Milk Money?

Milk tokens, once used in schools around the nation, have long since fallen out of favor. In other countries milk tokens are a symbol for welfare. Quite frankly, I'm not 100% on the history of them here.

One thing is for certain- they are collectable just like everything else old or antique. These particular tokens are brass or brass tone. These days, they are made out of plastic, like the ones for sale here. From what I can tell these were probably used no later than the 1960's or 1970's.

We know for sure that they are pre-1992, which is when the "Durham City Schools" ceased to exist, as the Durham City Schools and Durham County Schools merged (prior to this these were the two school systems in Durham). The city side, which was arguably the system in more dire straits, faced resistance from the more affluent (for the most) part country schools. Nonetheless, a merger was made.

I would be interested to know when these were used. Feel free to comment. I think they may be for free or reduced lunch patrons of the city school system, but that it just my theory.

The Washington Duke Hotel- A History in Postcards

The Washington Duke, later known as the Jack Tar Hotel, was at one time a spectacular place to stay. Its only rival in Durham, as far as buildings go, was the Hill Building, later known as the CCB building. The Washington Duke though suffered through much worse circumstances. More on the history of this building can be found here.

Most recently it was the subject of a failed purchase and the subject of an article on modernism  here.

There is another Washington Duke Hotel. It is located on Duke University's property, adjacent to the golf course.

The original Washington Duke Hotel building was brought down by use of demolition explosives. It was kind of a big deal at the time. Buildings don't implode in Durham all that often.

Below is a sampling of postcards from over the years. Enjoy!

This one had "1960" written on the reverse. Note that it was hand stamped "Now the Jack Tar Hotel" over an existing Washington Duke Hotel postcard.

Note the Hill Building (111 Corcoran St) in the background.

Again, with the Hill Building in the background.

This one was postmarked 1925.

Basically the last incarnation of postcards-the skyway is visible between the Washington Duke and Jack Tar.

Think You're So Smart?

If you think you are a true Durhamite, then cowboy up and head over to the Durham Trivia Contest sponsored by Preservation Durham. Check out the link for more information: Durham Trivia Contest.

Here's a hint- watching "Bull Durham" non stop for the next week probably won't help you... at all.

Crash, Boom, Bang!

Random photo time!

Nothing brings out the neighborhood like a crashed police car. This undated photo was taken by an unknown person in front of the Big Tub laundromat, formerly located in the 2000 block of Angier Ave. The police car is a Dodge Monaco, and the uniformed officers are wearing Public Safety uniforms (worn from 1970-1985).

A near definition of irony- crashing in front of an auto parts store.

Possible lead singer of  (insert 70's rock band here) to the right

I'd like to thank, well, hardly anyone, for catching the obvious Roxette reference in the title.

Nothing Like An $80 License Tag

Apparently the cost of driving a coal truck has gone up substantially. Or, people are just crazy about cool old license tags. This one below, a coal peddler tag from 1970-1971, just sold for $80 on eBay. To my knowledge this is the most paid for a license tag of this type.

(courtesy eBay)

There was a time when Durham ran on coal- it was used for heating well into the 20th century, as evidenced by the date on the tag. I'm sure that there are still many coal firing furnaces around the Bull City, who knows how many are in use. But poke around some sheds and you're liable to find the evidence in the form of a small pile of dirty black rocks that once were the biggest power source in the world.

For more info on coal in Durham, check out Open Durham.