Utah Souvenir Metal Serving Tray

MOUNTAIN WEST. 
Home Decor / Kitchen Decor, Decorative Tray, Souvenir, c. 1960s. 

A black metal serving / bar tray with decorative dark tan trim frames a map of Utah, central to the theme. As part of the design, these trays also included miniature site illustrations, Utah’s showcasing several of the state’s majestic Mormon Temples, a tip to the state’s unique high elevation powder-skiiing, and a slick racing vehicle for the Bonneville Salts Flats, a place known in those days for the continual breaking of land speed records. In addition, there are numerous illustrations of the state’s incredible natural / national monuments along its southern half: Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce, Zion all represented. There is also indication of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation, an interesting detail that shows up on many of these western state trays, the mid-20th century a point when the country began to reconcile with the dark historical treatment of native people. The detailed place name map is ringed by a colored decorative element, the beautiful rendering of a Sego Lily. In very good condition (the front really only a few slight nicks away from “Like New”), this tray came to us in a lot that was likely purchased some 60+ years ago with the intent of being sold as souvenirs, an intended use that, for whatever reason, never came to pass … 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 mostly black, but also white and 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 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 / 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, small local general stores, and even popular department stores all across America. 

Condition: Used Very Good. 
Local / Regional Areas. 
Dimensions: 11" diameter x 0.5" deep / 8 oz