Luke Judge

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In A.D. 336, an early Roman calendar first mentions December 25 as the date of Jesus’ birth. This date was likely influenced by the year-end pagan festivals to celebrate the harvest. Celebrations included specially prepared meals, decorating of homes, gift-giving and singing. Gradually, pagan traditions became a part of the Christian celebrations. Most Christmas traditions such as the Christmas tree and ornaments came from central Europe. The earliest German Christmas trees were decorated with food; apples, onions, pears, nuts, candies, and fruits were placed on a tree.

In the 1800s, glass ornaments were first made in the Lauscha, Germany. This cottage industry involved the entire family. Generally, men did the glassblowing, women did the silvering and the children helped to paint and finish them. These beautiful new glass ornaments began to replace edible decorations.

In Victorian times, Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, a German, brought the tradition from Germany to his new home in England. Soon all of England was in on it.

In the 1840s, Europeans immigrating to North America brought with them their Christmas traditions. Prior to that time, Christmas was not widely celebrated in North America. As society became more prosperous, ornaments became larger in size and the colors become more vibrant to reflect the new wealth.

F.W. Woolworth was the first North American retailer to sell glass ornaments. The story goes that he was not too sure about this new product line. However, Woolworth changed his mind by 1890 when he was selling $25 million worth of ornaments in his five-and-dime stores.

Until 1925, virtually all hand blown glass ornaments were manufactured in Lauscha, Germany. By 1935, more then 250 million Christmas ornaments were being imported to the United States. After WWII, the Lauscha area became a part of East Germany. Many glassblowers fled to West Germany and the industry declined. Around this time, Japan and Czechoslovakia began producing ornaments for the North American market

In the 1960?s, glass ornaments went out of fashion when the aluminum tree adorned with ornaments of similar shape and color became the rage. Many traditional ornaments were thrown away during this period.

What to Look for in Antique Ornaments

If you’re lucky enough to still have any vintage ornaments, hang on to them.

How to tell vintage versus new. Earlier ornaments were smaller than today’s modern ornaments. They were usually done in soft colors with hand painted details. You’ll notice that the paint may be faded or distressed in areas on vintage ornaments.

Hand blown versus machine made. Remove the stem from the base of the ornament. Ornaments that are hand blown will have an uneven base because the glass blower cannot make a clean break. Modern machine made ornaments will have a smooth even base.

Where to find vintage ornaments. Ebay, flea markets, church sales and garage sales are all good hunting grounds for vintage ornaments.

Prices can vary from $2 – $200 depending on the ornament and where you buy it.

Fruit and vegetable shapes symbolize the harvest.

Birds represent the biblical messengers that bring God’s love and peace to the world. Birds were also symbolic of good luck and good fortune.

Pickle shapes signify luck.

Fish shape is an early Christian symbol for Christ.

Reflectors ornaments (ornaments with geometric concave indentations) during Victorian times, were often called witches eyes and were placed on the Christmas tree to fend off any evil spirits.

Star shapes represent the Star of Bethlehem.

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At the moment, my favorite dolls are French fashion dolls, milliner-type dolls, and Grodner-Tal woodens.What are your hobbies?

Do you have a doll making technique tip you’d like to share?

Is there anything you’d like to share about making antique inspired dolls that we haven’t covered?What keeps you engaged in the doll creating process?

There is always some new article written, a doll to see in a shop or show, or a fabulous antique prop… it’s all out there waiting and that’s what keeps me motivated and inspired.

Who are your favorite doll makers (living or not)?

What museum that you’ve visited has been most influential in your work?Favorite quote or quotes?1916 – 2002What question would you ask another doll maker that you have not been asked?For me, it’s not about financial gain or “fame.” I hope that people get a warm feeling and from my work. Something very personal between them and me. I would also be honored if my work was cherished for a lifetime and passed on to generations in the future.Click here to read Allen’s Bio

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A Tea Affair opened last week in Lititz at 69A E. Main St. The small shop sells loose teas, coffee, teapots and other accessories, including children’s tea sets. It also has a small window counter where patrons can sit to drink tea or coffee.

The new shop is a partnership of Lititz shop owners Donna Girvin, who owns Clementines, and Alice Pepper, who owns Madison B and Madison B Too.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Phone: 627-1776.

Coffee shop opens

Molly’s on Main opened last week in Landisville at 329 Main St., near Hempfield High School. The 25-seat coffee shop has a full-service coffee bar, including espresso, latte and cappuccino as well as frozen drinks and ice cream. Its food menu includes pastries, soups and sandwiches. It is owned by Jill and Chuck Hartman.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Phone: 598-2400.

White Swan coming

The White Swan Restaurant, at 1264 E. Newport Road in Rothsville, is slated to reopen by late September. In 2008, plans to revive the former White Swan Hotel stalled when a group of owners could not complete their plans to renovate the circa-1793 building into Moxie’s Restaurant and Lounge.

In May, a new group bought the property and is close to finishing renovations, according to Mike Kramer, who owns it along with Craig Hasson and Derek Hench. Kramer said the partners have been overseeing the building of a new bar as well as upgrades to the kitchen and floors, among other things.

When it opens, White Swan Restaurant will have seating for about 150, including at the bar, a main dining area and two smaller rooms. Kramer said the menu will feature traditional tavern food as well as such mid-priced entrees as steak, chicken and pasta.

Park City shuffles

Sunglass Hut opened recently in a slightly larger space in Park City Center next to The Body Shop in the Sears wing. By November, Littman Jewelers will move into the space Sunglasses Hut left in the JC Penney wing. For now, Littman Jewelers is in a spot next to Shenk and Tittle.

Diner renovates

Barons Diner in Manheim completed a renovation last month that spruced up the floor and ceilings and also put in new fixtures and a new seal on the parking lot.

The diner at 665 Lancaster Road was closed for two weeks in late June while the work was being done. The renovations cost roughly $60,000 according to owner Ehab “Alex” Abdelnaby.

Barons Diner is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. but stays open all night on Fridays and Saturdays.

or 397-3674

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Dear Liz,