Collectible Travel Pennants Encouraging Participation in Rallies Displaying Nation Flags
In the heart of the mid-20th century, a unique and cherished souvenir emerged among American travellers - the travel pennant. These triangular treasures, larger at the hoist than at the fly, became a symbol of personal Grand Tours, capturing the essence of the places visited and the memories made.
The tradition of travel pennants can be traced back to the precursors of school sporting team mementos. Originally hand-sewn, the materials evolved over time, with 100% wool felt giving way to 100% synthetic by the 1970s. By the late 1940s, the intricate hand-sewn lettering and illustrations were replaced by screen-printed ones, making mass production more efficient.
Many providers of these colourful keepsakes operated out of New York City's garment district, where the bustling atmosphere was a testament to the popularity of these souvenirs. However, the specific companies or manufacturers in the city's souvenir novelty sector that produced travel pennants with destination motifs remain largely unidentified in historical records.
Each pennant was a unique celebration of a landmark or symbol associated with the vacation spot. For instance, a pennant for Buffalo, New York, might feature a buffalo, while a Salt Lake City pennant might depict the Mormon Temple. A Rhode Island pennant could star a lobster, reflecting the state's famous seafood industry. More generic locales called for more generic illustrations.
Some pennant designs can be a bit puzzling, such as a cowboy and bronc on a pennant from Pendleton, Oregon. The explanation lies in the history of the town, once a centre for the round-up and sale of cattle.
Vintage travel pennants can be found in dusty family attics, basements, estate sales, or online marketplaces, often at minimal prices. The smallest travel pennants are about 12" long, while the largest rarely exceed 30". Some pennants, like the one for Colorado's Buffalo Bill Memorial, must depict the event or attraction being celebrated, such as Colonel Buffalo Bill himself.
Travel pennants were more than just souvenirs; they were tangible reminders of personal journeys, serving as a visual diary of a time when travel was an adventure, and every destination was a new discovery. For mid-century Americans, these vibrant, triangular tokens of remembrance were a testament to the spirit of exploration and the joy of travel.
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