Modesto hook

Hard to keep up with all the new hooks coming in.

Los Angeles button hook/cigar cutter/bottle opener combo

No end to the variations in design for button hooks, including combination devices such as this one. These combo hooks seem mostly to hail from the Mid-West or back east. I believe I have one - possibly two - other combo hooks from the Western States.

Kast's Shoes San Francisco & Oakland

Been a while since I posted a new San Francisco hook. Found this kind of by chance just today. This company produced numerous Victorian trade cards advertising their place of business, but this is the first hook I've come across in my search.

Folding Montrose, South Dakota hook

Tree Brand Shoes...?







photo and information courtesy of Roger Berke, Montrose, South Dakota:
Charlie W. Zimmerman in his store where Bank is now. Taken 1907 – 1909. Note from Ellen: If I remember he was missing a hand. That’s why he stands like he does.

1900 Census…. Charles W. Zimmerman is listed as farmer. Lives in Montrose.
1910 Census ---- Charles W. Zimmerman age 42 (1868), wife Theresa age 37 (1873), Children Ruth age 16, (1894) Ida age 14 (1896), Margaret age 11 (1899) and Ella age 9, (1901). Occupation listed as Dry Goods Store.
1920 Census - Charles W. Zimmerman age 52 (1868), wife Theresa age 47 (1873), Children Ida age 24 (1896), Margaret age 21 (1899) and Ella age 19, (1901). Occupation listed as Retail Merchant - Retail Store.

too many to list

Sorry computer issues remain sketchy at best. However dozens of button hooks have been added to the collection the past six months. Computer issues remained up in the air for months and now serious medical issues have again added a lack of time to posting updates.