old spoon ~ how old?

[oddcoins]

I dug this spoon part in a public park west of Eugene Oregon. Its silver plated copper ~ and inside the 'bowl' it reads, COMPLIMENTS OF THE MEIER & FRANK CO.. Anyone know how old this spoon is? What years did they make these?

THANKS!
Neil

 

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[Sky Pilot]

I know this won't answer all your questions OC, but hopefully it's a fair start.

The spoon seems to be a promotional item from the Meier and Frank Co., Portland, Oregon.

Here are just a few facts that make your really cool find an exceptionally cool find, in my opinion:

Actor Clark Gable worked there selling neckties 1922.

In 1930 the president of the company, Julius L. Meier ran for governor of Oregon as an Independent, won and served as such from 1931-1935.

During World War II, the store conducted the largest single sale of war bonds in the nation, a $32-million sale that lasted two weeks in the store's auditorium.

In 1950 the store installed the longest continuous up/down escalator system in the world (at the time), serving all 17 selling floors of the store and costing $1.5 million.

The store was operated as The Meier and Frank Company from sometime in 1884 until it was sold to the May Department Store chain in 1966, so your spoon was definitely made during those years! I know, I know........................ It narrows down to 80 years though, right? LOL!

The company also operated several restaurants in or near it's stores in these locations:

The Georgian Room, on the 10th floor - Downtown Portland

The Aladdin Restaurant, on the 3rd floor - Lloyd Center

The Homestead Restaurant, on the 2nd floor - Vancouver Mall

The Homestead Restaurant, on the 2nd floor - Washington Square

The Oregon Room, on the main floor - Downtown Salem, Oregon
So it is possible that the spoon came from one of these, and if the place you found it is close to one of them, I'd even say it's probable!

I was really knocked out by how very cool your find is; I mean, just think of all the historical firsts and the national pride associated with such an unassuming object! Who would of thought it, right?

Sorry for the long ramble OC, but as I said, a really cool item!!!

Oh yeah, here's the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meier_&_Frank

Hope this helps a little at least!

Regards
SkyPilot

 

[oddcoins]

I know this won't answer all your questions OC, but hopefully it's a fair start.

The spoon seems to be a promotional item from the Meier and Frank Co., Portland, Oregon.

Here are just a few facts that make your really cool find an exceptionally cool find, in my opinion:

Actor Clark Gable worked there selling neckties 1922.

In 1930 the president of the company, Julius L. Meier ran for governor of Oregon as an Independent, won and served as such from 1931-1935.

During World War II, the store conducted the largest single sale of war bonds in the nation, a $32-million sale that lasted two weeks in the store's auditorium.

In 1950 the store installed the longest continuous up/down escalator system in the world (at the time), serving all 17 selling floors of the store and costing $1.5 million.

The store was operated as The Meier and Frank Company from sometime in 1884 until it was sold to the May Department Store chain in 1966, so your spoon was definitely made during those years! I know, I know........................ It narrows down to 80 years though, right? LOL!

The company also operated several restaurants in or near it's stores in these locations:

The Georgian Room, on the 10th floor - Downtown Portland

The Aladdin Restaurant, on the 3rd floor - Lloyd Center

The Homestead Restaurant, on the 2nd floor - Vancouver Mall

The Homestead Restaurant, on the 2nd floor - Washington Square

The Oregon Room, on the main floor - Downtown Salem, Oregon
So it is possible that the spoon came from one of these, and if the place you found it is close to one of them, I'd even say it's probable!

I was really knocked out by how very cool your find is; I mean, just think of all the historical firsts and the national pride associated with such an unassuming object! Who would of thought it, right?

Sorry for the long ramble OC, but as I said, a really cool item!!!

Oh yeah, here's the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meier_&_Frank

Hope this helps a little at least!

Regards
SkyPilot

WOW ~ that's a lot of good information! THANKS!!! VERY INTERESTING!!!

 

[Sky Pilot]

I'm pleased that you liked it, OC!

I was hesitant to write such a rambling piece, lots of folks couldn't care less about the "particulars", but to me (and you too, apparently) that is what makes this such a cool hobby!

Plus, I learned a great deal about something that I would more than likely never have come across if it were not for you sharing your cool little part of history!

Glad to help, my friend. I just wish that there was some way to narrow the timeframe on the age of the spoon more than 82 years!

Take care, and I'm very glad you enjoyed the info!

Great hunting and Good luck!
SkyPilot