Checkerboard

August 2023

2023 AAAA CONVENTION ISSUE

• 2023 Convention Overview
• Seminars
• Room Hopping
• Silent Auction
• Raffles & Games
• Convention Sponsors
• Collaborating Partners
• Additional Convention Photos
• 2024 AAAA Convention: Dublin
• Reminder: Indy Ad Show
• Wanted Items

The 2023 AAAA Annual Convention goes down in history as another successful event! Serious kudos go to Bob Hunt who stepped in as On-Site Convention Coordinator, relieving Paul Lefkovitz who unfortunately could not attend due to health issues. Bob skillfully managed all of the Convention's many moving parts and pulled it off without a hitch! Many hours of preparation were also required ahead of time and he did it all without complaint! AAAA owes Bob a huge debt of thanks and appreciation! Bob was assisted a great deal by his son, Elliott, who also deserves a big round of applause.

The event was very well-attended. Between AAAA, its collaborating partners, and public attendees, approximately 275 individuals were involved. We conducted our Convention in the Wyndham Garden York for the very first time and the venue received very good reviews by our attendees. They found the setting to be very relaxing and comfortable. The meals, in particular were a big hit! Some logistic issues were identified, which is not unusual for a first-time venue, and we are in discussion with hotel leadership about them.

Dave Hirsch, our recently departed club co-founder was very much at the Convention in spirit. Dave's wife Marcia and the Hirsch family consigned 30 vintage advertising pieces to the Silent Auction. That brought Dave and his memory into the presence of all attendees. On Friday evening, they also released a beautiful four page fixed-price listing of additional items for sale from Dave's collection. If you would like a copy of the listing showing the items that are still available, click here.

This Convention was truly a sprawling multi-component event. In the various sections below, featuring copious photos, we hope to convey a sense of what transpired. The September issue of AAAA PastTimes will also include some Convention coverage, particularly for those without access to the online Checkerboard. We promise we will do all we can to avoid duplicate photos!

Please read on. You will either re-experience the great times you had at the Convention or find yourself wishing you had been there!

Jon Canfield

Jon Canfield conducted a seminar entitled “American Cigarette Packaging: The Early Years”. Attendees gave high praise to the presentation for the rich and highly detailed information that was imparted. It was scholarly in its approach and the information provided can serve as an authoritative reference source for years to come.

An unbelievable array of brands and types were reviewed, complemented by charts, graphs, and beautiful images. The attendees were surprised by the diverse examples represented in this genre.

About the Presenter: Jon grew up in a small town in upstate New York and was enamored with turn of the century baseball cards from an early age. However his passion for cigarette packaging really took off when he discovered a vintage cigarette pack that once held a baseball card at an antique shop when he was 10 years old. Over the next 30 years, Jon’s collection first focused on obtaining an example of all cigarette packages that once held a baseball card. Along the way, he self-published two editions of a reference pamphlet on baseball related cigarette packs, started a baseball-related website and a tobacco-related website, and also consulted for numerous auction houses. That passion expanded however, and Jon’s interest turned to collecting American cigarette packs and boxes with a focus on 1870-1930. Jon currently maintains the Instagram page @vintage_cigarette_packs, and is an administrator of the Facebook group “All Things Vintage Cigarettes”. A lawyer by trade, Jon lives in New York City with his wife Lisa and rescue dog, Makalu.

Allan Petretti

Since Allan Petretti's triumphant appearance at last year's AAAA Convention, AAAA members have been eagerly anticipating his return this year. And he lived up to the loftiest of expectations! The seminar he presented this time around was entitled "The Art of Advertising: The World of Soda Pop”. This talk included all new material. Aided by an enormous PowerPoint presentation of almost 200 slides, Allan mesmerized the packed room with his ability to bring history to life and share fascinating anecdotes from his personal experiences. He displayed the warmth and whimsical style he is known for. The slides featured all types of soda pop collectibles including signs (porcelain, tin, cardboard, paper), bottles, syrup dispensers, pocket mirrors, trade cards, thermometers, counter displays, promotional items, trays, and more. Both familiar and obscure brands were represented. All collecting periods were covered from Victorian to mid-20th century. The images were bold, colorful, and beautiful!

Allan made this presentation extra special by conducting a raffle as his talk concluded. One lucky attendee went home with one of the books Allan authored and another won a clock Allan embellished artistically. Denice Caprino Agaliotis, AAAA Treasurer, was the luckiest of all. She won a gorgeous framed original work of art honoring AAAA that was created by Allan. She is shown with Allan and her beautiful prize below.

About the Presenter: Allan Petretti is the legendary “guru” and undisputed authority of all things related to Coca-Cola and soda pop art.  In 1976, he put out his first in a long series of Price Guides and Mail-Bid auctions that focused on soda-pop advertising art. Since then, he has published 23 books on the subject which are considered the definitive references in the field. He has also conducted more than 57 auctions. Over the years, he has written columns and auction reviews for many popular antiques publications. More recently, he has embraced his roots as graphic artist and is active producing whimsical and creative artworks of great beauty.

Allan's PowerPoint Presentation: Allan's PowerPoint is too large to make available here. If you would like a copy, please click the link below and submit your request via email with "Petretti" placed in the subject heading. The PowerPoint presentation will be emailed on September 1 to those who requested it.

Justin Nash

Justin Nash delivered a presentation tantalizingly entitled “Tonsorial Art and Advertising”. No, it was not a presentation about tonsils. “Tonsorial” is a fancy word that describes the work of those who give shaves and haircuts. Justin’s presentation celebrated, in his own words, the most iconic piece of advertising found on many major street corners across the U.S.—the barber pole.” However, he also provided much information about the history of the profession, interesting anecdotes, and examples of barber and shaving-related collectibles.

About the Presenter: Justin is an active and accomplished Master Barber. He operates out of a shop that captures all of the charm and accoutrements of yesteryear. He recently embarked upon the re-invigoration of a national group of barber shop and shaving collectors, now known as The National Barber Shop and Shaving Collectables Association. An ambitious and visionary leader, he was successful in arranging the first national convention of such collectors in many years. It was held in conjunction with the AAAA Convention and there was plenty of fun interaction between the two groups. AAAA looks forward to a continued relationship with this group in the future.

Justin’s MP4 video presentation that was shown during his talk is not compatible with this newsletter's platform. Therefore, we cannot make it available to you here. If you would like a copy, please click the link below and submit your request via email with "Nash" placed in the subject heading. The PowerPoint presentation will be emailed on September 1 to those who requested it.

Room Hopping continued to live up to its reputation as one of the highlights of the AAAA Convention. Approximately 50 sellers offered a wide variety of vintage advertising and other collectibles at all price points. The photos below represent just a tiny sample of the thousands of items that were available.

The Silent Auction was a highly-efficiently run and enjoyable event. Bob Hunt, assisted this year by his son Elliott, was once again responsible for its oversight. (Bob's wife, Bev was unable to attend this year.) A broad range of desirable items was consigned. As noted above, this event was made extra special due to the consignment of 30 items from the Dave Hirsch family.

Once again, Lenny Kirby led the charge as Master of Ceremonies of the Raffles & Games at the Convention. This is a significant occasion for both Lenny and AAAA since he announced that this would be his last appearance in this role, after 10 years of faithful service to the club. It will be impossible to replace Lenny's poise, smooth style, and broad smile in conducting the Raffles & Games. He will be missed!

In the photo below, Lenny (directly behind the podium), stands with those assisting him, including, from the left, Marianne Wink, newly appointed Convention Co-Coordinator, Dave DeLongchamp, long-time raffle ticket seller extraordinaire, and AAAA President, Steve Lefkovitz.

A fantastic array of prizes was awarded to the lucky winners, as follows:

Were the lucky winners excited? You bet! The images below capture some of those special moments.

And the Grand Prize of Allan Petretti's original, framed "York" artwork? It was awarded to a delighted Linda Seeley, shown below with Allan Petretti and the grand prize.

Despite Linda's excitement, she felt that the artwork should go to Paul & Michele Lefkovitz in recognition of the 10 years they conducted the Convention and the fact that this is Paul's final year as Convention Coordinator. So in an act of incredible generosity, with Allan Petretti's full support, she gifted it in absentia to Paul and Michele. What a gracious and kind gesture! Paul and Michele are deeply appreciative!

AAAA wishes to thank the following 2023 Convention Sponsors for their generous and gracious support! Please patronize them if you have the opportunity!

•   Allan Petretti

•   Antique Trader Magazine

•   Antique Week Magazine

•   Antiques & Auction News

•   Bob Nance at Adams Antiques

•   Bootleg Antiques and Oddities

•   Chupp Auctions

•   Indoor Antique Advertising Show

•   Ivy Hall Antiques

•   Journal of Antiques & Collectibles

•   Terry Kovel

•   Lancaster County Antique Center

•   Mad Hatter Antique Mall

•   Morphy Auctions/Indy Ad Show

•   Time Matters Antique Mall

•   Zelma's Emporium

Over the past ten years, AAAA has established a number of mutually beneficial convention collaborations with other organized groups of collectors. This year, our partners included members of the following groups: the Ice Screamers, Graniteware Collectors, Treasures for Little Children, and a new partner, the National Barber Shop and Shaving Collectables Association. While these groups may differ in their core interests, there is great overlap in their love of history and the things they bring to the convention for sale. A great deal of cross-buying and selling occurs among clubs and the involvement of these clubs has become a very popular staple of the AAAA Conventions.

The Ice Screamers conducted their big Show, Exhibit and Sale at our hotel on Friday. Many AAAA members visited and took home numerous treasures. The photos below provide a glimpse of this fun event.

The Ice Screamers also invited AAAA members to attend their "Ice Cream Tasting Event" Thursday evening (see photos below). The ice cream was reported to be DELICIOUS!

Photos presented here and in the September issue of PastTimes came from various sources, including a few Facebook posts. However, almost all were taken by our team of official Convention Photographers. The team included: Marianne Wink, Gordon Addington, Scott Kinzie, Denice Caprino Agaliotis, and Reylan Lange. Our sincere thanks go to these volunteers!

Want to see more Convention photos? For a random assemblage of additional images, click the button below.

Say "hello" to your new AAAA Convention Co-Coordinators: John DeVolder and Marianne Wink..

John and Marianne are very excited about the journey that lies ahead for them. When asked about their plans for the 2024 convention, this is how they responded:

When the successful 2023 convention ended on July 22, our planning for the 2024 convention certainly became more of a reality. We talked with several members at York seeking ideas we may not have thought of. When we were approached earlier this year to handle the job, it was presented to us as a possible room-hopping only event. This did not sound ideal to us, so with Paul's help, the contract with the hotel was modified so that the convention will retain much of its current flavor. Room hopping of course will be a significant part-but not the only part. Within the three-plus days of the event, we currently have a lunch and dinner planned with the hotel, around which our normal activities of a business meeting, seminar(s), raffles, and silent auction are being discussed. There is also the possibility of visiting a museum-quality collection that is located just outside of Columbus. Stay tuned-we will have the final format soon.

Save the date! We will return to the Embassy Suites, Dublin, Ohio on Wednesday July 17th - 21st 2024.

John DeVolder and Marianne Wink

AAAA Convention Co-Coordinators

The fall installment of the Indy Ad Show will be here before you know it! It will take place on Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23 at the Boone County Fairgrounds, Lebanon, Indiana. Morphy Auctions, the new show owner, had discussions with most dealers after the spring show and made some changes "to attract the premier dealers in the country" and "to make everyone’s participation meaningful." 

To that end, Friday, September 22 will be designated as a "Dealer Only" day with the exception of paid "Early Buyers." The Friday show will run from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. The "Early Buyer" fee will be $100, which will be good for both days. Saturday will be general public day. It will run from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. Admission will cost $10.00.

As always, you can expect to see a wonderful array of the best antique advertising, presented in a pleasant rural setting. For those collectors of vintage advertising who have never been to this show, it is a "must attend" event.

For further information click here to go to the Indy Ad Show web site or contact Cheryl Goyda at: [email protected] or 877-968-8880 x755.

In this column are those sought-after items of desire that seem to be elusive. If you know where any of these items can be acquired or if you have one available, please click the link to reply directly to the seeker. To place a listing in this column, click here. There is no fee for AAAA members. Up to three listings per member are permitted.

Pre-1885 advertising items related to barbed wire and farm fences. I am interested in primary material. Let me know if you have any items including illustrated catalogs, wire company published newspapers, illustrated postal covers and letterheads, flyers, signs, salesman samples, patent models or anything else related to my specific wants. Larry W. Love, [email protected], 214-497-6787

Continental Cubes tobacco tin 4.75” tall and the 6.0” tall size. Convention Hall coffee tin (Ridenour-Baker Kansas City) any variation. Big Horn 1 lb or 3 lb coffee tin. [email protected]

Philip Morris Tin & Porcelain Advertising Signs, thermometers, door push signs. Excellent to mint condition preferred. Daryl Crawford (804) 721-7294 or email [email protected]

Justrite Pet Foods. The Justrite Company General Office was located in Milwaukee WI. A National Account. Advertising, displays, signs, tins, boxes all with logo on it. Most would come from the 1930s through 1950s. Thanks for the help… Gordon Addington. To reply, click here.

Old Topper Brewery Calendar of the late 1940s featuring a pin up artist nude in large format wanted. Always seeking any Rochester Brewery memorabilia. John DeVolder 585-697-4047 or [email protected].

"Jenny" Genesee Brewing Company's girl of the 1950s. Seeking cardboard point of sale-and other items that feature Jenny, who had a ten-year run from 1953 to 1963. Also interested in any cardboard point of sale items from the 1930s through the 1950s from any of the Rochester Breweries. John DeVolder 585-697-4047 or [email protected].

Coca-Cola 24" button porcelain sign with bottle in center. Want several in as close to mint condition as possible. Call 336-970-9867.

Books on Oil & Gas Collectibles. Also looking for books on signs. Call 336-970-9867.

Yellow Kid wanted: 50 year collector looking for the unusual. Reply to: [email protected].

Pedal Cars: Photos, postcards, calendars, catalogs and advertising related to pedal cars. To reply, click here.

Beer cans, soda cans, beer and soda tin-over-cardboard signs, cork-backed bottle caps, key-wind coffee cans, quart oil cans. Please email Jeff Lebo at [email protected].

Pedal car related items. To reply, click here.

Matchbook holders. To know what these are, see my articles in Checkerboard

for Nov. 2020 and May 2021. I will consider all items, in any material from plastic to gold, and not necessarily with advertising. Email Andy at [email protected].

Cigarette Packs. Advanced collector looking to purchase vintage packs. Please contact Dheeraj by email: [email protected].

Donald Duck Goyer Coffee Cans; One pound can & 3 oz sample size in good condition with lids. Please send email with photos & prices to [email protected].

Morimura Brothers (Japanese import company operating in NYC from 1880-1941) advertising items wanted: trade cards, pamphlets, catalog pages, salesman sample pages, porcelain items with advertising. To reply email at [email protected].

DeLaval Items and Farm Advertising Signs. Always looking for top quality and unique items. Contact Gregg Hillyer at [email protected].

Antique advertising pertaining to country store or drug store products or places. Especially those showing women or girls with the product or location shown. I would consider any  antique advertising (paper, cardboard & metal signs). Quality a plus! Dale Peterson at [email protected].

Unusual one pound peanut butter tins. Tin litho or paper label. To reply, click here.

Marshmallow Tins. Smaller than 5 Pound Size. To reply, click here.

American Cookie, Biscuit and Cracker Tins and Boxes. To reply, click here. 

Banjo related advertising wanted Pre-1940s. Long time collector buying banjo company signage, catalogs, billheads, periodicals, minstrel banjo items such as posters, broadsides, sheet music (pre-1870s) with illustrated banjo covers, early photographs showing banjo players (pre-1915). My main collecting interest is in 19th century material. To reply, click here.

"Antique American Medicine Bottles" by M. Knapp... soft cover book with price guide. Printed in 2012. [email protected] or 781-248-8620. Also, see my other want ad for Clarke’s ephemera and bottles.

Looking for 3 Vintage Tins. American Eagle "Oriental Mixture" tobacco (dimensions approx. 6.5" long, 2.75" wide, 1.5" tall); 1 Gal. Indian Head Hydraulic Brake Fluid; and Packham´s Caramel Toffee. Any offer is welcome and any condition considered. To reply, click here.

Morton Salt, older items, and also Pacific Coast Borax, especially a crate or box. Email [email protected] or call Peggy Dailey 612-522-9211.

Comic Book-Related Advertising Items: Must be from before 1980. To reply, click here.

Clarke’s Vegetable Sherry Wine Bitters, Sharon, MA & Rockland, ME: All sizes, variants, smooth/pontil base. Especially need labeled Clarke’s any size! Also, any Clarke’s ephemera…trade cards, almanacs, newspaper ads, etc. Charlie Martin Jr., 781-248-8620. Email: [email protected].

George Petty: Advanced collector looking for unique or rare items. Photos, store displays and non paper items. NO Esquire pages. Pete Perrault. To reply, click here or call (502) 290-7661.

Ice Cream Advertising: Mr. Ice Cream desires better graphic ice cream advertising including: postcards (Advertising and RPPC), trade cards, letterheads, billheads, booklets, poster stamps, blotters, magic lantern slides, pinbacks, watchfobs, and pocket mirrors. Allan Mellis, 1115 West Montana St. Chicago, Illinois 60614-2220. [email protected] To reply, click here.

Stock food, poultry food, veterinary advertising wanted. Posters, medicine packages, give-aways. Email [email protected] or call (256) 520-5211.

Singer Sewhandy Model 20. Green-regular paint, not hammertone. To reply, click here.

National Biscuit Company, Nabisco, Uneeda Biscuit, Uneeda Bakers, Muth Bakery, NBC Bread toys, signage, tins, containers, displays, historical items. Please Email [email protected] or call (937) 205-2232.

Early Cigarette Rolling Papers: Pre-1940s - American, Zig Zag, Braunstein Freres, Bambino, and Ottoman papers wanted. To reply, click here.

Antique/Collectible Banking and Financial System "Giveaway" and advertising items. Specifically from Pennsylvania. Alarm devices and such. To reply, click here.

VITAMINS advertising, displays, signs, bottles, and anything related: Hadacol is an example. Most would come from the 1930s thru the 1970s. Also anything related to cod-liver oil and WEIGHT-LOSS, REDUCING, ANTI-FAT, and OBESITY ITEMS. To reply, click here.

Early tin signs lithographed by Tuchfarber, Wells and Hope, Worcester Sign Company, Sentenne and Green, etc. I can pay more for good condition, but would be interested in any condition. Don Lurito [email protected] also in the directory. To reply, click here.

Dwinell-Wright Co. Royal Ground Spice Cardboard Spice Boxes. One side displays horizontally. Approximately 3.75" by 2.25". Any type of spice is OK. To reply, click here.

ENSIGN Perfect and ENSIGN Perfection vertical pocket tobacco tins to enhance my collection. Feel free to contact me at 614-888-4619 or [email protected] to see if you can help fill the voids.

Edmands Coffee Company, Edmands Tea Company, 1776 Coffee, American Beauty Tea, Japan Tea, Devonshire Tea, (imported by Edmands, Boston/Chicago): Any items such as tins, signs, paper, or anything else related to the Edmands family of companies in Boston is desired. To reply, click here.

The AAAA Checkerboard is a monthly e-newsletter that is made available to all AAAA members at no cost. The mission of the Checkerboard is to increase knowledge about antique and collectible advertising among AAAA members. The Checkerboard also provides news and updates about AAAA. It is produced each month with the exception of the four months per year when the award-winning PastTimes print newsletter is published. Paul Lefkovitz ([email protected]) serves as the Editor of the AAAA Checkerboard. Copyright 2023, Antique Advertising Association of America.