Rosie's Ramblings

May 1, 2000

Hello Out There,

I spent last Saturday at a huge Flea Market. I found a few antiques booths tucked between all those selling such things as miracle jewelry cleaner and "Tommy Girl" t-shirts. Amazingly I saw more needle books for sale than I have ever seen in one day, and they weren't all Sewing Susans. My best finds are a wonderful fan-shaped "Queen Royal"and a relatively rare "Army, Air Force, & Navy". I also bought nice "Zanol" and "Kresge's" advertisement books. The Kresge's is not much to look at, but it sure brings back memories. Our local Kresge's closed in the 1970's, but I can still close my eyes and picture the place (and smell the popcorn). I remember all of the merchandise being on flat tables, not on tall shelves like Walmart. I could stand in the front of the store, look right and see the Lunch Counter, then look all the way in the back and see the bird cages and fish tanks. The old Kresge's building in downtown Paducah is still vacant. Recently the front windows were painted with murals so that is looks as if you're looking into the store as it was years ago.

This Saturday I went to an antiques show. This time there were a few booths selling jewelry cleaner and t-shirts tucked among those selling antiques. In a twist of fate, needle books were few and far between. I did buy a lovely, but faded, "Betsy Ross". Actually it is merely a Betsy-type person on a furniture store advertisement. Inside is a Betsy Ross needle pack, some cloth-stuck needles, advertisements for stoves for heating and cooking, and a 1913 calendar. I am pleased to add it to my collection. I also bought a duplicate of the "Army & Navy" book I call "Crown & Horse". The "Crown & Horse" is the same on both sides and has foil-stuck needles inside.

I love the instant gratification of finding a needle book in person. When I SEE one, I know it's mine. I don't have to wait to win an auction. Ebay can be a heartbreaker. You can see all of my recent spoils here at Rosie's this month. I have included a short commentary with the Kresge's and Zanol books. As always, the additions are marked "New!" Click Ads, A & N,and M-Z to jump right to the pages with new exhibits for the month.

Oh, and I need to correct a huge blunder I made last month. The Army & Navy packet I featured belongs in an "American Army & Navy" needle book. In my defense, I have examples of this books with and without the special packets. Some have this packet instead.

Only three more weeks of school! This summer I plan to revamp this place. I've grown tired of the "look" and I need to update some of my information. I have learned a thing or two that I would like to share. Rosie's has given me an opportunity to meet a few other collectors, and for that I am grateful.

Happy Hunting,

Rosie

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