Just some goofy Brit with his huge camera. I assume this is a model, since he is holding a smoke in his hand rather than a shutter release, this is an undated Real Photo Post Card. The OTHER shot here is the camera of George Lawrence, who in 1900 had horses drag his creation to a location near Chicago to take a 8 foot wide photo of a train. This month, the largest photograph ever was produced according to Guinness, it is easily found on the web but they cheated. It was done with a camera obscura (a pinhole camera) and I don't think the producers collectively shouted "smile."
"Kodaks" real photo post card n.d. Collection Jim Linderman
The work and yard of the late Robert Lee Williams of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mr. Williams had no lawn for kids to invade, so he yelled at them when they played on his concrete patio. His hand painted signs were not intended for decoration, their purpose was to scare away the "little basters" who danced and played loud music in his space. The imposing bulls on the fence were influenced by the Colt Malt Liquor Bull. Most terrifying were the dogs. TALKING dogs who said things like "we take it to your ass" and "we don't like stink shoes" while hounding the kids, each of whom either rode a bike or lugged a boom-box. Despite his grumpy nature, he was a religious man and painted several crosses, in one work he seemingly converted a delinquent who exclaims "a cross is easier to beire (sic) then to face these dogs" after dropping his stereo. Mr. William's yard was appropriated through eminent domain in order to build a spiffy new convention center. The convention center proudly displays commissioned William Wegman and Jonathan Borofsky artworks. Mr. Williams artworks have been lost.
Five original 35mm photographs c. 1994 Collection Jim Linderman
A complete set of four linen postcards, each depicting a season, crocheted by the remarkable Lena Sauer of Covington, Kentucky in 1937 (or thereabouts, if my handy guide to dating postcards is correct, these were published in 1938) . As the reverse of the cards point out, each season shown took from 750 to 1050 hours to complete. (Ready? Set.......CROCHET!) The backs also point out highlights, such as "93 colorful tulips, even an ash tray on the coffee table with a smoking cigarette, license plates on those cars amaze everyone and no larger than the nail on your hand." As with ALL my postings, feel free to enlarge the images for detail. Squint. Imagine.
I will have much, much more to say about postcards and postcard collecting in future posts, so tell your friends! Feel free to look up "crochet" on wiki...it has a long history, all of which is as boring as the process itself.Set of four Curteich Art-Colortone Linen Postcards, unmailed
1938 Collection Jim Linderman
The Brunswick company shut their bowling ball plant in Muskegon, Michigan (twelve miles from where I found this salesman sample) in 2006 and moved the entire operation to Mexico. An all too familiar story by now. However, this story has a twist and smile...read on.By DAVE ALEXANDER | The Muskegon Chronicle January 12, 2009 Muskegon workers are making bowling balls again. Taking up the Brunswick Corp. tradition of bowling ball production that was moved to Mexico in 2006, a small independent producer of bowling items has launched a new line of professional-grade balls. The Motiv line of bowling balls is being made out of the Wilbur Products plant in Muskegon Heights.
I sincerely hope corporate giant Brunswick enjoys paying the gasoline transportation cost to move every damn one of their 14 pound Mexican Bowling balls to the United States, and that all you hipsters can buy yourself and Dad a Motiv ball this year.Bowling Ball Salesman Sample 4.5" diameter 2 pounds c. 1960 Collection Jim Linderman
Most make-do churches hang a sign and open for business. This congregation not only did that, they took the time to let a little bit of God in.
Original 35mm photographs Northern Geogia c. 1999 Collection Jim Linderman
A tiny masterpiece the size of a penny. In fact, it IS a penny! An Indian cent, though the image of Liberty in an American Indian head dress has been rubbed out and a calligraphic form dove has been expertly engraved. Known in numismatic circles as a "love token" the technique of intricate line engraving on coins is an unusual form of amulet. There were 1,849,648,000 Indian pennies produced from 1859 to 1909. As far as I know, there was only one engraved like this, but the person who did it was most accomplished and certainly engraved for a living. As such, this is not really "folk art" since the name implies amateur status...but the folky dove is a common image in other folk art forms of the period. Calligraphic drawings, hand decorated introduction cards, school children penmanship lessons and the like are often seen with similar images, but one this small on a coin is quite unusual. Love Tokens were just that...tokens presented to a loved one. Most have initials carved on them. It is possible this is a "blank" and was done while waiting for a buyer to request it, the name of his sweetie would have been engraved below the bird, however as wear from circulation is evident on both sides, this was carried for a long time. Wealthy (or naive) suitors could present their lover a gold coin carved with initials. Less fortunate would and could impress with a simple penny enhanced such as this piece. They are often seen with a hole punched for carrying on a charm bracelet or necklace. Coins have served many purposes other than commerce. They have been placed over the eyes of the dead, used to ward off evil, passed around for good luck, turned into "pawn" jewelry and even swallowed.Engraved Indian Cent with Calligraphy Dove c. 1859-1909 Collection Jim Linderman
Dust-To-Digital will be releasing Take Me to the Water: Immersion Baptism in Vintage Music and Photography 1890-1950 featuring photographs I collected over a ten year period along with a CD of truly amazing and historic early songs and sermons from prominent collections compiled by Steven Lance Ledbetter. Essays by Jim Linderman, Luc Sante and comprehensive notes by Ledbetter. The original photographs have been donated to the International Center of Photography in New York. Dust-To-Digital is an award winning reissue label and much, much more. I am proud and honored to be involved with them on this project. There will be additional information about this release as it progresses. Please take the time to read their January 2009 newsletter, and make sure to note their outstanding catalog of releases, current, past and forthcoming.
Take Me to the Water: Immersion Baptism in Vintage Music and Photography 1890-1950 DTD-13 / One CD / 100 Page Hardback Book Release Date: Early 2009 With essays by photograph collector Jim Linderman and noted author Luc Sante, this release should be in stores in April.
