The UFO Team is going on a two week vacation. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. We will have access to email (tk42one@gmail.com), so feel free to drop us a line if you need anything. We'll see you back on June 9th!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Spring Break
The UFO Team is going on a two week vacation. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. We will have access to email (tk42one@gmail.com), so feel free to drop us a line if you need anything. 
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Matchbox
Location:
The UFO Team thought it would have a bit of fun by stepping forward in time a bit to share one of those odd treasures that, well, that just makes us laugh. We're not sure why, but it does.
Description:
A box of matches (no, we didn't count them). One side has a mini-ad for the movie 48 Hours. The other side has The Lords of Discipline. Keep in mind that this was back in the day when movies had ads for beer in the previews.
Unique Marks:
None really, but it looks like it was used.
History:
Who knows. Probably someone wanted to smoke something and need a match.
Photos:
Note:
The UFO Team recommends you watch the movies, not smoke cigarettes.
References:
- Internet Movie Database (IMDB), Retrieved on May 16, 2008 from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083511/ and http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085867/.
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
The UFO Team thought it would have a bit of fun by stepping forward in time a bit to share one of those odd treasures that, well, that just makes us laugh. We're not sure why, but it does.
Description:
A box of matches (no, we didn't count them). One side has a mini-ad for the movie 48 Hours. The other side has The Lords of Discipline. Keep in mind that this was back in the day when movies had ads for beer in the previews.
Unique Marks:
None really, but it looks like it was used.
History:
Who knows. Probably someone wanted to smoke something and need a match.
Photos:
Note:
The UFO Team recommends you watch the movies, not smoke cigarettes.
References:
- Internet Movie Database (IMDB), Retrieved on May 16, 2008 from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083511/ and http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085867/.
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Ring
Location:
The UFO Team is not sure where this particular item came from, but we have been able to determine who the previous owner was. We are also able to determine, based on the engravings, that it was yet another item from the International Order of Oddfellows.
Description:
The ring is housed in a small, white box. The box is held together in some places by what looks like white medical tape. The top of the box has a label from the jewelry store.
The ring is small and gold in color. The top is engraved with the initials of the owner as well as the triple rings indicative of the Oddfellows. There is also a number engraved that appears to be the lodge number. The ring is cracked all the way through one of the bands and does not connect at the bottom. This gives the impression it was a pinky ring.
Unique Marks:
The box has a printed label that says "L Smith, Jeweler, Lexington, Nebr."
The ring is engraved on the top with the initials "CBR" and the number "274." The three interlocking rings of the Oddfellows is also engraved.
The band bears the markings of "ESENC" on one side and "10K" on the other.
History:
The previous owner (1908-1995) was an active member of the International Order of Oddfellows. The significance of the ring is unknown. The Oconto, Nebraska lodge was number 319 at one point, but the previous owner was a known member of lodge number 91 based in Dawson [presumably Dawson County or the city of Lexington] Nebraska.
Photos:
References:
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
The UFO Team is not sure where this particular item came from, but we have been able to determine who the previous owner was. We are also able to determine, based on the engravings, that it was yet another item from the International Order of Oddfellows.
Description:
The ring is housed in a small, white box. The box is held together in some places by what looks like white medical tape. The top of the box has a label from the jewelry store.
The ring is small and gold in color. The top is engraved with the initials of the owner as well as the triple rings indicative of the Oddfellows. There is also a number engraved that appears to be the lodge number. The ring is cracked all the way through one of the bands and does not connect at the bottom. This gives the impression it was a pinky ring.
Unique Marks:
The box has a printed label that says "L
The ring is engraved on the top with the initials "CBR" and the number "274." The three interlocking rings of the Oddfellows is also engraved.
The band bears the markings of "ESENC" on one side and "10K" on the other.
History:
The previous owner (1908-1995) was an active member of the International Order of Oddfellows. The significance of the ring is unknown. The Oconto, Nebraska lodge was number 319 at one point, but the previous owner was a known member of lodge number 91 based in Dawson [presumably Dawson County or the city of Lexington] Nebraska.
Photos:
References:
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
Friday, May 16, 2008
UFO Shaving Brush
Location:
Yet again we have more shaving tools (see previous entries here, here, and here). The UFO Team can only imagine what it would be like to shave with these implements every time we wanted a smooth face.
Description:
The shaving brush comes with a matching base. Both are cream in color with the brush handle going to darker brown at the top with a black cap at the end. The bristles are light brown nearest the handle, fade to a dark brown or black, then fade to a light brown or blond at the end. The cap on the end has the company's name stamped on it. The bottom of the base has the company's name engraved.
Unique Marks:
The cap has "STERILIZED" and "BADGER AND BRISTLE" stamped in a curve surrounding "STANHOME" and the company's logo in the middle.
The bottom of the base has "STANHOME" and the company's logo (a house with smoke coming from a chimney) and "A STANLEY HOME PRODUCT" engraved on it.
History:
Unknown at this time.
Photos:
References:
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
Yet again we have more shaving tools (see previous entries here, here, and here). The UFO Team can only imagine what it would be like to shave with these implements every time we wanted a smooth face.
Description:
The shaving brush comes with a matching base. Both are cream in color with the brush handle going to darker brown at the top with a black cap at the end. The bristles are light brown nearest the handle, fade to a dark brown or black, then fade to a light brown or blond at the end. The cap on the end has the company's name stamped on it. The bottom of the base has the company's name engraved.
Unique Marks:
The cap has "STERILIZED" and "BADGER AND BRISTLE" stamped in a curve surrounding "STANHOME" and the company's logo in the middle.
The bottom of the base has "STANHOME" and the company's logo (a house with smoke coming from a chimney) and "A STANLEY HOME PRODUCT" engraved on it.
History:
Unknown at this time.
Photos:
References:
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
UFO Razors
Location:
While these were likely used along side our previous shaving kit (found here and here), it is possible that these were the replacements.
Description:
The razor box is black in color and made from a medium to low quality cardboard or paper material. The box separates into a roughly 60/40 split with the top half having a crushed end. The top and bottom halves show distinctive print.
The razor handle has a mother of pearl look with gold brackets on each end. The blade is marked on both sides by the manufacturer and still holds a sharp edge. The blade is square at the business end and shows some signs of rust near the hinge.
Unique Marks:
The box has "E. C. SIMMONS" and "KEEN KUTTER" printed on the bottom. The top of the box has "SIMMONS HARDWARE CO MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTERS USA" printed on it.
The blade has "GENCO" and "HENRY'S XXX" on one side with "GENEVA NY USA" stamped near the hinge. The reverse of the blade has "HENRY'S XXX" printed on it.
History:
Keen Kutter blades were sold by Simmon's Hardware stores. Based on the catalogs of the time, Simmon's sold a plethora of goods from axes to hammers.
The Henry's XXX blade was produced by Geneva Cutlery Company, based out of Geneva, New York. They used the GENCO trademark from about 1902 to 1935.
Photos:
References:
- Keen Kutter, Wikipedia, Retrieved on May 12, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keen_Kutter.
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
- Rose Antique Tools, Keen Kutter Catalog (1939) , Retrieved on May 12, 2008 from http://www.roseantiquetools.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/kknives.pdf.
- Uniclectica, Retrieved on May 12, 2008 from http://www.uniclectica.com/misc/manuf.html.
While these were likely used along side our previous shaving kit (found here and here), it is possible that these were the replacements.
Description:
The razor box is black in color and made from a medium to low quality cardboard or paper material. The box separates into a roughly 60/40 split with the top half having a crushed end. The top and bottom halves show distinctive print.
The razor handle has a mother of pearl look with gold brackets on each end. The blade is marked on both sides by the manufacturer and still holds a sharp edge. The blade is square at the business end and shows some signs of rust near the hinge.
Unique Marks:
The box has "E. C. SIMMONS" and "KEEN KUTTER" printed on the bottom. The top of the box has "SIMMONS HARDWARE CO MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTERS USA" printed on it.
The blade has "GENCO" and "HENRY'S XXX" on one side with "GENEVA NY USA" stamped near the hinge. The reverse of the blade has "HENRY'S XXX" printed on it.
History:
Keen Kutter blades were sold by Simmon's Hardware stores. Based on the catalogs of the time, Simmon's sold a plethora of goods from axes to hammers.
The Henry's XXX blade was produced by Geneva Cutlery Company, based out of Geneva, New York. They used the GENCO trademark from about 1902 to 1935.
Photos:
References:
- Keen Kutter, Wikipedia, Retrieved on May 12, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keen_Kutter.
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
- Rose Antique Tools, Keen Kutter Catalog (1939) , Retrieved on May 12, 2008 from http://www.roseantiquetools.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/kknives.pdf.
- Uniclectica, Retrieved on May 12, 2008 from http://www.uniclectica.com/misc/manuf.html.
Monday, May 12, 2008
UFO Jewelry
Location:
In addition to some previous Fraternal Order of Oddfellows items we have found in the past, we stumbled upon these two items as well. A charm pendent and a small ring. Both are intriguing as the Oddfellows (and other fraternal organizations) appear to have produced an abundant supply of jewelry, badges, and ribbons.
Description:
The charm is small, round, and gold in color. It has a small hole to hang from a pendant at the top. The center contains a raised pattern of three interlocking rings of white, blue, and red (from top to bottom respectively). Inside these rings are the letters "F," "L," and "T" (from top to bottom again). Between the raised pattern in the middle and the raised, coin-like edge is a ray pattern or ridges and valleys emanating from the middle to the outside edge. The reverse has the same design.
The ring is very small and silver in color. The edging and the setting have small inscribed patterns decorating the edges. The setting has a small, deep red stone with an emerald style cut. The center of the stone is decorated with three interlocking silver rings.
Unique Marks:
The interlocking rings are indicative of the International Order of Oddfellows.
History:
Unknown at this time.
Photos:
References:
- International Order of Oddfellows retrieved on May 9, 2008 from http://www.ioof.org/.
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
In addition to some previous Fraternal Order of Oddfellows items we have found in the past, we stumbled upon these two items as well. A charm pendent and a small ring. Both are intriguing as the Oddfellows (and other fraternal organizations) appear to have produced an abundant supply of jewelry, badges, and ribbons.
Description:
The charm is small, round, and gold in color. It has a small hole to hang from a pendant at the top. The center contains a raised pattern of three interlocking rings of white, blue, and red (from top to bottom respectively). Inside these rings are the letters "F," "L," and "T" (from top to bottom again). Between the raised pattern in the middle and the raised, coin-like edge is a ray pattern or ridges and valleys emanating from the middle to the outside edge. The reverse has the same design.
The ring is very small and silver in color. The edging and the setting have small inscribed patterns decorating the edges. The setting has a small, deep red stone with an emerald style cut. The center of the stone is decorated with three interlocking silver rings.
Unique Marks:
The interlocking rings are indicative of the International Order of Oddfellows.
History:
Unknown at this time.
Photos:
References:
- International Order of Oddfellows retrieved on May 9, 2008 from http://www.ioof.org/.
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
Friday, May 9, 2008
UFO Pill Box
Location:
The UFO Team has a saying around here; "The smaller the box, the greater the treasure." And this particular pill box lives up to that adage. Discovered like so many of the other items, tucked away in a dark corner, this little diamond in the rough is quite intriguing. We can only guess what ailment the medicine was to treat and who was prescribed it.
Description:
Small in size, roughly double the size of a quarter, this pill box opens in the middle. When split like a wafer cookie, the interior is red and has small stains. The exterior is brown, likely constructed of a rough cardboard material. The reverse is blank while the top has the name and address of the pharmacy pre-printed on it with the dosage written by hand.
Unique Marks:
Top - "Mueller's Pharmacy, 203 Jefferson Ave. Detroit" is pre-printed; by hand is written " Two pills every 3 hours"
History:
Jefferson Street in Detroit was named such sometime after 1807. The family that likely owned this didn't arrive in the Detroit area until some decades later (around 1870) and left for Nebraska in the mid to late 1880s.
Photos:
References:
- History Detroit, Retrieved on May 2, 2008 from http://www.historydetroit.com/streets.asp.
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
The UFO Team has a saying around here; "The smaller the box, the greater the treasure." And this particular pill box lives up to that adage. Discovered like so many of the other items, tucked away in a dark corner, this little diamond in the rough is quite intriguing. We can only guess what ailment the medicine was to treat and who was prescribed it.
Description:
Small in size, roughly double the size of a quarter, this pill box opens in the middle. When split like a wafer cookie, the interior is red and has small stains. The exterior is brown, likely constructed of a rough cardboard material. The reverse is blank while the top has the name and address of the pharmacy pre-printed on it with the dosage written by hand.
Unique Marks:
Top - "Mueller's Pharmacy, 203 Jefferson Ave. Detroit" is pre-printed; by hand is written " Two pills every 3 hours"
History:
Jefferson Street in Detroit was named such sometime after 1807. The family that likely owned this didn't arrive in the Detroit area until some decades later (around 1870) and left for Nebraska in the mid to late 1880s.
Photos:
References:
- History Detroit, Retrieved on May 2, 2008 from http://www.historydetroit.com/streets.asp.
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
UFO Laws
Location:
This particular item is quite interesting as none of the previous owners appear to have any connection with the legalities of the state. Granted, there has been at least one instance of a family member being summoned to court, but what purpose this particular item served is not none. To some degree the UFO Team feels that it may have been a family bible of sorts, seeing as the names and birth dates of certain people are written inside the front cover.
Description:
This is a thick and heavy book in poor shape. The cover is a pressed cardboard that appears to be covered in leather. The binding is nearly undone for the entire spine. The spine does have a red label marking this item as the "Compiled Statues of Nebraska." The interior cover has a list of names and birth dates.
Unique Marks:
The rear cover of the book shows a distinctive impression. Six dots in a row with three linear marks, two running parallel to each other and the third running parallel to the dots.
History:
Likely published in the early 1900s.
Photos:
References:
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
This particular item is quite interesting as none of the previous owners appear to have any connection with the legalities of the state. Granted, there has been at least one instance of a family member being summoned to court, but what purpose this particular item served is not none. To some degree the UFO Team feels that it may have been a family bible of sorts, seeing as the names and birth dates of certain people are written inside the front cover.
Description:
This is a thick and heavy book in poor shape. The cover is a pressed cardboard that appears to be covered in leather. The binding is nearly undone for the entire spine. The spine does have a red label marking this item as the "Compiled Statues of Nebraska." The interior cover has a list of names and birth dates.
Unique Marks:
The rear cover of the book shows a distinctive impression. Six dots in a row with three linear marks, two running parallel to each other and the third running parallel to the dots.
History:
Likely published in the early 1900s.
Photos:
References:
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
Mini Mug
Location:
This miniature mug was located in a small cigar box of other trinkets. The UFO Team was entranced by the small size, wondering if it was made for small drinkers like leprechauns or if it was made for small drinks like shots of whiskey.
Description:
This small mug is white in color and has a shiny, enamel finish. The artwork is of a couple in the trees apparently having a picnic. Below the artwork is what appears to be "Opia." Based on the history of the family, this could be Norwegian.
Unique Marks:
"Opia" on the front in gold filigree. No stamps on the bottom.
History:
Unknown at this time.
Photos:
References:
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
This miniature mug was located in a small cigar box of other trinkets. The UFO Team was entranced by the small size, wondering if it was made for small drinkers like leprechauns or if it was made for small drinks like shots of whiskey.
Description:
This small mug is white in color and has a shiny, enamel finish. The artwork is of a couple in the trees apparently having a picnic. Below the artwork is what appears to be "Opia." Based on the history of the family, this could be Norwegian.
Unique Marks:
"Opia" on the front in gold filigree. No stamps on the bottom.
History:
Unknown at this time.
Photos:
References:
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
Friday, May 2, 2008
1 Diploma and 3 Photos (part 3)
Mr. Richard (the younger) and Mrs. Richard can be seen in these two old photographic drawings.
Description:
Mr. Richard (the younger) is pictured in a more photographic image wearing a coat and tie. The photo is oval and has no frame. The reverse has several numbers written in pencil.
Mrs. Richard is in a fancy frame similar to Mr. Richard (the elder). There is a gold hue on the inner edges and fancy scroll work around the edges. Mrs. Richard is shown wearing a high-necked dress with a rope or chain flowing from her neck down. Also like the other frame, the reverse is loosely assembled with nails and twine.
Unique Marks:
Mr. Richard (the younger) - reverse - "105" over "9184" with a "1" in a circle and "443" between the "9184" and the "1".
History:
Unknown at this time.
Photos:
References:
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
Description:
Mr. Richard (the younger) is pictured in a more photographic image wearing a coat and tie. The photo is oval and has no frame. The reverse has several numbers written in pencil.
Mrs. Richard is in a fancy frame similar to Mr. Richard (the elder). There is a gold hue on the inner edges and fancy scroll work around the edges. Mrs. Richard is shown wearing a high-necked dress with a rope or chain flowing from her neck down. Also like the other frame, the reverse is loosely assembled with nails and twine.
Unique Marks:
Mr. Richard (the younger) - reverse - "105" over "9184" with a "1" in a circle and "443" between the "9184" and the "1".
History:
Unknown at this time.
Photos:
References:
- Numerous facts were gathered from the private Richard Family Estate collection. These facts span numerous sources of information and contain genealogical data, photos, and newspaper articles.
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