Orange Crush

This is a 10 ounce amber colored, diamond shaped, wax draped, Mae West Orange Crush bottle from the late 1960's. It was given to me by Tammy, of the Town of Mooresville Public Library. It's been under her house with a bunch of others for at least a few years now and wanted to come out. Tammy knows I collect bottles, and I did offer to give it a good home, so she gave it to me.

There is something about glass that is permanent and timeless. If you don't drop it, or otherwise misuse it, a glass bottle will last forever. What I really love about glass from the later part of the 20th Century are the designs and logos which were used. Early on a bottle was a straightforward affair; basically parellel sides with a hole to drink from at the top. But, shortly after Coca-Cola came out with the "Christmas tree" bottle design in 1926, the bar was raised a bit higher. This Orange Crush bottle is a perfect example of that competition.

Notice the way that the bottle is designed to fit the hand more comfortably. This gives the shoulder of the bottle a flaired out appearance which resulted in some folks referring to them as "Mae West" bottles.

There's a fantastic site with the history of all the Orange Crush bottles at
http://www.angelfire.com/yt/soda/Rosman-OC-MaeWest.html

It's a pretty comprehensive site, going as far as giving measurements and capacities, as well as a little bit of information about the designer James Nash, a noted industrial designer of the 1950's. There is so much to be learned about everything surrounding us. This bottle is no exception. Thank You, Tammy, for this beautiful addition to my collection of bottles.

Mooresville Library- The Pyschiatrists Are In

One of the most frequently asked questions I get (twice now!) is “Where do I get my books?” The answer is I don’t- the Libraries listed to the right do the “getting”. I do the reading. It’s a great arrangement and as long as I return things they let me take more.

Of the two libraries that I use, the Mooresville Town Library is the most unique, from an architect's point of view. You see, they took the old library and kept it- building the new one around it. Not a board was changed in the old section. You can still smell the mustiness in the old reading room- now ironically named “The Williams Wing.” But I swear- no relation!

The Library was renovated about 8 years ago utilizing the natural slope to enlarge the basement for a modern meeting room and afterschool area. The upstairs was enlarged in to about 5 times the shelf space and a wide open, naturally lit reading and Internet area.

While both Libraries have up to date computers and Internet as well as DVD’s, the Mooresville Library retains the small town charm. Joyce- pictured here below at work-and the rest of the staff are all knowledgeable and helpful in every way.

The Librarians here have watched some or most of the towns children grow up. Grammar school to High School Grads. They know them all, they greet everyone, and like the old Peanuts cartoon sign “The Pyschiatrist Is In”, they listen with real interest to what people have to say. Not just about books. Of course they give and take patron recommendations, but like the Peanuts sign implies- they are always there with a sympathetic ear to listen to a hard luck story or share a joke. Really-hundreds of people a day come through there with hundreds of different moods, and I have never seen anyone leave without a smile.

Notice: If you think you have no relationship to the Town of Mooresville- think again. Now look amongst the change in your pocket at the dime. Selma Burke- a local Black sculptress submitted that bust of Roosevelt in 1945 for the memorial dime that bears his name - And it has been slipping through your hands for 64 years….