City in Sound; Vaughn's Seed Store

This is Jim Herbert, exploring with you the city and sound. A shrill sound and an exciting one at this season of the year, the steam whistle junior grade. The steam whistle is connected to the steam engine and the steam engine is connected to the toy display in a place where toys might not be expected even at Christmas time. On the third floor of the Vaughan Seed Company at State and Randolph, a fine old firm dealing for many years and bulbs and seeds and tools in the gardener, an exciting place for the home gardener when the smell of spring is strong in the air. But oddly enough, perhaps an exciting place too at Christmas time and there's a logical reason. Your Mr. Charles Armason and your manager of Vaughan's State and Randolph's door, right? That is correct. And the Vaughan Seed Company has been a Seed Company for a very long time. Since 1876. You haven't been with the company that long yourself? Not quite, no.

But good part of it. When did you join the company, Mr. Mason? In 1917. And you came here as a horticultureist, I believe, didn't you? Well, I started. I say I started that time. I was only a boy about 16 years old, 16 or 17 years old. And during those years between 1917 and the mid -1940s, you worked in the Seed department of the farm. That is correct, sure. Vaughan Seed is a great deal of flowers, great many flowers of various types. There's some rather unusual and rare ones too, don't they? Oh yes, and we sell Seed and plants. We import and export throughout the world. It seems rather unusual to me that a Seed Company, and business all those years as a Seed Company, should sell toys too. But you've been a toy business for some years now. Yes, since the end of the

Second World War, and we started around 1945. What was the first toy line that you put in up here? Well, right after the war, it was either paper or wood. And shortly after, imports from England, toy soldiers, made in England, and France, and Germany. What do you include now in your toy line? And how do you decide what toys you think would be effective? Well, our toys are more or less collector's items and educational. And at the present, of course, we have one of the largest lines of toy soldiers in the country. We also are concentrating on cars from England, a lot of trucks. I mean, little model. A little model, I think he toys. I think he toys.

Matchbox. And many of these are not only well made in our collector's items, and would last probably a lifetime. We've had our customers tell us that they're their children, and not only save them, but it's their intentions to save them for their children. Of course, most people start thinking about toys for Christmas, about maybe the end of September, or perhaps the middle of September, if they're particularly eager parents. But with you, you have to start your thinking a great deal earlier than that, don't you? Yes. I started in February, a lot of part of February, the first of March. Well, Mr. Mason, I must say this, that you have three floors here at Vaughn. Sometimes you have toys in the third floor, you have animals and pets, supplies on the second floor, and you have seeds and such like on the first floor. But it seems to me, whenever I've been over here, I've always found you up on the third floor. Is there a reason for this? Well, it's more or less seasonable. I come over here sometimes in

March, too, and you're up here just the same. I think you've got to like toys yourself, don't you? Oh, yes. And there is a lot to handle, and there's a lot to do. And March is my busy time, because we are preparing, we are buying at that time. You won't admit that you're a child at heart as far as toys are as good. Oh, yes. Like all of us, that is. That's right. And your name is Mrs. Bertha Foster. That's right. And you're the boss here in the toy soldier department at Vaughn's. You can call me that. Well, I certainly will. How long have you been with Vaughn? I would say about eight years. Eight years. Yes. And during that time you've always been in the toy department? Yes. And always with the toy soldiers, the model soldiers? Yes. Have you seen any developments in model soldiers over those eight years? I know that Vaughn's toy department started with model soldiers, with the British models, called Britain. And have they expanded from those original models? I would say so, yes. We have gone into the temple, the unbreakable here, which the children love. And especially the mother's love, too, you see.

And I think they're very, very good. They're very, very detailed. Do you think that there's any particular influences that cause trends in popularity of particular soldiers or their movies or television programs? I think television has a lot to do with it. Really? Well, how about cowboys and Indians, too? Well, that's very good. Up to the children are about six years old when they drop that and go into something a little different. But you still have a big demand for cowboys and Indians, huh? Yes. And I suppose there's been much improvement in knowledge from the end of the war. Yes. Yes, there has been. What sort of thing do you get now in the cowboy and Indian line? Well, we do have the unbreakable, which as I said before, is very good and very colorful. I still stress the unbreakable for the children, especially up to six years old. Of course, that's a good idea, because it's awfully hard to take them down and get those loose pieces out of their stomach after a while, huh? Yes, that's true. Now, back to the Britain soldiers, the original lead soldiers. There's an infinite variety in the number of soldiers that sets the different

uniforms of the world. What do you find that children or adults are asked for more of the different uniforms? Are children pretty demanding in their place? I think they are, and I think they're very, very much up on it. Are they? Yes, indeed they are. They know, and there's only, for example, from the Royal West, which is where? I can't fool them. Is that so? That's right. So age has really nothing to do with it. Something for everybody? Something for everybody. One year old, 80 years old. That's right. Now, your name is Tom Mendenhall. That's right. And you're in charge of the steam engine and train department. That's really an authority department. How long have you been at Vaughn's? About five years, sir. Are you an expert on steam engines and model trains all the time? I'm certainly an addict, let's put it like that. First of all, I can see the trains running over here. And I noticed that you have the smaller trains. What gauge is that called? That's H -O, sir. There's a lot of demand for H -O -A's rather than the larger gauges now. That's true, yes. Why is that?

Well, you can have so much more layout, so much more display on a given surface. Give an element. See, you know, here it is six by eight. Look at what they have there, see. Well, what do you have there? You might describe it for me. Well, we have the big modern train set here. And that's the one with the big diesel there. And the other with the small engine. That's about a civil war type of engine, that little one there. Now, those are the two basic sets that appeal. Brake frames in the modern and freight frames in the ancient vintage. Do you have the train kits or just the made up train? No, we have train kits and the made up trains both. But this thing that's working so industriously here in front of us is a pretty fancy looking steam engine. That's sort of a super -deluxe steam engine, isn't it? Well, yes, it is. That's one of the better models. What would you describe it for me? Let's... Sure, I'd be glad to describe it for you, sir. That is a double -acting steam engine. What is called an

eccentric lever there are very appealing to youngsters. And it's very realistic. And how about the boiler itself over there? That's the key part of the steam engine, isn't it? The boiler itself has... That's a pressure gauge, operating pressure gauge, of course. This is the whistle. Wow. And the safety valve are tied together there. Now, notice, in the end of the boiler, the plate glass window there. That not only serves as a water gauge, but gives the youngsters a seat on the 50 -yard line. You can look right in and watch the power in the point of formation. Actually, see the water brought in that creates the steam that operates the... You can see the very first, very first chemical action to make power. Looks a little bit like the front end of a washing machine from where it is. Yes, it does. Now, what about this water coming out on this side of the thing? This little drip pan over here, is there a point? Well, that certainly is, sir. That's a very interesting feature. The exhaust from the engine is forced out there and directed down against this well over to the cool surface. And the bulk of it condenses. See, you see how that pan is filled up now? You'll have to empty it very shortly. Now, see what you've done. You've started with an indistence of about 12 inches. You start with water.

You convert it into steam into power. And back into water in a distance of about 12 inches right in front of the youngsters eyes. This is a pretty expensive steam engine I gather, isn't it? Well, not much. This particular model sells for $40. Well, I get a mileage terrific. I guess it depends on view point on whether it's expensive or not. What's the most expensive steam engine in here? The most expensive, sir, is this the model right here, sells for $70. It has the same wheel and same piston as that. But it has a larger boiler and it is electrically heated. But Tom, at Christmas time, you see an awful lot of kids looking over this counter with their little hands up on top of it and their eyes wide open. What do you think of all these things over here appeals most to the youngsters that come in? What do they, the most fascinated? I really think they're most fascinated by the steam engine. And for this reason, when the youngsters is a child in the arms, he first learns to respect heat and light. Then he takes a liking to water. What could be more natural than to put those two things together and get a wheel to turn? That sounds like a very reasonable idea. Your name is Clara

Weissing. Yes. And you're in charge of the Dolly Department here in the toy world? That's right. How long have you been with Vaughan? About 12 years. You're using a lot of changes in the toy department up here in those years, didn't you? Yes, I have. What sort of changes? Oh, we've grown an awful lot. Why, what do you mean, you've grown? Well, we just started with a small space and now we've taken over the whole floor. Well, there are other things on this floor originally? Yes, you say plants and pottery and figurines. Originally, then you had to sell plants and pottery and figurines as well as dolls, wasn't it? Yes, that's right. Have there been a lot of changes in the dolls themselves in those years? Oh, yes, we have walking dolls now, rooted here. The dolls that wear high heels, different style and dresses. You mean that dolls, styles, dress, styles change as well as people's dress down? That's right. How do you mean? What kind of style changes do you see? You mentioned the high heels. Do you go in for the sack dress on your dolls? No, not sack dresses, not yet. They've managed to resist that. Yes, I have. I see a lot of imported animals and toys that seem to be of a

foreign origin. Is that a part of your operation over here? Yes, we have these stuffed toys from Germany. They're called Steif. They're very beautifully made. They have colors in them in detail. We have all different ones as you see. We have elephants and ocopies, turtles, frogs, even dinosaurs. Have you ever seen a real ocopy? No, I haven't. What do you think of the ocopy model here from the Steif? It looks very good. Well, I've seen them out in Africa and these look pretty much like the real McCoy to me. They do, huh? But I must admit that I've never seen creatures like these fanciable fellows over here except in pictures and maybe down on the museum of natural history. These are the dinosaurs you've talked about. Yes. Let me see the name tags on this. This has Tyson's on this one. What does that stand for? I believe that's the larger dinosaur called Rex. Well, that's Tyrannosaurus Rex. I believe it is. Standing up there with that ferocious look on his face. That's a little blue green model over here. Dinosaur. Well, that must mean dinosaur,

huh? And what's the long necked fellow over there with a lower lip that hangs down about a yard and a half? What's that? Brontosaurus, could that be? I believe that is. Do you find that children, little children are interested in these dinosaurs? Yes, they are very much interested in dinosaurs nowadays. Well, I mean, little bitty guys. What is their reaction when they see one of those? They run on a hide behind my one? No, they stand there and they tell you all about them. They can pronounce the names and everything. I mean, more than you and I can do that. That's right. Three years old and up can tell you the names off like anything. Is that right? How about the toys that make noise? I suppose that even in the doll department there are toys that make noise, aren't they? Yes, there is. We have these here. It's a little plastic rolly type. Rolly doll, Mike. I see a little organ over here. Does this really work? Yes, it runs off the flashlight batteries. And you can really play it to another? Yes, you can. Do you mind if I try? No, you go right ahead. Well, I'm standing at attention

as I play that. How's it pretty good? What else do you think I ought to know about the toys in the doll department? What's that? This here is a bird cage that plays, too. It runs off the flashlight battery. Oh, that's pretty clever. The happy singing bird. It sings as beautifully as any real one. It may sing a little more persistently than some of the real ones, but is there a big demand for toys? Oh, yes. Anything that makes noise or musical. I'll bet you drums and things like that. You have those, if you're too. Yes, we have drums. Musical toys, cellophones. By vibraphone. Well, I think I'll go quietly after my singular success with the bell organ. You're Mr. Alberto Tisan? Yes, sir. And you're in charge of the Peptifiber here on the second floor. Are you new at bonds? In this country since September 57. And I began to work for the bonds company in November 57. Oh, as long as you got over here from where, man?

From Florence, Italy. Well, I know that lots of people at Christmas time are looking for new items for their pets for a little rover or Felix the cat. What sort of things do you have here in the Peptifiber that would be toys for pets? There is a beautiful assortment of a toy of every kind. We also have a stocking. Where is that? That was by here. That's right. And they contain, as you see, they contain rubber toys, natural bonds, and candy for dogs. And also a toy, and candy for cats. And food or a little, and a three -key little toys for parakeet and so on. Every pet, every little pet has its own little Christmas stocking so that everyone can have in his own home. A pleasant Christmas for the pet. Of course, this is not such a little item here. This wouldn't fit in the stocking, is there? That's a quite big fire plug made

of plastic. It's about 26 inches tall and costs 398. And it's been the intention is to use these for training the dog. Now, I see that you have some very fancy -looking garments. What are blankets? They call them formal blankets for a poodle and any other kind of dog. Formal blanket, formal blanket. Beautiful nylon washable blankets that has a little bouquet of flowers on top. And they are a contour of a golden stripe around. As somebody said that you had mint coats for poodles. We will have for Christmas, especially mint coats for poodle. And they are not expensive. And they are made custom made. Do you have different types of mint, like breath of spring and sorulian, things like

that? We have a three different quality of mint. That's a very nice thing. You have three different... One is white, brown, and a dark brown. How about the colors for the poodles today? You have colors that will be keeping with the mint coats so they don't have to wear a cheap old around the house -type color when they go out formally. Beautiful, beautiful color that they are in velour. We have in Morocco leader, with a snake leader, any kind of color. They come from any part of the world. Italy, Austria, French, England, and America first. Now getting back to the more rugged outdoor type dog who doesn't go in for formal wear, things like that sort. Like the box or down on the corner. Do you have toys and things that appeal to them? A huge natural bone and also a new type of nylon bone with flavour M flavour. And M flavour M flavour. That's an amazing new product that

is an American product. It's hitting the market now and we sell a great deal. It's a beautiful thing because it doesn't split. It's not poisonous for the dog. And it's almost everlasting because they can go through it. The flavour less and the bone less too. Now all the time we've been talking about the dogs and toys and clothes for dogs. We did mention the parakeets and there's been a running conversation going on from the birds over here in the cages. You have quite a variety of birds. Oh yes, quite a variety. We have a several canary, loft bird, a great minor bird from India and they are very good talker. Actually we have a few and they are fledgling. Very young birds can be teach easily in two or three months. And they learn much more quicker than the parrot family. We have also a big Amazon part which is quite a character

because he can cry like a baby and can smile and can talk. Actually he talked too much. We stay eight hour a day and he really, he really is bothering some time. Well I know from working with Marlon Perkins on Zupare for a great many years. But even the best talking birds in the world won't say a word when you want them to on radio or television. So I don't expect we could get this well. That's true, that's true. They perform when they feel like they don't perform by order. They are just something like our singer Maria Callas. They are temperament too, like human being. We can understand that. Well you're Mr. Frankie Zinc. That's right, Jim. And you're the boss of the seed department. That's right. This is the original Vaughan down here. This is where we do the bulk of the business, that's right. What are the

principal activities in the seed department around Christmas time? Well in the seed department actually there are no seeds available for planting or growing at that time. But we do have many other things that are very interesting. For instance the giant Avarilus. That's one that's imported from Holland. That is treated so that it will flower usually in four to six weeks. And most instances now if they were planted at this time they would have produced flowers at Christmas time. You better describe for us Mr. Zinc what the Avarilus is and what it does. It's a pretty fabulous plant isn't it? It's a huge bulb and as I say it's been treated in Holland. So that and separate is so that we can determine pretty term in the colors. By contrast those that are grown in our domestic varieties or hybrids and the colors normally are not pretty termed. This one grows to a height of all the mains the center stem would run about to maybe two feet. Producing a cluster of anywhere from four to six blossoms. And that center stem shoots up on a big hurry to them? That's exactly right. You're almost watch it

grow. You have to move your head aside. And I suppose for people who feel that they really have a green thumb and want to keep their green thumb in business. In the winter months you have reference books, things of that kind. We have a complete selection, a section here in the first floor that's devoted entirely to the books. And it offers a vast knowledge if they'd like to come in and just look at them and refer to them while they're certainly welcome. They come in and browse in the books. That's a good thing. I know it's one place where people linger a long time and something that you can see is out in front of your big front windows out here on Randall Street. You have a marvelous toy display out there. You can see it from the inside as well as the outside. And I suppose you spend some of your time looking out at the people looking in, do you? That's right. And we also, we hear on the first floor as you have already found the tremendous display on the third floor. We stand and watch them come in the first floor and go right over the elevator up to the third. And sometimes we'd like to have them stop and browse here on the

floor for a minute before going up. Do you think they're mostly adults or are there a lot of children too? Well, of course the children are the ones who brought it, bring their parents. But we have so many miniature items and things that are not found generally in the Chicago area that the parents are off -time stop. So you mentioned stopping those people down here on the first floor before they get up to the third floor. I saw an item up there in the toy department that you might use down here. It's called the Santa Claus Catcher. It's a trap to catch Santa Claus at the kids and said it Christmas time. Maybe we could trap some of the customers. That's an idea. Temperamental parakeets and toys for young and old. And that's the story of the veteran Chicago seed company that parlayed a horticulturist fondness for unusual toys into a profitable Christmas time venture. City and Sound with Jim Herbert at the microphone and George Wilson at the controls.