Entries tagged "WWII"

Inspiration for a Nation: Norman Rockwell's "Four Freedoms"

Market Warriors | 02/11/13 at 02:00 p.m.

In Chantilly, Virginia, the pickers met with dealer Art Finkel, who specializes in vintage posters and lithographs. With him, they looked at World War II posters by the American illustrator Norman Rockwell. The pickers struggled with naming the two freedoms that, in addition to "Freedom from Fear" and "Freedom from Want," make up Rockwell's iconic "Four Freedoms" series. Though perhaps best known for the idyllic scenes of American life that frequented the covers of The Saturday Evening Post, Norman Rockwell made notable contributions to the war effort with works like the "Four Freedoms" and "Rosie the Riveter."

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Collecting Vintage Christmas Décor

Bob Richter | 12/13/12 at 11:52 a.m.

It’s my favorite time of the year, and that means I’m decking my halls with vintage ornaments, lights and decorations. My collection grows each year, but the basic foundation was laid when I was a young boy. My Dad would take me to auctions and one day when I climbed in his pickup truck, he handed me a box of beautiful ornaments, including a blue jay, a Santa Claus, some bells, ice cream cones and other special figures. “It’s time you started collecting something,” he said, “…and I know you like Christmas.” 

 So collect I did—and still do. That original box has grown into a collection that hovers at around 2500 and counting. As I write this, I am looking over at the 8-foot evergreen in my living room, and I see lots of those ornaments my Dad gave me over three decades ago. I also have my Grandmother’s ornaments, including her favorite Santa Claus.

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Patriotic Posters

Bob Richter | 07/02/12 at 01:56 p.m.

I'm a pretty patriotic guy. I really do believe we live in the greatest country in the world and I am proud to be an American. One time in our country's history that hits a very nostalgic and poignant note for me is the WWII years. I love the music, the fashion and the films of that period. I also love the propaganda posters. They encouraged people to buy war bonds, use their ration points, plant Victory Gardens, and essentially come together for the common good. They evoke a feeling of pride and unification that I still find inspiring.

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