The brainchild of a German immigrant, New York’s Crystal Palace was built in the early 1850s as an exhibition hall. Inspired by London’s famous Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, entrepreneur and promoter Christian E. Detmold had a dream to erect a similar venue in the United States, whereContinue Reading
Samuel Hart and his playing cards are a legend in American history in both the sport and pastime card players. Hart is credited with the introduction of many advancements and innovations which have become the standard features of playing cards available for purchase today in the United States.Continue Reading
Prior to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act of June 30th 1906, there existed many merchants and purveyors who foisted various toxic preparations and other snake oils on the American public. Charles G. Lennon was one of them…Continue Reading
In 1867 German Immigrant Charles Feltman invented the American Hot Dog. Before there was Nathan’s there was Feltman’s. History has a way of only remembering its victors, and in the case of Coney Island hot dogs…Continue Reading
The old adage “Buy the book before you buy the coin” most certainly applies for those who wish to pursue tokens and exonumia. While there are vast quantities of books which have been published that address U.S. Federal emissions, comparatively very few references exist which address tokensContinue Reading
William H. Richardson was an umbrella, parasol, and sunshade manufacturer and retailer in Philadelphia during the mid-19th century. During the era, parasols and sunshades were quite popular, and used by ladies to shield themselvesContinue Reading
Born in Germany on September 9th 1832, Johan “John’ Marr entered the engraving business at a very young age. Young, destitute, and barely a teenager, Marr found himself forced to live with a jeweler and engraver. In exchange for room and board, Marr was hired to care for the jeweler’sContinue Reading
Early in 1862 all United States coins disappeared from circulation. The general public, concerned about possible increases in values of all metals, began hoarding their change. First gold and silver coins disappeared from circulation.Continue Reading
