In the Good Old Summertime

This long, hot summer might conjure up images of outdoor lunches packed in picnic hampers and served on brightly-printed cotton tablecloths at roadside parks, when America took to the new highway system in post WWII.

If you’re questioning why you would collect vintage picnic items when living in a disposable society…just for that reason. Given that these items are still around a half-century later, they can not only used for social purposes, but because it’s the socially responsible thing to do. Instead of contributing to the landfill with Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils, pack a lunch in a vintage picnic hamper, then serve it on Melmac, and throw in some aluminum tumblers.

Melmac dinnerware was a brand name of molded dishes made from melamine resin that was manufactured by American Cyanamid in the 1950’s. They were durable, kid-proof, and came in festive colors. As Styrofoam had not come into manufacturing, Melmac plates were sturdier than flimsy paper plates. You just rinsed them off under the park spigot and threw them back in the picnic hamper.

Aluminum ware was all the rage in the 50’s. Aluminum tumblers kept beverages icy cold and for some reason, made tap water taste better. You could get a lemonade pitcher, the tumblers, and a large serving tray at the ‘five-and-dime’ stores in either the basic aluminum color, vivid colors, and even ‘hammered’ aluminum. Many forges also embossed decorations on the aluminum and these pieces have become highly collectible because they’re not only resilient but decorative.

The tin picnic boxes and wooden hampers are difficult to find in good condition as many weren’t stored properly and deteriorated; vintage vinyl picnic containers haven’t fared very well either. When located in good condition, they’re usually scarfed up by antique auto club members, as authenticity is everything when it comes to their costumes and auto accessories.

Picnic accessories are reasonably priced in antique shops, but regardless, you’ll get your money’s worth using them over and over again if properly cleaned and stored.