The Royce Files

When compared to the more elaborate scene-o-rama  Hamm's signs , this one is plain simple. I saw this example at one of the local pawn shops. These simpler signs still have a bit of value because of the desirability of the Hamm's name. Also note that the crest is not an image but molded. My guess you can get one of these for between $50-150 depending on condition. I forgot how much the pawn shop was charging- my thought was $65. This sign was probably made in the later period of the original Hamm's label- my guess 1970s or 1980s. It seems to have the styling of the Olympia years. Hamm's started to lose traction as it attempted to go national in the 1960s. In 1970s the label was traded around to different brewers including Olympia. It is still brewed today, albeit mostly in the upper Midwest. I tried it once. It was okay but nothing distinctive to my poor tasting skill. It is odd that a beer with such recognizable marketing diminished. Yet, that was sign of the ti...

240 miles separates where I am at and the Twin Cities. Almost the same amount separates my home base and Winnipeg. For 70 less miles and reduce my drive time by 1.5 hours, I can get to St. Cloud, the Granite City. Once again I spent some time at the Granite City Train Show a few weeks ago. This train show has been going on for a while- maybe like 10 years- and it has been my go to show for buying model trains and railroad related items. Last spring they moved the show from the Armory to the River's Edge Convention Center in downtown St. Cloud. The convention center allowed much more space and a lot more parking. This spring the show was just a bit sparse. I noted quite a few vendors were not present. I overheard amongst the chatter that the Newport Club was having one of their sales the same day down in Woodbury. I have written about that one and attended last year. Woodbury is a large draw and Twin Cities based vendors may find it more attractive than lugging their wares up ...