A black metal serving / bar tray with decorative tan trim frames a map of Oregon, central to the theme. As part of the design, these trays also included miniature site illustrations, Oregon’s showcasing: outdoor recreation opportunities from Columbia River fishing to the Cascade Mountains, and being very much of its time both a cowboy and an indian. The detailed place name map is ringed by a colored decorative element: the Holly Grape. In solid condition for 60+ years, there is only some minor scratching on the front’s lower interior and a few dings on the rim; though we cannot say the same for the back, which was not treated kindly (pictures included). The wonderful centennial seal proclaims, “Oregon: Frontier of the Future.” … The combination of detailed state map and regional decoration was the pattern for this popular home decor / barware souvenir. Produced for tourist shop shelves, the series covered all 50 states (if often combining a few of the smaller ones) and came in black, white, and even the occasional cool green. The many series of these trays, with some also including low-depth snack bowls, is identifiable for the wave-like swirl detail decorating the rim. The original hand-painted series was produced in the 1950s by Nash Co. of New York, with the most notable line sporting a sharp speckled gold finish. However, there were other manufacturers such as Meldrums Manufacturing of St. Paul, Minnesota. All stuck close to the same design. These trays and bowls were found in popular roadside restaurant gift shops from the late 1950s into the 1970s, places such as Stuckey's (southern U.S., Midwest and Plains states), Howard Johnsons (starting in the Northeast, but having spread coast to coast by the 1960s), as well as in stand-alone souvenir shops and even popular department stores all across America.
Condition: Used Good. Local / Regional Areas. Dimensions: 11" diameter x 0.5" deep / 8 oz
