Back from the Cliff House...

I've spent the last two days at a history event celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Cliff House restaurant. For the first time, my collection of souvenir china and novelties was on display.

Back in the mid-twentieth century, the Cliff House boasted the "largest gift shop in the world." Today, collecting these souvenirs can give insight into previous generations of visitors to the area (which is now a National Park site.)

Ink blotters, paperweights, ashtrays, flasks, cigarette lighters, and toy knives are some of the souvenir items... that aren't as common as they used to be.

What was the most irresistable thing that I brought?  

A souvenir viewmaster from the 1940's. Kids and adults loved it!

 

 

 

Comments

[K.G.]

I saw this article on the internet while searching for formation on SF Cliff House Souvenirs. I recently discovered a small teapot with a circa 1930's image of the Cliff house on it. It's made by Royal Winston, Jon Roth, England. I unburied it from the ashes of our home destroyed in a California wild fire. It was among several other ceramics that survived, stored under our home. I have photos if you are interested. I am curious about its history and it's possible date of manifature.

[Christine M.]

Hi K.G.

Thanks for your comment. Feel free to send me a picture of your teapot at [email protected]. We'll see if I can help.

Best,
Christine