Random sketch from my sketchbook

New Boots

Just picked these up off eBay for $20 + Shipping.  They are Hitchcock brand boots.  I had never heard of the brand before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but for $20, figured there wasn't too much to lose.  I must say I am pleasantly surprised by them-- Biltrite soles, Goodyear welt (albeit plastic, not leather), and they definitely have the vintage style I'm looking for.  Threw in some insoles, and they are pretty comfortable, too.

Vintage Hamilton Carhartt Bandana

Today I spent a few bucks at the local antique mall and picked up a cool old bandana made by the Carhartt company.  This is the same Carhartt that is around today making the clothes worn by construction workers all across America.  After looking around on the internet, I haven't been able to locate much information about this particular design.  I'd really like to find a date for it.  There is an identical one on the e-workers website (scroll to the bottom), which looks to have a bit of info.  Unfortunately, I cannot read the Japanese...  Another website mentioned 1920's but wasn't very clear about it. 

Happy Fourth!!!

52nd Street, July 1948

Photo of 52nd Street, New York, taken by William Gottlieb.  You really need to view it full-size to appreciate the details.

Here's another view, from the daytime, with Toots Thielmans, Adele Girard, and Joe Marsala:

For more, check out the William P. Gottlieb Gallery at the Library of Congress website.  He took photos of many of the famous names in jazz, and a lot of them are in color.