10E2348: Question - what is the oldest active registered US trademark?

"J.P. Tolman, member of the first graduating class at MIT (1868, Mining Engineering), founded the J.P. Tolman Company in Massachusetts in 1878.  

Five years later, Tolman patented a new switch braiding machine (the first of 13 patents that would be issued to him through 1915). By 1888, Samson Cordage Works was incorporated in Massachusetts, with Tolman as its president. 

The company's keystone product was a braided cord that incorporated a reinforcing core to enhance performance and durability.  

The company's famed trademark, depicting Samson slaying a lion, was registered in 1884 and is the oldest, active, registered trademark in the United States." via Samson Rope.

Not only do they make crane cables, winch lines and marine ropes, they also make some of the toughest arborist and climbing ropes around. Bam. 

They also have a ton of great literature on how to splice ropes together and more. Here. 

10E2349: The Library Ride

Had a blast this Saturday at The Library Ride (bike ride round the 3 Somerville libraries). We raised almost $800 to install an in-ground airpump and also further support The Friends of the Somerville Public Library.  Thanks to all the riders, sponsors Whole Foods, Union Sq Donuts, Redbones, Tretorn, Archival Clothing, Cuppow, and friends for coming out. Also thanks to the Somerville Police Dept. who escorted us w/ 4 bike police and a cruiser - amazing. Proper pics up at www.TheLibraryRide.com.

10E2348: The NYT Natural Foods Cookbook

The New York Times Natural Foods Cookbook by Jean Hewitt. Pub. 1971. A classic, out of print cookbook dealing with non-processed ingredients. PB printed in 1972 I believe. As 1 commenter says, "Bought this for the bat soup recipe. Gave it to a friend with that recipe bookmarked. The reaction was everything I had hoped for! :-)" Quite.

For some reason growing up I imagined the the lady cooking was also the Herbal Essence shampoo girl... 

10E2347: A Taste Of Tree - Bobo's Mountain Sugar

 

A Taste of Tree from Driven Studio on Vimeo.

Great quick look at out friends' sugaring operation @ Bobo's Mountain Sugar in southern Vermont.. Quite a bit of science in this, not romanticized. Good stuff.

10E2346: The Library Ride - Somerville, MA

The Friends of the Somerville (MA) Public Library and the Somerville Bicycle Committee are organizing a 6-mile bike ride round the three Somerville library branches on May 3rd. This involves a stop at each for kids activities / refreshments / tours etc.

Our Beacon Street neighbors Whole Foods are providing refreshments midway, and you can look forward to a pastry and coffee at the starting line. This is an early May event so check the weather and perhaps dress warm. Thick tweed might be an idea... Prizes will be given to best dressed man, woman and child (and bicycle!) thanks to Archival Clothing, Tretorn, and Redbones.
 

Like we did with Rohan "Whole Larder Love" Anderson we created an indiegogo site for ticketing: $5 adults, kids free. A variety of support levels/rewards available. 

And with the outdoor component it will be a celebration of mind and body. On that note we are raising funds to install a permanent bike pump outside the Central Library on Highland Ave. Working in conjunction with the City of Somerville on the installation, we are currently considering this Dero model. 

9am check-in at West Branch (40 College Avenue near Davis Square) for 9:30am start. Proposed route map here (subject to tweaks). We are very fortunate to have 4 bike mounted Somerville Police officers escorting us.

More at www.thelibraryride.com.  We are about half sold out - hope you can join.

10E2345: Carhartt Santa Fe (?) - Plain Duck

Yoke shoulders ftw. Item was sold in Three Rivers (great name) CA. Further reading.