Great Smoky Mountains Melamine Plastic Souvenir Plate

THE SOUTH / ATLANTIC SOUTH. 
Home Decor / Kitchen Decor, Decorative Saucer, Souvenir, c. 1960s. 

Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the most amazing biological showcases in North America. Having been located at the southern edge of the Ice Age’s ice sheet reach led to a biodiversity unmatched on the continent, a mix of more northerly species and plants that migrated with the creep of inhospitable climates further north blending with those more likely to call this latitude range home. Given the stable habitats this ancient mountain range has provided along with wide variations in elevation, modern flora and fauna (numbering some 19,000 known species) that might be seen across much more diverse landscapes coexist. Of course, the Smokies today are regularly one of the most popular tourist destinations east of the Mississippi; but this is hardly a new thing. The National Park has consistently been among the most popular for those seeking outdoor recreation and just sightseeing since opening in the 1930s. Of course, the history of humankind goes back much further to the Cherokee who once called this region of western North Carolina / eastern Tennessee home. Not representing the Cherokee would have been a major oversight, though it was a poor choice to use a crude stereotypical style in representing them; something, sadly, not uncommon for the era. Still, this mid-20th century souvenir is a solid example of the type and stands out for its “Hamilton, Made in Japan” production sticker on its back, Hamilton having been one of the most popular and widespread souvenir lines of the time … Melamine plastics first found practical use as diningware due to the metal shortages during World War II. Far more durable than previous plastics, mass production of melamine serving trays for the military and hospitals during the war was seamlessly transitioned and expanded into mass consumer use across the post-war era. It became a common sight at outdoor grill-outs by the 1950s, its durability able to withstand drops with hardly a scratch. But it was no outdoor only product line. Some estimates claim that 50% of all American household diningware was melamine during the ‘50s. The advent of more powerful hot water dishwashing machines and the microwave oven would bring a rapid shift away from dishware composed of the original melamine material, but not before it had been popularized by the souvenir trade. Stenciled and hand-painted plates and trays just like this one were everywhere a tourist was likely to be by the 1960s, when its popularity peaked. Highly colorful unique designs documenting a locality’s sites, natural wonders, and general regional character still glow over a half-century later. [Used Good: There is some slight wear on the outer edge of the main tray, likely due to its having been stacked in a group for long periods of time. There is also a number of paint chips in the gold spoke style edge, with a usual amount of wear also visible on its back along with the old residue of a sticky tape.] 

Condition: Used Very Good. 
Local / Regional Attractions. 
Dimensions: 10.5” diameter / 6 oz