Vintage postcards with a trivet theme

Postcards are interesting and fun to collect! Here are some of the vintage postcards I’ve found over the years … all with a trivet theme.

Penrod’s Museum, Lakeview, Arkansas ~ Mr. & Mrs. J. L. Penrod’s 40 year collection included 57 different categories of collectibles from all over the world. It was listed in the AAA Tour Guide and Museums of the US by the American Association of Museums and the Smithsonian Institution. Penrod’s museum has been closed for years; the building now houses a motorcycle sales and repair shop.

General Lyon Inn, Eastford, Connecticut ~ Built between 1790 and 1843, this large Inn, on the corner of Old Colony and Westford Roads, served the community for nearly 150 years under various names. From 1918-1979 it was the General Lyon Inn. On the postcard reverse: “The kitchen contains two brick ovens which are used and two fireplaces. A wonderful collection of trivets are a great attraction.” This Inn has been since converted into apartments.

Trivets Collection at the Lightner Museum of Hobbies, St. Augustine, Florida ~ The Lightner Museum opened in 1948 and is still open to the public today. I’ve visited the museum several times but have never seen any trivets on display. Several emails to the curator have gone unanswered … could their trivets be in storage?

Pioneer Village Collection of Trivets, Minden, Nebraska ~ Trivets were among dozens of unusual collections in their Hobby House. The Pioneer Village is still thriving on the prairie and claims to have the largest private collection of Americana anywhere!

The Iron House, US Rt. 30 east of Lancaster, Pennsylvania ~ This was a gift shop within Dutch Haven, which is still in business today and boasts the largest Amish Souvenir Store in Lancaster County.

Trivet Motel, 1524 E. Cumberland St., Lebanon, Pennsylvania ~ They advertised a swimming pool, private ceramic tile baths, wall-to-wall carpet, free T.V. and “Air-Conditioning”. (I wonder why that was in quotes?) Google Street View reveals it’s now a Relax Inn.

Art Smithy, Box 2, Worcester, Pennsylvania ~ On the postcard reverse: Cast iron trivets and blacksmith demonstrations. Whatsoever Thy Hand Findeth To Do, Do It With All Thy Might. Blacksmith Harry M. Houpt cast and sold reproduction trivet designs signed ART SMITHY; he passed away in 2002. From his obituary: “He was an iron worker and artist who trained under the late Samuel Yellin, an iron worker in Philadelphia. He and his wife owned and operated The Ironmaster’s House and Museum, Center Point, Montgomery County (PA) for 38 years. He demonstrated blacksmithing at the Kutztown Folk Festival for 45 years and for 25 years at the Hershey Dutch Days. ”

Have you ever visited any of these places or found other trivet post cards? Share your comments below!

PS: I save all my collectible postcards in Itoya ArtProfolio display books. They’re 100% acid-free and archival safe, with a durable polypropylene cover and clear, top-loading pocket pages.