Gretchen asked if I collected vintage banks. I don't actively collect them, but have enough to call a collection...altho a small collection. This little caboodle of banks all began with one that is linked to a fond childhood memory.
This was my grandfather's penny bank.
When my brother and sister and I were little we used to visit my grandparents often. One of our favorite things was to raid my grandfather's penny bank. He would let the three of us pick out ten or fifteen pennies each and we would walk a few blocks up to the local supermarket/five and dime called Disco Mart (it was in Milwaukie, for you locals). We would spend our pennies in the gumball machines. I loved having a pocketful of pennies and I loved Disco Mart. Hence my second bank.
I found it locally, and I don't know if originally came from Disco Mart, but I like to think that it did.
This plastic pig bankk came from a local bank. It was my husbands. The bank put his name on the pig when they gave it to him. The second pig was estate sale found and just wanted to join the other bank as a pig friend.
This bank was sent to me awhile ago by Elizabeth from Creative Breathing to add to my stork collection. I love that saving for baby was encouraged from the start.
And last but not least in the bank collection is one scary vintage plaster gorilla. Estate sale found for my son and his quirky boy room decor.
Don't even think about messing with the coins in this bank.
Short and sweet today. How I wish I could still spend a penny in a bubble gum machine.
If you have an idea for a future collection challenge, leave me a comment and finish the sentence "Show me your collection of ____." The collections just keep on coming....
Oh my, another charming collection! The stork and the gorilla are my favorites!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | January 03, 2012 at 07:34 AM
Happy New Year!
What a great memory to have from your childhood and to have your Grandfather's penny bank too :-)
Great stories on your other banks...My son just said the gorilla bank looks creepy so I would say the coins are safe in that bank LOL.
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Doreen | January 03, 2012 at 07:37 AM
Oh the good old days when we could spend a penny instead of just pass one by on the ground. Love all your banks.
Posted by: Nan | January 03, 2012 at 10:09 AM
Wasn't Disco Mart just the best? You could find things there you couldn't find anywhere else, especially craft items.
Love the gorilla... even with the crazy eyes!
Posted by: janet | January 03, 2012 at 10:49 AM
Penny candy is one of my sweet childhood memories. Oh, the decisions, standing there with your nickle in your hand and gazing through the glass to make your choices. And the one really BIG decision - do you splurge two pennys on a chocolate "IceCube" and only get 4 candies this time??
Posted by: Kathy | January 03, 2012 at 12:01 PM
Love that sweet kettle. What kind of great tea towels do you have or did I miss that? Smiles...Renee
Posted by: Renee | January 03, 2012 at 12:01 PM
Happy New Year, Laurie! This is a pretty special collection, with your husband's bank and Grandpa's too, and such great memories attached to them!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | January 03, 2012 at 02:03 PM
Love the stork:) How about vintage beaded fruit?? Happy New Year!! May you have a Blessed year!!
Posted by: Elma | January 03, 2012 at 02:50 PM
When my grandparents would come to visit my Grandpa always had this HUGE mayo jar that was full of all his collected change that he brought with him. Each of us (me and my 2 brothers) got to take turns reaching in and trying to grab out as much change as possible in one try.
Your post reminded of those visits. :)
Posted by: Liz | January 03, 2012 at 04:05 PM
Great collection. That stork is especially cute. I wish kids were encouraged to save money like everyone used to do back in the day. Now too many kids think they need everything rightthissecond instead of saving up for it.
Posted by: Marci | January 04, 2012 at 05:37 PM
How sweet, my Grandpa used to keep his change in a mason jar. Never much in there. I think because Grandma ran the roost.
I have one for you - Show me your collection of charm bracelets (or any bracelets). I have my mom's charm bracelets and was just out here trying to find a different way to display them. Any ideas?
Posted by: Lisa | January 04, 2012 at 07:17 PM
Wow, super cute banks?? Is there anything you don't have?? Where do you keep all of it??
Big hugs,
Posted by: Lynn | January 08, 2012 at 06:52 AM