Helaina Ferraioli
Melmac: How one 1950s plastic changed the way Americans ate.
Melmac by American Cyanamid, a brand of high-quality melamine molding powders, was one of the top suppliers of the ground-breaking material.
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Buying old furniture means encountering wild stories and beautiful gems every day. Here's just a few of them.
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Helaina Ferraioli
Nov 10, 20204 min read
We've got tons of old photographs in a big bin, but why?
Sitting in a metal basin at the back of our shop sits hundreds of old snapshots.
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Helaina Ferraioli
Oct 29, 20205 min read
Chemistry Labs: The Rise & Fall
As the Industrial Revolution sparked a need for scientifically inclined workers, the chemistry set became a “toy”.
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Helaina Ferraioli
Aug 31, 20204 min read
Siphons, Seltzer, and Soda: A Spritzy History
It started as a way to purify water. Today, it remains the key component of many of our favorites drinks and its containers are collectible.
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Helaina Ferraioli
Aug 25, 20205 min read
Art Deco & The Past, Present, and Future of Design
Art Deco presented the 1920s with a spitting image of its own values, which can be seen in the design of skyscrapers and vases alike.
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Helaina Ferraioli
Jul 28, 20206 min read
Doomed from the Start: Freedomland USA, Bronx NY
Freedomland USA offered families a historically informative and fun-for-all-ages adventure through our nation’s history.
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Helaina Ferraioli
Jul 21, 20204 min read
Mid-Century Modern, American Style: A Heywood-Wakefield History
Out with the mahogany, in with the light woods. Out with the ornamental scrolls and carved wood designs, in with sleek lines and sharp pops
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Helaina Ferraioli
Jun 28, 20204 min read
The Shipworker – Brooklyn's Essential Workers through History
The Brooklyn Navy Yard was established in 1801, but at the time it was called the New York Naval Shipyard.
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Helaina Ferraioli
Jun 21, 20203 min read
The Art of Dressmaking: Is it Coming Back?
Have you ever made your own clothing? Just a few generations ago, “DIY” clothing used to be the norm!
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Helaina Ferraioli
Jun 7, 20204 min read
Cobalt Blue Glass: Through the Ages
Don’t be too quick to associate the color with Depression era glass alone - this pigment actually has a deep history throughout the world.
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Helaina Ferraioli
May 24, 20203 min read
The Bicentennial Millennial – Colonial Eagle Decor
Today, we present you with the brief history of Centennial and Bicentennial design that took American homes by ambush (yes, Revolutionary Wa
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Helaina Ferraioli
May 17, 20204 min read
Yesterday's News is in the 21st Century (Finally)
This sunny May weekend has reminded all of us at Yesterday's News how dearly we miss opening our doors every morning and seeing all of you.
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Helaina Ferraioli
May 3, 20205 min read
Cinco De Mayo: Time for Fiesta(ware)!
Designed by the highly regarded English potter, Frederick Rhead, Fiesta dinnerware was introduced by Homer Laughlin Company in 1936.
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Helaina Ferraioli
Apr 26, 20204 min read
A Brief History of Wargames: Vintage Game Magazines
Strategy & Tactics got its start in January 1967. In addition to games, the magazine featured articles on military history.
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Helaina Ferraioli
Apr 19, 20204 min read
A Picker's Dream: Our Plainfield, NJ Warehouse Adventure
Imagine you were given the chance to go back in time sixty years and find untouched treasures exactly as they were left – on an industrial s
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Helaina Ferraioli
Apr 11, 20203 min read
Mapping Old New York: David H. Burr's Famous Topography
The Atlas of the State of New York was produced by David H. Burr in 1829, and was the just the second Atlas ever created for a U.S State.
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