Textiles

Hankies, scarves, tablecloths, dish towels, and yard goods with printed designs of tourist spots were popular from the 1930s through the ’70s. Road-trip vacations were common and the prints carried memories home. Early fabrics were decorated with realistic pictures of places, events or topography. By the late ’40s, many featured cartoons in bright colors. Some collectors frame the fabrics, but others use them in ways that could destroy their collector value. A recent magazine article suggests transforming the textiles into curtains, window shades or pillows. We disagree. The best souvenir fabrics are not faded or worn. Some are rare and command high prices. Most sell for $20 to $50.