An envisioning. 2024, and mid-morning in October, with the leaves turning color, at the house on Lake Helena Heights.

Oh to be here.

The dishwasher to unload. The list to go over. Augusta and the big fabric store, the one with sequined-up ribbons in every color of the rainbow, tacked up in huge swoops against the back wall like the Christmas tree they hoist up and down at the ballet for the Nutcracker.

my new short fiction piece with the rest over on my Substack if you’d like to read it. The image is from the 2016 Neiman Marcus Christmas book and is © the store.

https://sarahbguestperry.substack.com/p/an-envisioning-2024-and-mid-morning

Floor coverings and rugs in glowing colors from back when Bakelite was big and kitchen floors came in Chromalin. Imagery from a 1938 commercial catalogue put out by Bird And Son of East Walpole, Massachusetts.

Front cover of *BIRD Rugs and Floor Coverings: Patterns for 1938*, a commercial catalogue from Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation. American. Collections of Columbia University. In the public domain. https://archive.org/details/birdrugsfloorcov00bird/mode/1up

Bird rugs and floor coverings armored with Bakelite, Chromalin rugs and floor coverings, economy rugs and floor coverings, rug border, lining felt, rubberlike matting: Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation, New York – East Walpole – Chicago, Illinois. Title page. Image 1 of a commercial catalogue from Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation that was published in 1938. American. Collections of Columbia University. In the public domain. https://archive.org/details/birdrugsfloorcov00bird/page/1/mode/1up

There is a Chromalin pattern or design that is adaptable to any room in the house – to fit any scheme of decoration. Here is a custom built Chromolin living room, with specially designed inset in front of the fireplace. Page 3 of a commercial catalogue that was published in 1938 by Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation and titled Bird rugs and floor coverings armored with Bakelite, Chromalin rugs and floor coverings, economy rugs and floor coverings, rug border, lining felt, rubberlike matting: Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation, New York – East Walpole – Chicago, Illinois. Collections of Columbia University. In the public domain. https://archive.org/details/birdrugsfloorcov00bird/page/3/mode/1up

IN HARMONY WITH THE MODERN: Chromalin Rug patterns are ideally suited to more formal rooms. The design used in this dining room is in perfect harmony with modern furnishings. Chromalin in any pattern is the modern floor covering. Page 4 of a commercial catalogue that was published in 1938 by Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation and titled Bird rugs and floor coverings armored with Bakelite, Chromalin rugs and floor coverings, economy rugs and floor coverings, rug border, lining felt, rubberlike matting: Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation, New York – East Walpole – Chicago, Illinois. Collections of Columbia University. In the public domain. https://archive.org/details/birdrugsfloorcov00bird/page/4/mode/1up

*CHROMALIN: Number 9383, sizes 9 x 12, 9 x 10 1/2, 7 1/2 x 9, 6 x 9. Also 8/4 and 12/4. Repeat 18.”* Page 14 of a commercial catalogue that was published in 1938 by Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation and titled Bird rugs and floor coverings armored with Bakelite, Chromalin rugs and floor coverings, economy rugs and floor coverings, rug border, lining felt, rubberlike matting: Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation, New York – East Walpole – Chicago, Illinois. Collections of Columbia University. In the public domain. https://archive.org/details/birdrugsfloorcov00bird/page/14/mode/1up

DURABLE BEAUTY and ECONOMY: The kitchen is the finest proving ground for the wearing qualities of Chromalin. This lovely floor covering combines perfect pattern, durable beauty and ultimate economy even in the spots where the hard wear comes. Page 17 of a commercial catalogue that was published in 1938 by Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation and titled Bird rugs and floor coverings armored with Bakelite, Chromalin rugs and floor coverings, economy rugs and floor coverings, rug border, lining felt, rubberlike matting: Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation, New York – East Walpole – Chicago, Illinois. Collections of Columbia University. In the public domain. https://archive.org/details/birdrugsfloorcov00bird/page/17/mode/1up

*CHROMALIN: Number 430 and number 435, two yards wide, 8/4 only. Repeat 18.”* Page 32 of a commercial catalogue that was published in 1938 by Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation and titled Bird rugs and floor coverings armored with Bakelite, Chromalin rugs and floor coverings, economy rugs and floor coverings, rug border, lining felt, rubberlike matting: Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation, New York – East Walpole – Chicago, Illinois. Collections of Columbia University. In the public domain. https://archive.org/details/birdrugsfloorcov00bird/page/32/mode/1up

PLAIN and JASPE: Plain and Jaspe Floor Covering permits you to give full rein to your own decorative fancies. Interesting and attractive effects may be obtained with or without Chromasets, of which Bird offers a wide selection. Chromasets in both 18″ and 9″ sizes; Floor Plan Units, Assembled Borders, and suggestions for Custom Built Insets are made in many different color combinations. Examples of these are illustrated on the following pages. Page 33 of a commercial catalogue that was published in 1938 by Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation and titled Bird rugs and floor coverings armored with Bakelite, Chromalin rugs and floor coverings, economy rugs and floor coverings, rug border, lining felt, rubberlike matting: Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation, New York – East Walpole – Chicago, Illinois. Collections of Columbia University. In the public domain. https://archive.org/details/birdrugsfloorcov00bird/page/33/mode/1up

CHROMASETS: An even wider selection than ever before provides small designs and individual patterns to suit any taste. With Chromasets anyone can design custom floors. One, two and three-color combinations, in squares, circles, and assembled borders, distinctive floor plan units and custom designs made to order are among this colorful selection shown on the following pages. Compass, Tea Set and Ship’s Wheel. Page 39 of a commercial catalogue that was published in 1938 by Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation and titled Bird rugs and floor coverings armored with Bakelite, Chromalin rugs and floor coverings, economy rugs and floor coverings, rug border, lining felt, rubberlike matting: Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation, New York – East Walpole – Chicago, Illinois. Collections of Columbia University. In the public domain. https://archive.org/details/birdrugsfloorcov00bird/page/39/mode/1up

Bird Armored with BAKELITE Rugs and Floor Coverings clean easier, stay brighter and last longer because each particle of color in Bird Rugs and Floor Coverings Armored with Bakelite is protected by the tough, lustrous Bakelite armor that resists destructive wearing action. This armor is not a surface coating – it is hard and durable on the felt side as it is on the wearing surface. On these pages you will find a colorful array of patterns in both Rugs and Floor Coverings – Suitable for any room in the house, any color scheme, or style of decoration. All are Armored with BAKELITE. Page 43 of a commercial catalogue that was published in 1938 by Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation and titled Bird rugs and floor coverings armored with Bakelite, Chromalin rugs and floor coverings, economy rugs and floor coverings, rug border, lining felt, rubberlike matting: Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation, New York – East Walpole – Chicago, Illinois. Collections of Columbia University. In the public domain. https://archive.org/details/birdrugsfloorcov00bird/page/43/mode/1up

*Armored with BAKELITE: Number 6746, sizes 9 x 15, 9 x 12, 9 x 10 1/2, 9 x 9, 7 1/2 x 9, 6 x 8, also 8/4 and 12/4. Repeat 18.”* Page 44 of a commercial catalogue that was published in 1938 by Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation and titled Bird rugs and floor coverings armored with Bakelite, Chromalin rugs and floor coverings, economy rugs and floor coverings, rug border, lining felt, rubberlike matting: Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation, New York – East Walpole – Chicago, Illinois. Collections of Columbia University. In the public domain. http://archive.org/details/birdrugsfloorcov00bird/page/44/mode/1up

*The playroom is one room that demands an attractive, long-wearing floor covering at moderate cost. Economy Rugs and Floor Coverings are the ideal solution.* Page 70 of a commercial catalogue that was published in 1938 by Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation and titled Bird rugs and floor coverings armored with Bakelite, Chromalin rugs and floor coverings, economy rugs and floor coverings, rug border, lining felt, rubberlike matting: Bird Floor Covering Sales Corporation, New York – East Walpole – Chicago, Illinois. Collections of Columbia University. In the public domain. https://archive.org/details/birdrugsfloorcov00bird/page/70/mode/2up

Chromalin must have been a kind of linoleum or similar to linoleum.

Wishing my Asian friends and followers a very happy lunar New Year.

This image went viral several years ago. Sadly I don’t know whose photograph it is. If you know please comment.

Happy Ramadan

Wishing a happy Ramadan to my Muslim friends and followers.

“The Beginning of Ramadan Month in Istanbul.” Undated, no further information available.

An envisioning. 2024, and an early afternoon in January with dusk already looking to be slipping in around the edges at the house on Drexelbury Way.

Oh to be here.

Warmer outside than last week. Sneakers that almost lace themselves up. A new burnt orange colored fleece, perfect for running in. No one to run with, but that a Saturday thing and not a Wednesday break-time kind of thing. A working remotely good thing, though. The big boss having mentioned the morning off and the dentist. No one to check if you let your standing desk and tea mug tend themselves while the minute hand takes another lap around the dial.

My new fiction piece with the rest at the link if you’d like to read it

https://sarahbguestperry.substack.com/p/an-envisioning-2024-and-an-early

Bud And Velma Witt, Christmas 1967: Bud and Velma Witt were two wonderful people. They were one of many couples who made Wauconda a better place as part of the migration to the country after World War II. Wauconda’s population doubled between 1945 and 1950. From 1950 to 1955 it doubled again and then for a third time between 1955 and 1960. By 1965 there were 5000 inhabitants. This kind of growth was not uncommon for many of the small towns around. The schools did a pretty good job of keeping up. Wauconda, Illinois USA. Collections of the Wauconda Area Public Library. via the Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/1003-bud-and-velma-witt-christmas-1967-dk

Little pieces of oddness that didn’t catch on. Still I’d like the countertop round dishwasher in image one. Perhaps I wasn’t the only one who liked to look at the offerings of Hammacher Schlemmer who mailed their catalogues to my parents. All of these are from the Hammacher Schlemmer Autumn 1971 catalogue.

AUTOMATIC COUNTERTOP DISHWASHER. Turn it on, turn it off; connects to any faucet. It works as efficiently as the larger models, yet it’s completely non-electric. A durable, hydraulic system operates on tap water pressure, and uses the hottest water possible. It washes, rinses, dries, complete service for four in ten minutes – and you never put your hands in water. 20 1/2 x 20 1/2 x 18 1/2″ only. Stand it on counter top, store in small cabinet, take it anywhere. Clear plastic dome and avocado base. H2 300 (Exp.) $39.95. American. Page 30 of the *Hammacher Schlemmer Autumn 1971* catalogue. Published by Hammacher Schlemmer, New York City. Public Domain Mark 1.0. via https://archive.org/details/hammacher-schlemmer-housewares-1971/page/n30/mode/1up

INVENTO FOOD AND PLATE WARMER. An electric warming cabinet with 3 removable rack-shelves. It’s large enough, 20%” high, 31” wide, 13” deep — so that you’ll be able to put your soup tureen, casserole, platter, serving dishes, plates, dessert — an entire meal — into it at once. This is the practical answer for preparing meals ahead of time and serving them hot when you’re ready. Variable heat control, like that of an oven, lets you select any heat from high to low. Its heat-reflecting metal back and see through doors add to the cabinet’s pleasant, clean looks while they diffuse heat. White enameled steel; wall mounts or stands. By Invento. TH106S (EXP). $150.00. Page 3 of the *Hammacher Schlemmer Autumn 1971* catalogue. Published by Hammacher Schlemmer, New York City. Public Domain Mark 1.0. via https://archive.org/details/hammacher-schlemmer-housewares-1971/page/n3/mode/1up

COPPER EGGOVAR. Reproduction of a classic antique English egg cooker. For boiling eggs at table. Boils one to three eggs. Copper with brass trim. Dome cover crowned with a brass chicken-on-nest finial. A pre-measured alcohol burner for 2 or 3 minute eggs. H33. $22.95. Page 9 of the *Hammacher Schlemmer Autumn 1971* catalogue. Published by Hammacher Schlemmer, New York City. Public Domain Mark 1.0. via https://archive.org/details/hammacher-schlemmer-housewares-1971/page/n9/mode/1up

ICE AIRE. A new concept. Ice Air deodorizes ice cubes. A filter cover that fits all ice trays and is guaranteed to keep good taste in and unpleasant taste out — even though cubes are left for months. Set of 4 filter covers with 4 refills — a full year’s supply. HIA. (2 Ibs.)……. 4 Sets for $7.50. Page 11 of the *Hammacher Schlemmer Autumn 1971* catalogue. Published by Hammacher Schlemmer, New York City. Public Domain Mark 1.0. via https://archive.org/details/hammacher-schlemmer-housewares-1971/page/n11/mode/1up

WINE FRIGIDARIUM. Wines, champagne, aperitifs, cocktails, all served well-chilled. Black and stainless steel cooler and cold-energy liners that retain cold and chill bottles for hours without ice. To energize sealed-in refrigerant, store liners in freezer, ready for instant use. N24, (2 lbs.) . . . $12.95. Page 14 of the Hammacher Schlemmer Autumn 1971 catalogue. Published by Hammacher Schlemmer, New York City. Public Domain Mark 1.0. via https://archive.org/details/hammacher-schlemmer-housewares-1971/page/n14/mode/1up

EXER-FLEX. Now keep trim and slim while relaxing! Helps take off inches, build up, firm up and improve posture. Work off tensions and relax before bedtime. You’ll sleep better, Helps you tone up head-to-toe. You control the degree of effort every moment, from gentle to vigorous; because whichever of the basic positions you use, you are relaxed, lying down. Folds, easy to carry and store. All steel frame and covered in sturdy military duck. Z495D. $39.95. Page 19 of the *Hammacher Schlemmer Autumn 1971* catalogue. Published by Hammacher Schlemmer, New York City. Public Domain Mark 1.0. via https://archive.org/details/hammacher-schlemmer-housewares-1971/page/n19/mode/1up

MARTINI SPIKE. Here’s a sterling silver “accessory” for making the ultimate Martini. An unusual dispenser to ration the exact amount of Vermouth, 6%” long and precisely graduated from 1 to 12 cubic centimeters. Ideal gift for those who haven’t quite everything. E429. $10.00. Page 27 of the *Hammacher Schlemmer Autumn 1971* catalogue. Published by Hammacher Schlemmer, New York City. Public Domain Mark 1.0. via https://archive.org/details/hammacher-schlemmer-housewares-1971/page/n27/mode/1up

Traveling back to real Art Deco time. No IKEA knock offs. Imagery from a commercial catalogue published in Paris France in 1932 by Chapelon et Gervais.

Front cover of a 1932 catalogue titled *Ateliers le fer ouvré*, published by the firm of Chapelon et Gervais, 14 avenue des Sycomores, Paris 16e, France. Jean Acker et Cie, Paris, printers. Collections of the Bibliothèque Forney, Paris. Artwork itself in the public domain due to age. https://bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr/ark:/73873/pf0002007673/v0001.simple.highlight=ferronnerie.selectedTab=thumbnail

Title page. of a 1932 catalogue titled *Ateliers le fer ouvré*, published by the firm of Chapelon et Gervais, 14 avenue des Sycomores, Paris 16e, France. Jean Acker et Cie, Paris, printers. Collections of the Bibliothèque Forney, Paris. Artwork itself in the public domain due to age. https://bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr/ark:/73873/pf0002007673/v0001.simple.highlight=ferronnerie.selectedTab=thumbnail

*Lampes modernes, 1001-1004 ; fer verni noirci, poli, nickelé ou chromé, verre dépoli.* Image 7 of a 1932 catalogue titled *Ateliers le fer ouvré*, published by the firm of Chapelon et Gervais, 14 avenue des Sycomores, Paris 16e, France. Jean Acker et Cie, Paris, printers. Collections of the Bibliothèque Forney, Paris. Artwork itself in the public domain due to age. https://bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr/ark:/73873/pf0002007673/v0001.simple.highlight=ferronnerie.selectedTab=thumbnail

*Lampes Moderne, 1008-1011, fer noirci verni, poli ou nickele, verre dépoli. Tous ces articles se font également en chromé.* Image 9 of a 1932 catalogue titled *Ateliers le fer ouvré*, published by the firm of Chapelon et Gervais, 14 avenue des Sycomores, Paris 16e, France. Jean Acker et Cie, Paris, printers. Collections of the Bibliothèque Forney, Paris. Artwork itself in the public domain due to age. https://bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr/ark:/73873/pf0002007673/v0009.simple.highlight=ferronnerie.selectedTab=thumbnail

Lustre Moderne. 5029; 6 luminaires, fer forgé noirci ou patiné, verres *dépoli*s. 5030; 12 lumières intérieures, fer forgé noirci ou patiné, verres *dépoli*. Image 26 of a 1932 catalogue titled *Ateliers le fer ouvré*, published by the firm of Chapelon et Gervais, 14 avenue des Sycomores, Paris 16e, France. Jean Acker et Cie, Paris, printers. Collections of the Bibliothèque Forney, Paris. Artwork itself in the public domain due to age. https://bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr/ark:/73873/pf0002007673/v0026.simple.highlight=ferronnerie.selectedTab=thumbnail

*Table. 6020-6022. Fer forgé noir verni ou poli. Marbre breche orientale ou ‘lap.’* Image 41 of a 1932 catalogue titled *Ateliers le fer ouvré*, published by the firm of Chapelon et Gervais, 14 avenue des Sycomores, Paris 16e, France. Jean Acker et Cie, Paris, printers. Collections of the Bibliothèque Forney, Paris. Artwork itself in the public domain due to age. https://bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr/ark:/73873/pf0002007673/v0041.simple.highlight=ferronnerie.selectedTab=thumbnail

*Cadres à Photos. 6031-6032. fer forgé nickelé ou chromé*. Image 45 of a 1932 catalogue titled *Ateliers le fer ouvré*, published by the firm of Chapelon et Gervais, 14 avenue des Sycomores, Paris 16e, France. Jean Acker et Cie, Paris, printers. Collections of the Bibliothèque Forney, Paris. Artwork itself in the public domain due to age. https://bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr/ark:/73873/pf0002007673/v0045.simple.highlight=ferronnerie.selectedTab=thumbnail

*6036. Chenets fer forgé noirci; 6037 Pare-feu fer forgé noirci ou patiné.* Image 47 of a 1932 catalogue titled *Ateliers le fer ouvré*, published by the firm of Chapelon et Gervais, 14 avenue des Sycomores, Paris 16e, France. Jean Acker et Cie, Paris, printers. Collections of the Bibliothèque Forney, Paris. Artwork itself in the public domain due to age. https://bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr/ark:/73873/pf0002007673/v0047.simple.highlight=ferronnerie.selectedTab=thumbnail

*7019 and 7020: Balcon fer forgé noirci.* Image 62 Image 47 of a 1932 catalogue titled *Ateliers le fer ouvré*, published by the firm of Chapelon et Gervais, 14 avenue des Sycomores, Paris 16e, France. Jean Acker et Cie, Paris, printers. Collections of the Bibliothèque Forney, Paris. Artwork itself in the public domain due to age. https://bibliotheques-specialisees.paris.fr/ark:/73873/pf0002007673/v0062.simple.highlight=ferronnerie.selectedTab=thumbnail

Off for the weekend and possibly for life at the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove, Florida. Afternoons to sip sherry alternating with ice cold Coca Colas and platters of deviled eggs. More fun than staying home embroidering sofa cushions, too. From the Woman’s Club records folder, University of Miami Libraries.

*Club members sitting on a bench on Miami Beach. Florida.* Written on verso: “40.” 1915 image. American. Photographer not given. Collections of the University of Miami Libraries Digital Collections. Image itself in the public domain due to age. https://digitalcollections.library.miami.edu/digital/collection/asm0400/id/95/rec/7

*Coconut Drive, Miami Beach, Florida.* (their clubhouse). Written on front: “*Cocoanut Drive Miami*“; Written on verso: “8.” 1915 image. American. Photographer not given. Collections of the University of Miami Libraries Digital Collections. Image itself in the public domain due to age. https://digitalcollections.library.miami.edu/digital/collection/asm0400/id/20/rec/24

*Housekeepers Club grand benefit concert, January 15th 1914 at 7:30 PM. Tickets 25 cents.* American. Photographer not given. Collections of the University of Miami Libraries Digital Collections. Image itself in the public domain due to age. https://digitalcollections.library.miami.edu/digital/collection/asm0400/id/5060/rec/40

*Oriental tea service from the pageant, “Trip around the world*. ” Imprint on front: *“No 1084*“; Written on verso: *“Oriental Tea Service”; “TRIP AROUND THE WORLD, 1922”; “[COCONUT GROVE WOMAN’S CLUB]”; Stamped on verso: “The photo Shop 145 1-2 N.E. Second Street MIAMI, FLA Phone 6143*.” 1922. American. Collections of the University of Miami Libraries Digital Collections. Image itself in the public domain due to age. https://digitalcollections.library.miami.edu/digital/collection/asm0400/id/11/rec/56

“Scene from the pageant, “Trip around the world.” Imprint on front: “Number 1106”; Written on verso: “21.” Part of the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove Miami Florida records that are archived at the University of Miami so presumably their swimming pool and their pageant.1921-1922 image.
American. Photographer not given. Collections of the University of Miami Libraries Digital Collections. Image itself in the public domain due to age. https://digitalcollections.library.miami.edu/digital/collection/asm0400/id/96/rec/71

“Photograph of a pageant.” 1922 image. Part of the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove Miami Florida records that are archived at the University of Miami so presumably photographed in Coconut Grove. American. Photographer not given. Collections of the University of Miami Libraries Digital Collections. Image itself in the public domain due to age. https://digitalcollections.library.miami.edu/digital/collection/asm0400/id/47/rec/60

Pageants were very popular 1915-1925 ish. Some were put on by clubs, some by schools and others by houses of worship or cities and towns. Also popular at the same time were tableaux vivant which look very similar in the pictures but more of the participants were children and teenagers.

1998, and a mid-morning in March with the icicles melting into the sun at the cul-de-sac in Gabriella Groves.

Oh to be here.

Saturday tomorrow, and that ice-skating day. Two middle schoolers taking lessons. The baby inching along on her double runners. A good thing she has such a padded-up snowsuit. Falling doesn’t hurt that way. She can almost bounce right back up. A tutor from the skating school, next year, maybe, but not until then. Not advanced enough to need more help than a mother whose skating lessons were a few years ago can impart.

my new short fiction piece published to my Substack at the link if you’d like to read the rest.

https://sarahbguestperry.substack.com/p/1998-and-a-mid-morning-in-march-with

Spring through Summer 1960 Sears catalogue (?) page. From the collection of Alexander B. Tecoma. via flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagestitches/23628069121

Flower pictures from 1885. I guess you can tell I’m tired of winter. Imagery from the January 1885 issue of “L’Illustration horticole : journal spécial des serres et des jardins…”