farm – Ephemerascenti

Cedar Hill Farms Ceramic Crock Pottery

This vintage ceramic crock was manufactured and labeled for Cedar Hill Farms Dairy. The photos depict its vintage condition, with no chips or cracks, it has some discoloration from age and use. It was among family treasures and oddities from our mid-western upbringing. Although we are certain that Cedar Hill Farms was one of over 45 dairies local to southwestern Ohio, we are not aware of its original familial origin. The plural “Farms” suggests it is connected with the collective of local farmers who’s independent dairies milk was sold to and pasteurized under the name Cedar Hill Farms. The dairy went out of business decades ago. Today, the name Cedar Hill Farm is not uncommon, there is a popular farm in Misssissippi that hosts private and public events, another Cedar Hill Farm in North Carolina serves equestrian needs as stables and training for hunters and dressage horses , another in Wisconsin, … The name bears a certain nostalgia for a bucolic setting and time, regardless of origin.

Seven Vintage John Deere and Farm Supply Advertising Bullet Pencils

It is easy to date these vintage advertising bullet pencils as being from the 1940s and the 1950s. Some don’t even include phone digits, let alone the ubiquitous web urls we are now provided for businesses. Most of this group’s include a several digit number, which assumes a local connection for the user. These pencils were unique to an era.

They each have a “bullet” tip which when pulled out reveals the pencil with its protected, sharpened lead. The second segment of the pencil consists of the printed, early plastic cover with the eraser on the other end. These bullet pencils may be seen in photographs of farmers in their denim overalls. Each overall bib had a sewn area for a writing utensil such as a bullet pencil. These and similar bullet pencils were not only a savvy means of advertising for local, regional, or national advertising of farm equipment, seed, and other similar services, but a functional, if not necessary writing instrument back in the day.

This is an instant collection on which to build for anyone interested in John Deere equipment, farming, writing instruments, or the history of advertising ephemera. Included are two John Deere (four legged deer). and one Pioneer Seed Corn bullet pencil. Two of the seven appear to have been lightly used or not used. Six are in very good vintage condition. We have included a seventh bullet pencil, this one from Stark Trucking. Although we could, no doubt, use a pliers to pull it open, we have not.

The full list and related companies or towns: John Deere/Wolf Sales Co., Scio, Ohio / John Deere Cedarville, Ohio / Welch HIGRADE Fertilizers / Pioneer Corn Co., Tipton, Ohio / Madison Farm Bureau, London, Ohio / C. E. Hill, “On the bank of the Deer Creek, Williamsport, Ohio / Stark Trucking, Fountanelle, Iowa

Measurements: approximately 4″ long x .5” wide

VIntage Stainless Steel Tall Lidded Dairy Pail

dairyCan-b-7632
dairy pail
This vintage stainless steel cream pail is in very good vintage condition. Utilitarian, this pail could serve numerous functions in the home while retaining its rural dairy or industrial steel good looks. Approximately 20″ tall and nearly 10″ in diameter, it could make a wonderful container for gathering or displaying gladiolus or other tall specimen flowers. The buckets handle is strong, swivels out of the way and is built to withstand heavy loads when necessary. Given its original purpose, without the lid, it would also be a great receptacle for wet or dry umbrellas next to the door. Nice storage for birdseed one can carry out to the feeders? Storage for kindling next to the fireplace? What about an aesthetic storage container for dog food or cat food? No doubt you will think of other uses for this fine vintage container with lid. No dents, some minute scratches, they are barely discernible masked within the beautiful patina.