Souvenir spoon facts for kids
A souvenir spoon is a special kind of decorative spoon that people collect to remember a place they visited. Think of it like a tiny trophy from a trip! These spoons can be made from different materials, like shiny sterling silver, nickel, or even wood. People often hang them on a special rack to show them off.
Souvenir Spoons: Tiny Treasures!
What Makes a Souvenir Spoon Special?
Souvenir spoons are not usually used for eating. Instead, they are designed to be beautiful and tell a story. They often show famous sights, family symbols, or characters linked to a place. Sometimes, the year the spoon was made is carved into the spoon's bowl or on its back. The whole spoon, including the bowl, handle, and the decorative top part (called a finial), can be designed to fit the theme.
How Did Souvenir Spoons Start in the U.S.?
The very first souvenir spoons in the United States were made in 1890. A company called Galt & Bros., Inc. in Washington D.C. created them. These first spoons featured the profile, or side view, of George Washington, who was the first U.S. President. Even though the George Washington spoon was very popular, not many of the original ones made by Galt & Bro. are still around today.
Just one year later, in 1891, a special Salem Witch spoon was created. This spoon sold an amazing seven thousand copies! It was designed by Daniel Low, a jeweler from Salem, Massachusetts. He got the idea after seeing souvenir spoons while on vacation in Germany. Many people believe that this "Witch Spoon" is what truly started the hobby of collecting souvenir spoons in the U.S.
