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garyhornseth.bsky.social
Gary Hornseth
@garyhornseth.bsky.social
1.4K followers 220 following 2.4K posts
Minnesota ephemerist. History, music, visual arts, a bit of baseball. Work = PR. Posts = else. Also the westerly half of Trademark Issues 🎸
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garyhornseth.bsky.social
Coin telephone, c. 1960s
Compañía Telefónica Nacional de España

Seen on display last Saturday as part of a numismatics exhibit at the National Archaeological Museum, Madrid
A photo of a wall-mounted pay telephone with a silver exterior, black handset and rotary dial. There is a narrow window into the enclosure that allows viewing of the coins inserted, I presume?
November 14, 2025 at 1:04 AM
garyhornseth.bsky.social
Old telephone sign as tapas bar wall decoration, last Saturday afternoon, Madrid
A round, weathered metal sign reading TELEFONOS in yellow and blue block lettering, below an encircled outline map of Spain and Portugal. Casa Ambrosio Taberna, Madrid
November 12, 2025 at 10:51 AM
garyhornseth.bsky.social
A minute or so of a pharmacy sign seen last week along a street in Sevilla
November 12, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
chrissteller.bsky.social
For the midnight crew on this #EdmundFitzgwtald50 anniversary, I have added more markups to the Newsweek article that gave Gordon Lightfoot his template for His "Wreck of" song lyrics.
six pairings of words or passages the songwriter drew directly from the magazine article
November 10, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
cardboardamerica.bsky.social
Went through my collection of old roller skate skate labels and scanned/rescanned them all. I did not realize that I had amassed 182 different ones.

The original purpose of these things was to affix them to your roller skate case and showcase all the different places you skated.
November 11, 2025 at 2:44 AM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
presentcorrect.bsky.social
26 pages from a 1940 label sample catalogue. Type & shape inspiration!

www.presentandcorrect.com/blogs/blog/f...
November 3, 2025 at 12:49 PM
garyhornseth.bsky.social
“I think I spent just an afternoon on it.”

An annual repost as the World Series opens: From 2008, writer Paul Lukas (Uni Watch) interviews retired graphic designer Jerry Dior (1932-2015) about his creation of the MLB logo in 1968. ⚾️

Full article: espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=lukas/081105
MLB logo Excerpt: UW: What sort of thought process did you go through at the outset of the project? Did you know right away that you'd use a silhouetted image? JD: No, it just came about. UW: Did you know from the start that you wanted to show a human figure, instead of just type or other graphics? JD: No, I just went through some magazines and tried to figure out some ideas. I really don't know how the process worked -- I just did it, y'know? It was fast. I think I spent just an afternoon on it. UW [incredulous]: The whole thing took one afternoon? JD: Yeah. Excerpt: UW: Did Major League Baseball accept the logo pretty much as you designed it, or did they ask you to make adjustments? JD: Nope, no adjustments. I cleaned it up and that was it. UW: What do you mean "cleaned it up"? JD: You tighten it up so it can be reproduced. What I had originally created was just a Magic Marker sketch. UW [incredulous again]: The original version that you created in one afternoon, and that was presented to Major League Baseball, was rendered in Magic Marker? JD: Right.
October 25, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
thecarfactoids.bsky.social
Know Your BL Colours:
No:52 Saffron

Triumph’s dull colour palette had an injection of vibrancy in the early ‘70’s & showed they could’ve been a lot more daring with their colour choices for cars like the Vitesse as this v late car looks rather fetching…
(📸: IG a/c classicsbychance)
October 20, 2025 at 12:23 AM
garyhornseth.bsky.social
Array of push-pull plates
from: “Tubelite Aluminum Entrances”
Trade catalog
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co.
1960

Image: Association for Preservation Technology via @archive.org; archive.org/details/pitt...
A two-page catalog spread headed “Unlimited Tubelite®️ Multi-Insert Push-Pull Plates.” It shows illustrations of 17 different varieties of door-mounted, metal push-pull plates in vertical and horizontal orientations. Some simply say “Push” or “Pull,” some have decorative motifs suggesting a pharmacy, medical office or night club. Some feature cross-hatch patterns in red or black. Copy: The above are just a few of the many custom designs possible. Also available in solid colored Vinyl Plastic surfaces in the following colors. Metal Green Cordovan Red Ebony Blue Dark Mahogany Blizzard Grey Bronco Brown
October 18, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
chrissteller.bsky.social
Main Post Office, Minneapolis
long hallway with a counter in the middle
October 9, 2025 at 12:34 AM
garyhornseth.bsky.social
On the heels of his live show in Minneapolis this past weekend, (which was great fun), sandwich historian Barry Enderwick gives this #localangle a go.
October 8, 2025 at 10:27 PM
garyhornseth.bsky.social
Three advertising drawings
Alcoa Aluminum, Pittsburgh
1936-1937

American Architect & Building News
Artist: Lurelle Guild (1898-1985); en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lurelle...

Images: US Modernist Collection via @archive.org; archive.org/details/usmo...
April 1937 A black-and-white drawing from a second-floor view looking down to a retail storefront with a shop window with goods on display on a table, and a large letter M overhead. Accompanying ad copy: BEST FOOT FORWARD It is not a new discovery that the commercial facade attracts more business with Beauty. Not new either, but becoming more widely realized, is the discovery that the exceptional versatility of Alcoa Aluminum and the glory of its lustrous surface offer unlimited scope to the designer. Especially to him who seeks to embody elegance without extravagance. Practical things to remember are that Alcoa Aluminum is available in the form of sheets, shapes, and castings; that special extrusions are economical answers to individuality; that standard extrusions may be ingeniously used for achieving interesting detail; that the Alumilite finish heightens Aluminum's natural resistance to corrosion; that ease of fabrication promises appropriately economical finished cost; that our experienced engineers are available for consultation. Aluminum Company of America, 2195 Gulf Building, Pittsburgh, Pa. November 1936 A black-and-white drawing with a view from an upper floor looking down into the lobby of a sleek commercial building. Two revolving doors lead to two escalators. An ornate globe scene adorns the front window. Two retail shops are seen, one signed PARFUM. Accompanying ad copy: ECONOMY WITH BEAUTY The beauty of the many lustrous surfaces of Aluminum needs no fanfare. The economy of Aluminum as a general-purpose architectural material is equally evident. All forms of Aluminum are easy to fabricate, to handle, to erect. There can be no streaking or staining of adjoining surface. A wide variety of finishes may be used to obtain your most cherished decorative effects. Alcoa Aluminum gives real economy in first cost, real economy in upkeep. No accident is this wedding of economy with beauty. Architectural requirements as to form and shape and finish have been a major program with us for many years. We think you would find discussion with one of our engineers highly profitable. Aluminum Company of America, 2195 Gulf Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania September 1937 A black-and-white view from above of a house. Accompanying ad copy: LETS LOOK INTO THE REAL COST OF WINDOWS A price is quoted on “Windows.” Is that the final cost, or must a lot of extras be added to get their true cost; labor for assembling knocked-down parts, weather stripping, paint and more labor, and so on? Many builders are saving money by knowing the truth. Only the cost of setting Aluminum windows need usually be added to the figure quoted. Price differentials are, therefore, often equalized when costs are compared on a completely installed basis. With Aluminum windows, less maintenance is required. Because Aluminum is so resistant to weather, they retain their attractive appearance without the frequent painting and repainting required by other windows; they never warp, swell, rust or rot. Property owners are spared much of the upkeep expense ordinarily expected. Aluminum windows are fabricated from extruded shapes like those shown on this page. Designed especially for window construction, these shapes utilize every ounce of metal to best advantage, giving maximum strength with minimum weight and cross section. They account for the reasonable cost of Aluminum windows. We do not manufacture windows, but supply Alcoa extruded shapes to many well known window manufacturers. They have developed individual types of construction, and will gladly give you detailed information on windows of their own design. Aluminum Company of America, 2195 Gulf Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
October 5, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
kurtblumenau.bsky.social
A group of inflated hot air balloons. One or two are alight Several inflated hot air balloons seen on the ground A group of hot air balloons on the ground in the process of inflating
October 4, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
mikeyashworth.bsky.social
25 September 1964; the opening day of that year's Commercial Motor Show at London's Earls Court Exhibition Centre - a major event in the calendar of what was then a major British industry. I wonder if HM the Queen ever went alng to choose a new bus chassis...

↘️ flic.kr/p/2nry4Ge
Commercial Motor Show, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, 1964 - official catalogue : cover. The cover to the official catalogue of the 1964 Commercial Motor Sow held at London's Earls Court Exhibition Centre between 25 September and 3 October 1964. The Show was organised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders and included stands covering vehicles, bodywork, equipment, components and accessories. Needless to say, at this date, the industry was still 'big' in the UK with many famous and now lost names at the show. The cover, sadly with no designer shown, is subtitled "22nd International Commercial Motor Transport Exhibition". The illustration dominates the cover and is on a yellow background showing a low view of a twin axle heavy vehicle with grey tires and bright red centres. The front wheel is the dominant feature. The words Commercial Motor Show appears in yellow across the top with the dates lower left in red and other text in black. The catalogue cost 2/6 (Two shillings and six pence).
September 25, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
watertoweruc.bsky.social
1964年開業、坂倉準三設計の札幌パークホテル。43万枚以上も使われているという有田焼の青磁タイルが美しい。建て替えのため2027年2月28日をもって閉館するのでその前に一度は泊まってみたい。
September 29, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
billchilds.bsky.social
Ooh, Pioneer Press archives are now online from 1861 through 1961:

newspaperhub.mnhs.org
newspaperhub.mnhs.org
September 28, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
chrissteller.bsky.social
Saint Paul, Minnesota
marble column close up on left edge, downtown skyline on distance, puffy white clouds in blue sky
September 23, 2025 at 10:08 PM
garyhornseth.bsky.social
Four linoleum samples
Pattern book, Armstrong Cork Co.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
1948

Images: Association for Preservation Technology (APT) Collection via @archive.org; archive.org/details/Arms...
A deep red, marble-looking background with small clusters of light and dark rectangles. Catalog description “ARMSTRONG'S STRAIGHT LINE INLAID LINOLEUM No. 0540 Standard Gauge Two features of this pattern-its crisp, small-scale design and its wine-red, black, plain white, and willow green color scheme —recommend it for use in kitchens, baths, and halls. And, thanks to the strong background marblization, this pattern is practical also for shops, clubs, restaurants, and small stores.” A sandy beige background with right-angled stripes and rectangles in various colors. Catalog description “ARMSTRONG'S EMBOSSED INLAID LINOLEUM No. 5340 Standard Gauge A contrasting background in shades of brown, tan, and beige emphasizes the colorful tiles and accent lines of this handsome pattern. The multiplane embossing serves further to heighten the effect of the design. Streamline embossing keeps dirt from collecting in the depressed areas. This pattern is especially practical for residential use.” A light background containing monochrome squares with smaller squares and rectangles of bright color atop them. Catalog description “ARMSTRONG'S EMBOSSED INLAID LINOLEUM No. 5341 Standard Gauge Mottled shades of ivory, gray, and black are combined to give a distinctive appearance to the background of this modern tile pattern. An intriguing interplay of rectangular color accents in Chinese red, goldenrod yellow, and willow green adds a bright touch to the floor and makes it excellent for kitchens and bathrooms.” A deep blue/grey background with an array of rectangles containing curved lines and a few wheel-looking shapes within. Catalog description “ARMSTRONG'S EMBOSSED INLAID LINOLEUM No. 5740 Standard Gauge This richly decorative embossed pattern draws its inspiration from the fine sculptured fabrics that are so popular today. Featuring muted tones of blue, this design provides a smart floor not only for living rooms, halls, bedrooms, dens, and other rooms in the home but also for smart shops and stores.”
September 21, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
mikeyashworth.bsky.social
A selection of Pieter Byl's leaflets for London Transport Advertising in 1948; even by LT's standards of #graphicdesign & publicity these are remarkably adventurous. One for the Underground is alone by "KAT" #transport #advertising #1940s

The full series : flic.kr/s/aHsmNoSN3y
One of a series of post-war folded leaflets issued by London Transport Advertising and mostly designed by Pieter Byl. Using graphic design and typographical elements to produce a varying range of treatments these are, in many ways, amongst the most 'experimental' typographical treatments ever commissioned by London Transport; that is quite a statement given the company's long history and association with graphic design and publicity. LT has always made significant income from advertising on stations, vehicles and other sites and these promotional brochures give details of the various options available to advertisers along with basic costs. They would have been a simpler supplement to the expensively produced full advertising rates book produced! I can find little or nothing out about Pieter Byl. This leaflet shows the important exterior Double Front position posters that were always sold in pairs; these were available on Central Area buses and trolleybuses as well as Country Area buses at varying costs. The use of the double inclined Printers Index or fists is very clever. One of a series of post-war folded leaflets issued by London Transport Advertising and mostly designed by Pieter Byl. Using graphic design and typographical elements to produce a varying range of treatments these are, in many ways, amongst the most 'experimental' typogarphical treatments ever commissioned by London Transport; that is quite a statement given the company's long history and association with graphic design and publicity. LT has always made significant income from advertising on stations, vehicles and other sites and these promotional brochures give details of the various options available to advertisers along with basic costs. They would have been a simpler supplement to the expensively produced full advertising rates book produced! I can find little or nothing out about Pieter Byl. This leaflet shows the important exterior Double Front position posters that were always sold in pairs; these were available on Central Area buses and trolleybuses as well as Country Area buses at varying costs. The front of a bus with the panels either side of the destination "starred". One of a series of post-war folded leaflets issued by London Transport Advertising and mostly designed by Pieter Byl although this one is credited to "KAT". Using graphic design and typographical elements to produce a varying range of treatments these are, in many ways, amongst the most 'experimental' typographical treatments ever commissioned by London Transport; that is quite a statement given the company's long history and association with graphic design and publicity. LT has always made significant income from advertising on stations, vehicles and other sites and these promotional brochures give details of the various options available to advertisers along with basic costs. They would have been a simpler supplement to the expensively produced full advertising rates book produced! I can find little or nothing out about KAT. The leaflet shows the costs of the major 16-sheet posters available on trackside walls opposite platforms mostly found in deep tube stations. One of a series of post-war folded leaflets issued by London Transport Advertising and mostly designed by Pieter Byl although this one is credited to "KAT". Using graphic design and typographical elements to produce a varying range of treatments these are, in many ways, amongst the most 'experimental' typographical treatments ever commissioned by London Transport; that is quite a statement given the company's long history and association with graphic design and publicity. LT has always made significant income from advertising on stations, vehicles and other sites and these promotional brochures give details of the various options available to advertisers along with basic costs. They would have been a simpler supplement to the expensively produced full advertising rates book produced! I can find little or nothing out about KAT. The leaflet shows the costs of the major 16-sheet posters available on trackside walls opposite platforms mostly found in deep tube stations. This shows a 'pinch through' view of a platform with LT sign and clock and waiting passengers looking across the tracks to the poster positions with a tube train approaching.
September 17, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
chrissteller.bsky.social
RIP the man in the greatest one-shot five-minute phone call to Minnesota in movie history m.youtube.com/watch?v=Qeem...
Watergate - Dahlberg scene
YouTube video by International School History
m.youtube.com
September 16, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
chrissteller.bsky.social
A few years ago, @garyhornseth.bsky.social and I wrote an entire researched local-history article about the Minneapolis phone book that Robert Redford pulls off the shelf at the Washington Post in that scene from "All the President's Men"
Hennepin History magazine Dialing Dahlberg: A Minneapolis phone book's moment of Hollywood Fame tl;dr the movie production team went to great lengths to use the correct prop, but due to the unusual publication schedule of the annual phone book, they got or mocked up the wrong edition, not the one the real Woodward would have pulled off the shelf, if he hadn't just called Directory Assistance as in the book.
September 16, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
actualbob.art
📱 | St. Paul, Minnesota (2025)
Point of Reference: Traffic Cone with Flattened Chewing Gum
A bright yellow traffic cone is tipped over on a dark gray asphalt parking lot. The cone's wide opening and a black base are visible, with a single white parking stripe running along the top right of the frame. A yellow traffic cone, turned on its side, is centered on a dark asphalt lot with a single white stripe cutting across the top of the frame.
September 13, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
chrissteller.bsky.social
#DylanMural
Nighttime view of three-faced mural of Bob Dylan in downtown Minneapolis
September 11, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Reposted by Gary Hornseth
chrissteller.bsky.social
Edward Hopper is a big Saint Paul Saints fan
ballpark with field and billboards and old brick warehouse and blue sky and clouds
September 10, 2025 at 11:25 PM
garyhornseth.bsky.social
Trade catalog illustrations
“Elevator Cars / Elevator Entrances”
The Tyler Company
Cleveland, Ohio
1927

These images (and many more): Association for Preservation Technology via @archive.org; archive.org/details/Elev...
An outside-in illustration of an empty, bright red, wood-paneled elevator car with a checkerboard, black and white floor, gold trim around the top and what looks to be an ornate, gold-tinted skylight ceiling with a detailed design applied. An inside-out illustration of an elevator car with light blue-gray panels and gold stripe details running vertically from ceiling to floor, and a gold-colored ceiling. The floor is a checkerboard tan and brown tile. The view out the door of the elevator looks to a hallway with a wood and glass door and a small potted plant visible. An inside-out view of an elevator car wood-paneled in a sort of sage green. The border of the ceiling has some red, black and gold accents and the floor is a checkerboard, brownish-red and white pattern. The ceiling is light yellow. Light spills into the car from the corridor, just a sliver of which can be seen. An inside-out view of an elevator car paneled in dark wood with the door open and looking straight out to a bright scene of marble walls, stone columns and an archway, and large draperies — suggesting a museum, library, cathedral, theater or some other ornate public building. The floor is tiled in a dark green and red diamond pattern. There is a black, red and gold border near the ceiling, and the ceiling itself is light yellow.
September 10, 2025 at 2:45 AM