Melody Amsel-Arieli

Celebrating Miss America

Pageant Poster from 1925 with the accompanying trophy and a photograph of Miss America 1925, Fay Lanphier, who came to the title by way of being Miss Santa Cruz 1924, the 1925 Rose Queen, and then Miss California 1925. 

by Melody Amsel-Arieli In 1921, Atlantic City, New Jersey offered East Coast vacationers far more than sun, sand, and sea. In addition to thrilling mechanical rides and pre-Broadway shows, it hosted the first “Inter-City Beauty Pageant,” an exuberant extravaganza celebrating…

The Blacksmith

The Village Blacksmith by Thomas Hovenden (American (born Ireland), Dunmanway 1840–1895 Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

by Melody Amsel-Arieli Under a spreading chestnut-tree The village smithy stands; The smith, a mighty man is he, With large and sinewy hands; And the muscles of his brawny arms Are strong as iron bands – The Village Blacksmith, Longfellow,…

Hudson River Revolutionary War Artifacts

Hudson River Revolutionary War Artifacts

by Melody Amsel-Arieli To drum-beat and heart-beat, A soldier marches by: There is color in his cheek, There is courage in his eye, Yet to drum-beat and heart-beat In a moment he must die. – from Nathan Hale by Francis…

Game Boards: The Game is Up

Game Boards: The Game is Up

by Melody Amsel-Arieli Through the ages, nearly all cultures have developed pre-marked surfaces used for playing games. Players, drawing on skill, strategy or luck while following pre-determined rules, move game pieces, like seeds, animal droppings, or pebbles, on patterned paths…

Civil War Surgical Tools

Civil War Surgical Tools

by Melody Amsel-Arieli The Civil War, which left over 600,000 dead, was the bloodiest war in the history of the United States. Initially, surgeons tended the injured at the front, in fields, barns, tents, stables, and private homes. “Conditions were…

Exploring Antique Humidors

Exploring Antique Humidors

By Melody Amsel-Arieli Fans of fine cigars, like Cuban Habanos, Dominican Republic Alcántaras, or Mexican Gloria de Colóns, may not smoke them right away. Instead, many prefer to save them to celebrate special occasions like parties, birthdays, or anniversaries. Yet…

Vintage Handkerchiefs

Vintage Handkerchiefs

By Melody Amsel-Arieli Handkerchiefs, also known as hankies, are thin, hemmed cloths carried in purse or pocket. They serve not only hygienic purposes, but also as decorative accessories. Vintage handkerchiefs, whether lacy confections, sturdy cotton florals, or designer works of…