became a permanent part of American culture after being prominently featured in the 1947 film, Miracle on 34th Street. The event was first telecast nationally in 1952. Today, every Thanksgiving morning when you’re cooking the turkey, you can watch the parade.There are only three known version of the Macy’s Department Store building. Most versions of the building are hard to come by. One example is a 4” tall lithograph tin. It’s thought to have had candy or popcorn inside, when it was sold at the store in 1987. Another version is the resin version of the building. It’s a bit smaller than the tin box, but accurately depicts the Macy’s flagship store down to the large shopping bag. It is more crudely made and most likely comes from a manufacturer in China.The latest version is a current one that depicts the department store inside of a snow globe. Made for the Christmas season, it features the familiar Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons surrounding New York City buildings (including the twin towers of the Word Trade Center) as the snow swirls around them. The end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade signals the official start of the Christmas shopping rush. Maybe you should consider a version of this historic department store to get or give this upcoming holiday season.” – Scott

Pilgrim Monument at Provincetown, Mass

Scott’s Thanksgiving-themed trifecta of continues to another monument which honors Pilgrims. Click on photo above to get a closer view of the details and differences of these souvenirs.

“Another monument associated with the Pilgrims is the Pilgrim Monument located in Provincetown, Mass. It is where the Pilgrims first set foot on the soil of America (even though Plymouth Rock gets all the glory) and spent five weeks exploring the tip of Cape Cod before sailing on to where Plymouth Colony would be founded. The Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association was founded in 1892 with a purpose is to commemorate the Mayflower Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World in November 1620. Also, the association commemorates the Mayflower Compact, which established the rule of law for the new land. With $92,000 raised for construction, the association decided to base the monument’s design on the bell tower or campanile of the Torre del Mangia in Siena, Italy. Architect Willard T. Sears designed what is still the tallest, all-granite structure in the United States at 252 feet. The Monument’s cornerstone was laid on August 20, 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt in a grand Masonic ceremony. Roosevelt traveled to Cape Cod for the ceremony by way of his home in Oyster Bay, Long Island on the presidential yacht, coincidentally named the Mayflower. By August of 1909, the monument was almost completed, except for the interior steps and ramps. This stair/ramp system was patterned after those in the campanile at San Marco in Venice, Italy. The San Marco had collapsed in 1902 and was being rebuilt at the same time the Pilgrim Monument was taking shape. The dedication in 1910 was held on August 5, the same date the Pilgrims set sail for America. On the day before the ceremony, the Atlantic Fleet of the U. S. Navy sailed into the harbor. Early that morning, President Taft was taken by carriage to the monument, and at 11 o’clock the dedication ceremony took place. Souvenir versions of the monument were made soon after the dedication. Many of the early versions are lead with bases showing part of the hill the monument is built upon. Some of these early versions were painted to reflect the way the real monument looks. There have been many different versions and sizes over the years. Currently, a Bates and Klinke pewter version for sale that is highly detailed and well worth the money. Spoontiques, a manufacturer and distributor of gifts and collectibles, currently has a 2 1/2" tall version as well. Planning for the 100th anniversary celebration of the tower has begun, with many events proposed in the coming year. It is no doubt that not only does the Pilgrim Monument serve as a reference point for sailors, but for landlubbers and souvenir building hunters as well.” –Scott.

Plymouth Rock

Scott’s second installment examines the famous rock itself and souvenirs over the years.

“In 1741, when a wharf was to be built, a 94-year-old Church Elder named Thomas Faunce identified the precise rock his father had told him was the first solid ground the Pilgrims set foot on. (However, the Pilgrims had actually first landed near the site of modern Provincetown on the tip of Cape Cod in November 1620 before moving to Plymouth). Later in 1774, the townspeople of Plymouth decided to move the rock. The rock split into two halves, and it was decided to leave the bottom portion behind at the wharf and relocate the top half to the town's meeting house. In 1859, the Pilgrim Society began building a Victorian canopy designed by Hammatt Billings around a part of Plymouth Rock. Later, iron gates were added to stop souvenir hunters. Following the canopy’s completion in 1867, the top of the rock was moved from Pilgrim Hall back to its original spot at the wharf. At that time, the date ‘1620’ was carved into the rock. Miniature souvenir versions of the original 1867 canopy are very rare as it was torn down prior to the 1920’s. Made as either a paperweight or clock, it is an outstanding piece made in 1893 for the Pilgrim Society by Edesmad F.C. Co. located in Plymouth Mass. A roman columned portico canopy was designed by McKim, Mead and White and currently protects Plymouth Rock. As for then famous rock itself, there are many souvenir versions of it from ceramic to pot metal and even glass. Plymouth gift shops continue the souvenir trend with resin copies. It is interesting to note that during the rock's many journeys throughout the town of Plymouth, numerous pieces of the Rock were taken, bought and sold. So, it’s possible to have a souvenir of the real rock. Currently, Plymouth Rock is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as part of Pilgrim Memorial State Park. From May to Thanksgiving Day, Pilgrim Memorial is staffed by Park Interpreters who inform visitors of the history of Plymouth Rock and answer questions. So, during your next visit to Plymouth, be sure not only to check out the gift shops, but the real Plymouth Rock as well.” – Scott.

Plymouth Massachusetts Souvenirs

Best known for being the landing site of the Mayflower, Plymouth was the location of the first Thanksgiving feast. As Thanksgiving approaches, reader Scott D. did some research and gobbled up facts about turkey-day souvenir buildings. He serves them up for everyone to feast upon...

“Plymouth Massachusetts was founded in 1620 by the Pilgrims and, unlike Jamestown, was founded by citizens who were fleeing religious persecution and searching for a place to worship God as they saw fit. This search for religious freedom led to the founding of the 2nd permanent English colony in America. One souvenir that is very appealing includes all the high points of interest in the town of Plymouth. Included are the Founding Fathers Monument, Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Plantation, Massasoit Statue, The Mayflower and Plymouth Light. This piece was made in the 1950-60’s and was manufactured in Japan. (Many such cityscapes from the time period are manufactured there as well) It is mostly found as a paperweight, but has been made as an ashtray as well. One of the points of interest on the left of the cityscape is the Statue of Massasoit. Massasoit (meaning “great sachem”) was the name used by the Pilgrims for the leader of the Wampanoag tribe. His real name was Wawmegin, or "Yellow Feather." Massasoit remained friendly and accommodating to the newcomers throughout his lifetime. With Massasoit’s help, the colony’s success was ensured. The statue of Squanto is not far from Plymouth Rock. Not surprising, there are souvenirs of the statue. One is from the 1920-1940’s and is on the left in the photo below. It is made of lead, but the manufacture is unknown. Another version of the same statue is from the 1950-1970’s made out of pot metal, on right in the photo below. It is most likely made in Japan. This version has the full bolder base of the real statue. There probably are more monument statues from the Plymouth area. If anyone knows of any more, please feel free to leave a comment. In the next few days, I will introduce other souvenir monuments and buildings related to the Pilgrims." - Scott.

JFK Assassination Site in Dallas

President John F. Kennedy was killed on this day, Nov.22, in 1963. A rare and morbid metal souvenir building of the assassination area was created the year after the tragic event. About six versions seem to have been created and are slightly different. All are a desk sets, but one has a pen holder and the other a well for pins or paper clips. The inscription reads "Assassination Site of President John F. Kennedy Nov 22, 1963.” The Texas School Book Depository building is in the upper right corner with a Hertz Rent-A-Car Chevrolets sign on the top with a clock displaying the time of 12:29. Elm Street has an X to mark the spot where Kennedy was hit. The grassy knoll area, type reads "Dallas Texas." Elm Street goes under a railroad bridge on the left. The Book Depository is at Houston St. on the right. A 1963 John F. Kennedy coin is mounted in the metal. The bronze-finish metal replica measures 5.75" by 7.5" and 7" tall. A maker mark on the bottom says Edward R. Reed 1964 Historical Enterprises, Inc. 707 W. Davis, Dallas TX. Estimated numbers produced rage from 100 to 1000. The Late Dixie Trainer, an avid building collector, wrote an article about this building replica and called it, “The Strangest Souvenir Building Ever Made.” It seems 1964, as now, theses replicas are a controversial souvenirs.

Ceramic Tiles with Architectural Themes

Fellow Building Collector Joe K. sent me this tip about ceramic tiles he saw at an art show in the N.Y.C. area. New York relief tiles are handcrafted by Denis De Long, a NY artist who sells her items online and in area markets. What a great idea for accent tiles in a kitchen or bath of an architectural enthusiast. There are incredibly detailed with various scenes of New York City. Square ceramic tiles of The Brooklyn Bridge and Grand Central Station are included. She also makes ceramic ornaments of the Chrysler Building, East River bridges, Manhattan Skyline, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Statue of Liberty and Washington Square Arch. Denise describes her aesthetic as “Urban Craft” to “Mid-Century Modern”. The New York City Tiles and Ornaments celebrate today's urban experience while paying homage to such architectural treasures. She is inspired by the unique landscape of the city and the never ending energy of its people.

Baku’s Maiden Tower

I found this resin souvenir building recently and wanted to know what was the inspiration and where it resides. The city of Baku is the capital and largest city in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The most majestic and mysterious monument of Baku is Gyz Galasy, or “The Maiden Tower,” which was once called Göz Qalası or "The Eye Tower." The Maiden Tower is one of Azerbaijan's most distinctive national emblems, which is on Azeri currency notes. It houses a museum and a gift shop. The view from the roof takes in the alleys and minarets of the Old City, the Maritime National Park, the De Gaulle house and a wide vista of the Baku Bay. In recent years the brazier on the top has been lit during the nights of the Novrous festival. Constructed in the 12th century, or possibly earlier, the tower’s architectural style and construction sequence are obscure. Estimates for its age go back to an unlikely 2,500 years. It was built by the 12th century architect Masud ibn Davud, who was probably the father of the architect of Mardakan Round Tower. There are a number of competing explanations for the “Maden” name: One legend concerning a maiden who threw herself off its top, to her death in the waves below. Another idea stems from the fact that the tower has never been taken by force. Finally, some consider that it was once a watch tower. The old town area of Baku was originally on the shore of the Caspian Sea. Due to land reclamation in the early 20th century, the tower is now separated from the Caspian by a busy main road and public gardens.

Nuclear Power Plant Building Art

Miniature nuclear power plant replicas which glow are intriguing and frightening at the same time. British Artist Kate Williams works in glass and light. Made of Uranium glass, which contains uranium prior to melting, the building replicas emit a yellow / green glow. Created using a lost wax mold, the kiln cast building replicas include ultra violet neon light box to illuminate them. The artist collaborated with John Lloyd to create a series of uranium glass sculptures of Nuclear Power Stations. These miniature building sculptures are of actual and fictional nuclear power stations including Doel in Belgium, Sizewell in Suffolk and Dounreay in Caithness, Scotland. Also included is a fictional plant from The Simpsons animated TV cartoon series. The use of uranium has been used as a safe colorant in glass since the mid-19th Century. In an artist’s statement she says, “… it suggests the vitrification of nuclear waste as a way of dealing with the nuclear legacy. They address the death of the excitement for the post-war nuclear dream and the consequent de-commissioning of these buildings and the current debate on recommissioning and renewables.”

European Souvenirs of the Great War

Avid Building Collector reader Scott D., researched WWI monuments and sent me this post to share with everyone:

“Since November 11th is upon us (The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th Month), I thought it would be a great time to explore souvenir buildings of the Great War (WWI). Shortly after World War I, many of the countries that fought in the war started to commission and build monuments to the men and women who fought on Flanders Field. Many of these monuments were build in the 1920 and 30’s. Soon after the monuments were erected, souvenirs were made for either the dedication ceremony or for the returning veterans and their families touring the battlefields. Many WWI souvenir monuments have been made in France. Inkwells seem to be a popular function. One such souvenir is of the Bayonet Trench that is located at Verdun. This version is a very rare piece most likely made between when it was dedicated in 1920 to 1930’s. A French WWI army helmet hides the inkwell.
Another souvenir from Verdun is the Douaumont Ossuaries. The real monument contains the remains of 130,000 unknown French and German soldiers who fell on the battlefields of Verdun. This paperweight is most likely made in the 50’s or 60’s for tourists visiting the monument.
One battle beside Verdun commemorated in souvenir buildings is the battle of Ypres 1914-1918. One such souvenir is of the Ypres Canadian, a brooding soldier monument. This souvenir is made of brass and could have been manufactured in England. There have been several versions of this same brass souvenir with different bases. There appears to have been a crude recast made in more recent times (center photo).
Brass U.K. made souvenirs from Ypres perhaps due to the large number of British Empire troops which were engaged in the battle. Another example of English brass work is of the Menin Gate. The memorial opened on 24 July 1927 as a monument dedicated to the missing British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the fierce battles around the Ypres Salient area who have no known grave.
Not to be left out, the Hill 60 monument is also from this same battlefield. It is made of brass and commemorates the fierce battle that took place between German and English troops who captured and retook the area repeatedly. Later, during WWII, Hill 60 was also the sight of a desperate battle between the Germans and A Company of the 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers in May 1940. The memorial's plaque to the Australian miners bears the scars of this battle.

One of the strangest souvenirs from the battlefields of WWI France are the Voie Sacrée ("Sacred Way"). This is the name given to the road between Bar-le-Duc and Verdun, because of the vital role that it played in the Battle of Verdun during World War I. These terracotta and ceramic souvenir monuments claim to contain the sacred soil from the Verdun and Somme battle fields (Depending on what battle is inscribe on the outside) and are plugged on the bottom with wax. Pick one up and you’ll hear the sacred soil moving inside.
Notre Dame de Lorette commemorates bloody fighting from January - March 1915, in which the 31st Battalion of French infantry eventually held the line and saved their country. Souvenirs of Notre Dame de Lorette of both the Church (rebuilt after the war) and the Lantern Tower appear to be from the 1920-30’s - just like most of the souvenirs of WWI monuments. Both are French made and it also seems that most WWI souvenirs appear to be made in the country whose troops it commemorates.
Two other WWI-associated souvenir monuments are the Marine-Ehrenmal in Laboe, Germany and The Ijzer Tower in Diksmuide, Belgium. Both memorials were completed after WWI. The Marine Ehrenmal monument was completed in 1936 and was a memorial to the First World War fallen German marines. Since WWII, it is now a memorial to fallen seamen of all nations. The souvenirs of this memorial are in different sizes. Some are ashtrays, bookends and paperweight. Most appear to have been made in the 50’s – 70's in Germany.
The Ijzer Tower was constructed from 1951-1965. Inside, there is a museum which covers the history of WWI and Flemish nationalism. Souvenirs of the tower are from the 50’s and 60’s and are in various sizes.

At 5:10 am, 11 November 1918, representatives of the German high command signed the armistice dictated to them by Marshal Foch, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces. Six hours later at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, World War I ended. The Armistice Monument in Compiegne, France is dedicated to Alsace Lorraine and consists of a bronze sculpture of a sword striking down the Imperial Eagle of Germany framed by sandstone from Alsace. An Armistice monument souvenir recently sold on eBay for $220.

Not only does each of these souvenir buildings bring to mind the sacrifice and remembrance of the fallen on both sides, but also a remembrance of a visit to the battlefields of WWI .” – Scott

London Architectural Festival

To paraphrase a JELL-O slogan…"Watch the cathedral wiggle, see it jiggle." During the London Architectural Festival, St Paul's Cathedral was depicted in traditional English jelly. An Architectural Jelly Design Competition at University College London featured molded jelly buildings which were then auctioned for charity. Reader, Scott D. sent me this tip about the festival held this past June. The Jelly competition was described this way: “Architectural Foodsmiths Bompas & Parr invite you to enter a fantastical jelly world. Performers wearing vast jelly costumes will dance around an altar containing an array of over 1000 specially commissioned jellies. Guests will be invited to participate in the jellymongers' transubstantiation ritual of turning jelly into architecture.” Organizers invited guests to “Come dressed like a trifle or tasty dessert and ready to party long into the night.” Another event was “jelly wrestling.” Do participants wrestle among the jelly buildings? Must look like Godzilla and mothra fighting. During the London Architectural Festival offered activities in five hub areas across the city, bringing large scale temporary structures and major street closures animated by art, music, dance and exhibitions. Also offered were walks, talks, boat and bicycle rides and performances to London’s architecture novices and industry experts alike. 250,000 people attended Festival events and many thousands more saw the street gallery exhibitions and installations located around the city. Sadly, the next festival won't be held until 2010. Check out this video of some other events. Do you know of other festivals featuring architecture?