Becky and I spent our weekly Saturday-junkin'-fest in nearby Gaston County. Even though we didn't come home with a carload of treasures, I did find something special . . . a ribbed, plastic Raffiaware cup in Coffee Cup colors!
During the Long Wait, I was picking up pieces of dinnerware and glasses here and there for The Coffee Cup. Initially I thought I wanted real china and glass, but have changed my mind since getting her home to Newton.
Instead, I want to outfit my little java kitchen with vintage plastic dinnerware and accessories. In particular, I'm hoping to find brown Melmac/Melamine plates, bowls, and such. As for drinking vessels, I'm searching for Raffiaware that is ribbed like the piece I bought Saturday or the ones with burlap or straw inside like these . . .
I've looked and looked online for the history of Raffiaware by Thermo-Temp and can only tell you that it was made by the Mallory Randall Corp. out of Chicago in the 1950s and '60s. I believe the insulated glasses and mugs with the burlap (sometimes called "straw" in the ads) are the precursors to our modern-day Tervis Tumblers.
I ran across some vintage advertisements talking about them being sold at Sears and also given away as promotions at supermarkets. Several blogs I found said that because of them being plastic, they have often been thrown away over the years and not considered desirable or collectible. I paid $1 for my cup and saw another peach-colored one during the day, also for a dollar.
I've browsed the auctions on eBay and have found many sets and pieces. I've also looked on ETSY and have found more of the same. But before I purchase them online and pay for shipping, I'd like to shop around on our Saturday outings for them. I'm looking for chocolate brown items and only need a pair of each.
So the hunt is afoot, let the fun begin. I'll let you in on any and all pieces I discover! Have a good week y'all and remember . . .
"Camping, Coffee and Vintage Dinnerware . . .
Life Is Good!"
