Did You Know?

The NAT Supper Club

IMG_1949.jpg

Many of the local Amarilloans know that The NAT was originally an open-air swimming pool, and a few short years after pool was opened it was converted into a dance hall. At the dance hall’s opening night, patrons were treated to a free night of dancing to the music of El Hoover and his orchestra. On succeeding nights each dance cost five cents. Access to the dance floor was by ticket only, the floor being cleared after each dance. Bands who played the nightclub circuit were hired for both limited and extended engagements.

When money became tighter as the crash of 1929 approached, different enticements were employed to attract patrons to the nightspot. New cars furnished by local auto dealers, Navajo blankets, Chinese slippers, hosiery, records, and cash in balloons were given away to boost attendance. The depression era brought many changes to the nation and to The Nat as well. Harry Badger, a well-grounded Amarillo businessperson, became the proprietor of the ballroom. It was at this time that the fortress-like façade was added. In 1955, The Nat Café building, a prime example of whimsical roadway architecture, was attached to the north elevation to provide an entrance to the dance are from Route 66. The Nat became a dine and dance palace after dinner items were introduced to the bill of fare.

If you’ve shopped at The NAT in the last six years, you may have seen these plates for sale in different booths. These plates are the original restaurant plates from the NAT supper club, which would have matched the art deco walls that adorned the upstairs walls.

IMG_1947.jpg
IMG_1946.jpg

Our Vintage NAT Supper Club Plates are for sale! If you love The NAT as much as we do, stop by and take a piece of Amarillo history home with you!

Did You Know?

Rosback Company is a world-leading manufacturer of book binding and print finishing equipment. Rosback has been around since 1881! Rosback’s bindery equipment machine served the printing industry, all with a foot-powered perforator! In 1889, the machine was finally modified to be powered by either a steam line or an electric motor.

These carts, known as “bindery carts” or “stock trucks,” were (and still are) essential equipment in binderies, print shops, mailrooms, and schools! They were created to be perfect for product movement, storage, and organization. They were especially useful to parts departments and stock rooms in many other industries. The large casters and rugged construction provided easy rolling on rough surfaces - even when they were loaded with up to 800 pounds!

These two vintage carts are hot ticket items in the antique world. They make great display pieces, but would also be so functional in a home. We hope that you find them as wonderful as we do!

Did You Know?

The commercial signs of yesteryear - which were all painted by hand - offer a kind of beauty, personality, and longevity that today’s industrial signs have been unable to duplicate. We see them almost every day without a second thought. Weathered by time, distinct characteristics shining through, hand-painted signs are a product of a fascinating 150 year-old American history.

What was once a common job has now become a highly specialized trade, a unique craft struggling with technological advances. These vanguards of unseen originality are leading a renaissance with a keen creative purpose and exemplify the working class American success story. While exploring what’s left of the old sign-painting traditions, there are several young and up-and-coming artists who celebrate keeping the tradition intact with an appreciation for a balance between art and commerce.

This box of decals would be used by sign painters to make their job a little easier. Each letter individually packaged to better assist in the creation of a new sign. One of our vendors, Brave Relics, stumbled upon this vintage lettering kit from Chicago over one of their many travels. With sign painting making a comeback, we thought we’d share a little history with you.

Did You Know?

Chalkware is a staple in most antique stores. Popular figurines were created from the late 18th century up into the 20th century, primarily during the Great Depression and in the Mid-Century Modern era. The earlier chalkware pieces were mostly intended as a more serious decorative art, as a form of religious and devotional art, and later on became more playful. It was even given out as carnival game prizes during the early 20th century, especially during WWII, but was later replaced by stuffed animals. (Also known as "Carnival Chalk.") Since chalkware is heavy and can easily be chipped, it eventually was replaced with ceramic and plastic alternatives in the 70s.

At The NAT, we are in no short supply of chalkware, and we run into plenty of the religious variety. This piece is one of the most unique we've had in store. The reverse-painted glass along with the statue give this piece so much character. Although they look similar, this is not a catholic sick call box, making it even more special. Instead of the bottom opening up to the typical contents of the sick call box, the bottom half has two windows, with a wooden toggle on the side that scrolls through different pictures and text of prayers of the Rosary. 

If you're looking for this, or any other type of religious décor, look no further! We have a wide variety in-stock, and would love to show you around!