Collecting and collectibles.

Celebrating her 50th birthday and the "gal" we grew up with in the 50's. Her birthday - March, 1959 and still going strong. Her name came about from her one of her creator's (Ruth Handler) daughter -Barbie (Barbara) Milacent Roberts. Barbie was created for the little girl because Barbie would allow for the "grown-up" pretend world for a little girl. Barbie represented all a woman could be popular, famous and wealthy and more. The fantasies of what a little girl could dream up.

Barbie was the first fashion doll and the only one of her kind on the market. Baby dolls were the most predominant on the market and Mattel targeted the children in hopes of large sales. The mothers were appalled at such a doll for sale but Mattel felt Barbie would be hit and she was. Modeled after a German doll named Lilli. Lilli was known for her large breasts and sexy dress.

Now, let's follow Barbie through the years from her birth. In 1961, Barbie meets Ken Carson and they start date. Barbie becomes an astronut in 1965, a nurse in 1973. Olympic Barbie in 1975 and international Barbie in 1980 to include the black and hispanic Barbie. Barbie joins the Army in 1989 and by 1992 she has joined the other three branches. In the same year of 1992 she runs for President. By 2004, Barbie breaks up with Ken after 43 years justt o reunite in 2006.

Today at age 50, Barbie is the highest earning doll.

Documentation shows that the history of the playing cards dates back to the Chinese in the 10 century. They used paper dominoes in which they would shuffle into different playing games. The Muslims introduced the four suited court decks which were imported by the Europeans in 1370. During this time these cards were hand painted and could only be afforded by the very wealthy.

It was the French that gave us the four suits of diamonds, clubs, hearts and spades which we used today. The French used great rulers for the kings to represent each of the suits. The clubs - Alexander the Great, spades - King David from the Bible, diamonds - Julius Caesar and hearts was represented by Charlemagne ( King of Franks (France) in 792)

The Americans introduced their version of playing cards in the 1800's. Doubled-headed to avoid constant flipping, varnish surfaces for smoother shuffle, cornered edges to avoid "flicking" which would mark the card and indexes. The Americans also introduced the "joker" to the decks. Since the game was sometimes referred to as "juker" which soon turned into joker and depicted the jouster, clown, etc image. Cycling was so popular at this time that the vehicle, bicycling was introduced with the joker. With this idea more ideas opened involving social satire and commercial advertisement such as products, services, events and even landmarks.

So, the nest time you pick up that deck of cards know some interesting history brought us the pleasure of card playing.

Antique furniture reflects the various nations through out history. With the world's different wars, vast travels and magnitude of discoveries made throughout time, you find diversity in the furniture of our forefathers.

Chinese antique furniture was most popular amongst the Europeans since China was the most important trader to the Europeans at the time. Some reasons to the popularity of Chinese furniture were all pieces were hand made with unique carvings lacquer and hand painting. The furniture showed harmony and simplicity in the artisan's creation. One interesting note would be that oak not only last due to heavy but also because the woodworm simply doesn't like the taste of oak wood. The woodworm has been known to be a pesty insect in most woods.

French Louis XVI writing table circa 1850.

English Queen Anne chair around 1720.

The 1700's is known for the Age of Oak furniture. Hard to carve and very heavy making it very durable to last a very long time. Expensive to make at the time so only the most predominant class of people could afford to place these beautiful pieces in their large homes or castles.

If you are fortunate to own pieces of antique furniture handed down through the family or simply have a love to purchase these wonderful pieces to surround yourself with these massive creations either way you have chosen well. The history, labor, and creation of these pieces show a beauty and all tell their own story.

Why?, you may ask do people collect and keep artifacts, antiques from the Civil War Era. Well, that particular war changed our Country's history. We have come to know of the Civil War because of predominant facts and issues in connection with this war. Slavery, family members on opposing sides, the enormous loss of life and bloodshed, Abe Lincoln, the fear of our Country being divided. So much more associates with this era.

So, in my article I will state some trivia, facts and points of interest for the lighter side.

First, some trivia. Lt. Thomas Cluster, brother to George A. Cluster, was the first person to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor twice. It is believed that the first" Rebel Yell" was used at Bull Run on July 21, 1861. May 27, 1863 at Port Hudson, Louisiana was the battle in which Union black soldiers first actively participated in the war. The first Civil War monument was erected at the Shiloh battleground in late 1863. Battles were named differently by the North and the South. The North used terrain features such as Bull Run and Antietam Creek and the South used the closest town such as Manassas which is located in VA. The gold braids on an officer's coat were referred to as chicken guts by the soldiers.

Quilts are one of the America's most collected antiques. The quilts made during the Civil War era hold a special sentimental value. Early in 1860s, men would take quilts into military service for their bedding. The wartime quilt was used to smuggle messages or supplies through enemy lines and not to mention showing of the soldier's religious beliefs. Because of so much shortage of material due to the war, quilts were often made from discarded clothing. This is how we came to know the quilt as "patchwork or "scrap". Fallen soldiers were rolled in family quilts and buried on Civil War battlefields.

It is estimated that 300 woman disguised themselves as men and fought in the ranks. In 1862 , the first paper currency was called "greenbacks". Disease killed twice as many men as did the wounds from battle.

The Civil War lives on in our memories from collectibles and artifacts.

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Our most loved cartoon diva started out to be a dog character. Created by Grim Natwick, originally "Betty" was the girlfriend of another dog named Bimbo. Her singing style was modeled after Helen Kane and her full sized figure came from the popular Mae West. May Questal ( also did the voice of Olive Oyl and Sweet Pea) was the famed voice for Betty Boop.

Betty Boop made her debut in Aug, 1931 as the sexy canine character with her sidekicks Koko the clown and Pudgy, (her loyal, white puppy buddy) and Bimbo's replacement. She lost her long "doggie" ears and they were replaced with long earrings and our Betty Boop was born.

Betty depicted a daring and assertive character and at the same time had the air of innocence. Her character style was a bit risque for the time (1933-1934) with the showing of a lot of leg and the air gusts blowing up her dress way before Marilyn Monroe. She was retired in 1939 only to be brought back one more time in 1988 to appear in "Who framed Rodger Rabbit".

Betty Boop has made a come back being popular then as she has become popular now. She is a sought after as a collectible.

I like to dedicate this article to my good friend and coworker, Alecia, for her love of Betty Boop "sparked" an interest to research, write and find out why Betty Boop is once again popular. My friend, Alecia, is the "today's" Betty Boop diva.

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Here Comes Barbie

Old Card Decks (Playing Cards)

Antique Furniture

Civil War Artifacts & Collectibles

Betty Boop