Delightful Verses and Mottos from Days Gone By: Collecting Buzzas
11.06.07 By Val UbellI just love the little verses and ‘mottos’ done by Buzza, and various other American companies. Most of these are from the 1920s or 30s, and are intended to be uplifting and inspirational. To some they may seem a bit ‘corny’, especially the younger generation. I have them scattered about the house. One is in the back hall (where our dearest friends and family enter, not the true ‘guests’.) It is called “To Our Guest” and adds the sentiment that they are also part of the family. Its purpose is to offer a welcoming statement to our home. It has a scene of a cottage, which is similar to our style of house, very comfortable and warm.
We have some in the guest bedroom as well. A favorite is called “While You are Here” and is so sweet!
Another one is dedicated to Mother. You see quite a few of these, and nearly all are complimentary and with a fond, loving message. I chose this one because of the heart shape around the verse. This whole room is filled with hearts!
Another one is to “My Dad.” I was especially close to my father and reading it brings fond memories and a smile to my face. They did not have any with a cribbage board and reference to a glass of beer, so this one had to do.
I have one that reminds me of a long-time friend who passed away about 5 years ago. It’s called Memory Lane. It takes me back to a simpler time, growing up together, not much stress, just good, clean fun.
One was given to us as a house-warming gift from the owner of an antique mall. We had a booth in her mall and through the years became friends. When we moved here, she came to visit, bringing this charming verse called The Path, by Edgar Guest. It has resided in the hallway ever since. (As my hubby will tell you, there are not too many nail-free spots on my walls.)
Many of these have beautiful graphics! Colorful scenes, some are called “fantasy prints” featuring ladies with wings, jesters, and silhouettes. Some have foils – these are especially difficult to find and if you do, they are priced pretty high! Their frames are generally bland. Probably because they were made in high volume and also so that their simple, painted wooden frames don’t distract from the message.
I show them to the grandkids who are from a high-tech age and probably think ‘grammy’ is a bit daft with all her doo-dads, collections on the walls and in curios and no computer games. But our older granddaughter has read them with me and likes them – so there is hope after all!
If you have a chance to frequent an antique mall or even a thrift shop, you’ll probably see one or two. They might make a nice house-warming gift, shower present or ‘no-special-occasion’ gift to someone who needs a little cheering up. You can find one with a lot of various subject. Some are actually quite religious. These old lithos are really a delight and bring a smile to almost anyone’s face. Try it, you’ll like it.
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Article Tags: Fantasy, inspirational, mottos, prints, uplifting================
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August 10th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I am a collector of ‘cat’ collectibles and I am seeking the early Buzza (1920s-1930s)
mother cat with two kittens in the early color accented frame…with poem that reads,
‘NO FRIENDS LIKE OLD FRIENDS..GO WHERE WE MAY…NO FRIENDS LIKE OLD FRIENDS..WITH US TO STAY…GOD BLESS THE FRIENDS WHO ARE JOLLY AND NEW…BUT KEEP SAFE FOREVER, THE OLD AND THE TRUE”…willing to pay a good, but fair price if near mint to mint condition…thank you, Donna Parla
818-957-8626…..donna3638@att.net
August 11th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Hi Donna - sorry, we have not come across that one but will certainly keep our eyes open - sounds charming. Thanks for reading my blog! Val