Weekly Update

​Hello everyone, and very happy December greetings to you!  The heat is running here at the Museum as the temps struggle to get above 20 degrees.  It looks like the snow we received the other day will be here for a while.


We have received a number of orders through the Museum Store, and they are being mailed as quickly as possible.  As you know there have been delivery delays for a number of reasons, so we cannot guarantee that your order will arrive by Friday.  For those who have chosen curbside pickup, I will be here at the Museum Monday through Thursday next week between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.  If you need to arrange another time to pick up your order, please call or email to make arrangements.  We are very grateful for your support during these trying times.

Our newly announced book, Easton In Stereo, is getting a lot of attention!  Be sure to get your copy, it makes a terrific and unique gift!

Speaking of gifts, our Museum items today are two sets that were very special gifts for two young girls back in the late 1940's and early 1950's.  Donated by Priscilla Almquist-Olsen just a few weeks ago, they are a reminder of those things we found popular during our own childhood.

First up is a Junior Miss Sewing Kit by Hasbro.  Priscilla received this gift.  It features a working sewing machine, patterns, doll figures, needles, thread, and all of the items needed to learn how to sew in a fun but skill-building way.  I love the artwork on the box as much as I do the set!

A second gift is a Play-Time Glass Dish Set that was given to Priscilla's late sister Karin.  Made by the Akro Agate Company, the set features miniatures of a teapot, sugar, creamer, and four cups with plates, just what every young hostess needs to set a table for a proper tea party!  This set is made from glass, not plastic. Founded in 1911, the Akro Agate company first gained fame for its glass marbling process, which made their marbles very desirable.  The company later produced other glass items such as ashtrays, depression glass dishes, and of course, this tea set.

Also received are sets that taught other skills such as house cleaning and pastry making.  We found inside gift tags that were kept with the gifts.

I have fond memories of the gifts I received as a child.  My great aunt and uncle John and Alda Zipeto always gave us silver dollars and a shoe shine kit - Uncle John Zipeto owned John's Shoe Repair in Campello, Brockton, for many years.  And my grandmother Ada (Swanson) Johnson of Easton always gave each of her many grandchildren either a knit hat or socks, or perhaps gloves.  But we always dug a little deeper in those packages to find a toy car or other exciting gift!  She must have started her Christmas shopping in January to get all those gifts ready by Christmas.

Well, there are only 6 shopping days to go!  I hope to be hearing from you.  Stay safe, and stay well!

Frank