In honor of Independence Day I thought I’d discuss collecting a bit of American history – Americana. I think a popular misconception is that anything with an American flag slapped on it qualifies as Americana, but it goes far beyond that. Anything that symbolizes the American culture qualifies as Americana – from a Model-T Ford to a Cracker Jack prize. Art, crafts, food, games and music have all been labeled Americana at one time or another.
Many Americana collectors pursue crafts and folk art, such as hand-sewn quilts made from hundreds of tiny squares of multicolored fabric and samplers painstakingly sewn by young girls learning the art of needlework. Other items in this category might include hand painted brooches and other jewelry, dollhouses and simple landscapes and portraits.
Furniture is another popular area of Americana collectibles, from mahogany dining tables designed by master cabinetmakers like Duncan Phyfe to simple chairs fashioned by 18th century farmers. Some choose to complement a furniture collection with a collection of decorative household objects like candlesticks and platters crafted by early American artisans in silver and pewter.
In the area of visual art, reproductions of famous Americana paintings and prints like those of Norman Rockwell or Currier & Ives continue to be popular sellers and the originals are highly sought after. Many enjoy photographs of picturesque barns and roadside diners, while others pursue colorful advertisements from early publications. There has even been interest in the original paintings of the lurid pulp magazine covers from the early years of the 20th century, depicting heroes, thieves and monsters.
Another area of collectibles is Black Americana which can sometimes be contentious.
Finally, while some collectors choose to focus on particular objects, such as 19th century framed silhouettes, others choose a historical episode, such as the Civil War, and collect flags, newspapers, advertisements, uniforms and other memorabilia surrounding that event. Others choose a geographical location, collecting early maps and handmade Cowboy spurs from the Old West for example, while still others select a particular time period like the Roaring Twenties.
Have a happy Fourth of July!
