More Drink-related Foolishness

Collecting mid-twentieth century items related to drinking alcohol, one can see a definite festivity in it all. Though one might have a drink quietly at home, much of the paraphernalia connected with it said “party!” In fact, where I was raised in the middle of the country in the middle of the century, you bought liquor in a “party store.”

Nowhere does this festive spirit collide with the jet age more successfully than in this stunning nose cone ice bucket made of anodized aluminum with plastic legs. Maker unknown.

“Signal for a refill with Drink-Lite.” The box further explains: “Never go dry! Clip Drink-Lite to your empty glass, it lights up, then flashes. Lights up automatically when placed on the rim of a glass. Glows brightly for several seconds, then flashes on and off. Keeps on blinking until removed from glass.” (Or your host strangles you). Drink-Lite, Cincinnati, Ohio.

The cocktail napkin got very special treatment with these Cordials by Monogram of San Francisco. You got “24 cocktail napkins, 12 gay designs.” Each napkin featured an attached novelty item making them more memorable but perhaps less useful. This was described as “Delightful dimensions with plastic miniatures.” The box also says, “Copyright 1954 Percy Barker & Jules Pollock.”

These Bar Types comic drawing cocktoil napkins are by Anne Leaf. 36 in the box with such captions as this: “Not too old fashioned, TWO old fashions.” 1962 Monogram of California, USA.

Wry Martinis, also by Anne Leaf. Quoting the box: “There are 36 cocktail napkins inside this charming box.” With sayings like “Who drinks too much? There ain’t too much.” Monogram of California, c.1962.