MORE EVERYTHING CROTON'S FABULOUS VINTAGE WEBSITES, FINDS, ETC.

We were just thrilled to find this 1954 Jello ad though we had to play alot with it to bring it back and we also learned today that it was drawn by Jack Welch! Click on the ad! It doesn't make a lot of sense but who cares...

We've been having fun checking out all the historical societies on the web; they are a fabulous resource for old Christmas photos.

1909 Chicago, visiting with Santa http://homicide.northwestern.edu/historical/timeline/1909/53/ 

NEW PRODUCT TEST KITCHEN: Alright—we’ve tried this product—we love it! KRYLON GLITTER BLAST -  It runs about $8 a can but if you can coupon it—especially at Michael’s—you can get it for as low as $5 a can. Here’s some more info http://www.krylon.com/products/glitter_blast/ 

However they say the nozzle can jam—though we haven’t had that problem—check out this video review http://www.crafttestdummies.com/craft-product-reviews/craft-product-review-krylon-glitter-blast-spray-paint/

LOOKING TO MAKE YOUR OWN CARDBOARD CHRISTMAS PUTZ HOUSES; go here for templates and patterns http://www.cardboardchristmas.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=10&sid=d14221132a440fd0cea51bc0db315c15

MORE EVERYTHING CROTON'S FABULOUS VINTAGE WEBSITES, FINDS, ETC.

Bye-bye Summer. It's Autumn Putz time...make sure to send your vintage Autumn and Halloween decorating pix--click on the photo.

An interesting paper model site with free downloads http://papermau.blogspot.com/2012/05/cashmere-house-paper-model-in-ho-scale.html

A wonderful railroad village layout http://toyconnect.blogspot.com/2012/08/train-time-johns-multi-gauge-layout.html

Outstanding old Santas, photo scenes, etc. http://www.hollydaze.net/santas.htm

Just uploaded, take the train to Plasticville’s Christmas town https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af0oEYSnLPM

Now here’s a putz project—the famous Staten Island floating Episcopal Church—click on the link, scroll down the page http://www.statenislandhistory.com/ 

1929, now this looks like the ultimate putz http://drx.typepad.com/psychotherapyblog/2011/12/vintage-photos-1929.html

MORE FABULOUS VINTAGE WEBSITES, FINDS, ETC. FROM EVERYTHING CROTON

Was there really ever a time when a kid wanted to dress up like a cowboy, or a mountie...and not just at Halloween? Indeed there was. From the 1940 Sears Christmas Wishbook; click on the photos:

 

--So a friend of ours has been collecting photos of unusual “roadside attraction” buildings; she thinks that these would make a great Christmas putz village! Whether or not this will ever happen is another story. Still there’s bound to be at least one or two items here for inspiration:

There’s the world’s biggest teapot building in West Virginia http://www.flickr.com/photos/picture-perfect-designs-jewelry/7653733384/in/pool-1447681@N21

Not a roadside attraction, but she loved the architecture: Chet’s Barber Shop http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotoedge/7666152338/in/pool-52240840067@N01

From Missouri, Cherry on Top Ice Cream concession---love this one http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotoedge/7666152338/in/pool-52240840067@N01

OK CORRAL gunfight site http://www.flickr.com/photos/leeanndunton/7140534561/in/pool-52240840067@N01/

 

--We have a real treat from Paul Racep of Big Indoor Trains...Chapter 3 is now available – and in case you have forgotten, Racep has a wonderful new series--inspired by Howard Lamey's Spook Hill putz house creations. Intro here: http://halloweentrains.com/spook_hill_chronicles/spook_hill_chronicles_intro.htm and to go to Chapter 1, click here. To go to Chapter 2, click here. To go to Chapter 3, click here. And don't forget to check out http://www.halloweentrains.com/

--Now here’s an inspiring piece of architecture for a possible putz house; from an advent calendar http://www.vintage-ornaments.com/snowy-tower-victorian-advent-calendar-new-for-adv797

--Russian Christmas ornaments: To find the best Russian holiday ornaments, take a trip to Klin and visit the Klinskoye Podvorye Museum. http://indrus.in/articles/2012/01/12/christmas_for_every_day_museum_at_klinsk_14166.html 

-- Christmas on the WWII Home Front: A Collection of Fun Yule-tide Facts http://www.nationalww2museum.org/learn/education/for-students/ww2-history/at-a-glance/christmas-on-the-home-front.html

--TRAIN TIME: VEGAS IS NOT A TRAIN TOWN...what a model train layout this was... http://www.toyconnect.blogspot.com/2012/08/train-time-bandr-railways-layout.html

ANOTHER NEW PUTZ HOUSE BY HOWARD LAMEY

By far, one of Howard's most interesting vintage-inspired putz houses to date. Click on the photos below, then see more of his outstanding work at www.littleglitterhouses.com 

All photos, all rights reserved Howard Lamey, LittleGlitterHouses. 

And if you'd like to know more about the history of vintage Made in Japan cardboard putz houses, visit Papated's Sharing Place at http://www.cardboardchristmas.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=23

VERY SPECIAL VISITORS AT THE CROTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S EXHIBIT: PETE SEEGER & HIS WIFE TOSHI

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

The Croton Historical Society had very special guests last week: Pete Seeger and his wife, Toshi, came by to view the current society exhibit "The Masses". (Click on the photos. Mr. Seeger also signed the guest book and included a quick sketch of a banjo in the comment section! )

It goes without saying that the society was thrilled to have such honored visitors. 

UPDATED: PETE SEEGER HAS DIED http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/01/pete-seeger-dies-at-age-94-usa-todayand.html

MORE EVERYTHING CROTON'S FABULOUS VINTAGE WEBSITES, FINDS, ETC.

It’s only natural that children’s playsets from the 1950’s and 1960’s—have a cross-appeal to train and/or putz people—diorama enthusiasts too. Last week, our friend EdBerg brought you Part One of the Marx SuperCircus Playset (great history of it too, see http://www.toyconnect.blogspot.com/2012/08/marx-super-circus-pt-1.html)

Well here’s Part Two—http://www.toyconnect.blogspot.com/2012/08/marx-super-circus-pt-2.html. In our opinion, this was one of the finest playsets ever produced (but we do have a special fondness for the Ben-Hur playset too.

Click on the photo below to see the 1952 Sears catalog, “Super Circus” in all its glory. And thanks Ed, for sharing this wonderful set on your site---your photos are great.

Speaking of vintage playsets, we found this very neat site: http://www.toys-n-cars.com/playsets.htm

Very sweet “putz” http://www.flickr.com/photos/51633983@N08/6374722743/in/pool-1239873@N24/

“My Little Putz Farm”--now here's a project for the putz crafters! http://susanshouses.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-littel-putz-farm.html

MORE EVERYTHING CROTON'S FABULOUS VINTAGE WEBSITES, FINDS, ETC.

Today we’re in search of inspiration and supplies—as we get excited for fall and winter holidays…and here's a great place--the amazing vintage and vintage-inspired Christmas putz village of J ST PIERRE--click on the photo--always worth a second and third look, then imagine what YOUR village will look like this Christmas!

all rights reserved j st pierre

--Yes it’s true ---our locally-based putz artisans will never be as good as a Karl Fey or a Howard Lamey (www.littleglitterhouses.com) but they can dream of glorious architecture—or in the very least take something here and there…so without further ado, some putz architectural inspiration from antique cast iron banks—a castle, train station and very European building—click on the link—then the photos—you’ll spot them quick enough: http://www.antiquetoyworld.com/auctions/records-tumble-at-rsls-july-1-auction-of-antique-toys-banks/

--And supplies: Howard found this site a few weeks ago and we have been ordering like mad--spend some time there--you won't regret it:

    Basic gothic arched window cutouts in lots of sizes http://www.tinythingsarecute.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73_74&products_id=1476

    Fancy gothic arched window cutouts http://www.tinythingsarecute.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73_74&products_id=1475
or just go to TINYTHINGSARECUTE.COM 

p.s. Antoinette says she hides the Christmas light wires in her putz villages under polyester pillow stuffing pulled thin and overlaid with a sprinkle of mica, German glitter, or synthetic snow, along with lots of shrubbery and mini-trees. http://www.antoinettestockenberg.com/xmas.htm

ANOTHER VICTORIAN PUTZ IN PROGRESS--FROM HOWARD LAMEY

We recently featured a fantastic custom order Victorian putz that Howard Lamey of Littleglitterhouses was commissioned to make; you can see it again here http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/08/an-amazing-new-putz-house-from-howard.html

That reminded us of an earlier large Victorian he completed for local collector Lady J--that many of you have never seen before - click on the photo below:

all rights reserved Howard Lamey

Well guess what--Howard is at it again--click on the link to see a new Victorian putz in progress at http://www.cardboardchristmas.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=200 - just scroll down the screen when you get there.

For more on Howard's vintage inspired putz houses, visit www.littleglitterhouses.com

CROTON POINT BIKE LANE/PROJECT ESCALATES SIGNIFICANTLY IN COST TO TAXPAYER,THE GAZETTE

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

CROTON POINT PROJECT TO BE AIRED 9/18/12, PUBLIC MEETING, THE GAZETTE - Highlights only; THE GAZETTE is on sale just about everywhere:

--Could take place as early as next spring

--Major issue is how much the Croton taxpayer would have to foot:
    -Planning firm underestimated the cost of the basic design significantly when it applied for federal funds through the state.
    -"Though the state allocated 80% funding, or $1.2 million, if the project proceeds, instead of a share of $300,000, the taxpayers will now have to come up with a share of $1.3 million--or even more if the bids exceed $2.5 million."

--To accommodate the bicycle lanes, parking has been taken away on Croton Point Avenue from the new deli location owned by John Perillo and from the Franzoso Contracting business. "Mr. Franzoso who was recently elected chairman of the board of the Hudson Valley gateway Chamber of Commerce, said he was dumb-founded by the village taking such action, especially penalizing long standing commercial property owners to appease a small number of bicycle enthusiasts for whom alternate options exist, including the status quo...That the village would do this..."I don't even believe I'm here discussing this issue" he said."

--"I'm not an Article 78 type of guy" said Mr. Perillo, referring to the loss of parking...but he will be essentially forced to consider his legal options.

Again, to read the full article, see the Gazette.

However, we strongly recommend that you instead listen to the audiotape of the work session which tells a far more detailed story; click on the link, then go to Work Session 8/20/12; depending on your connection, it will take some time to download. http://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/Public_Documents/CrotonHudsonNY_TrustMin/2012/index

A VISIT TO PRONTO BRICK OVEN PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON. 

As many of you know, TK's sold and the new owner is PRONTO BRICK OVEN PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT (of Nonni's in Yorktown fame). They had their "soft opening" yesterday--and we're happy to say that the advance p.r. is very good indeed. Here's some photos from today's visit--and watch for their menu flyer and coupons in the mail soon...

Looks like we have a winner. Click on the photos. All photos, all rights reserved.

Pronto Brick Oven Pizza & Restaurant - in the Shoprite Shopping Center, 914-271-2800. Stay tuned for more.