{HISTORY}

Hailing from the early 1960s, this trio of vintage restaurant ware side dishes features Homer Laughlin's Impact Gray pattern. A big, rambling floral running around the shoulder of each plate, this pattern was part of H.L.'s first wave of restaurant ware known as Best China.

The size of small platters, two of these side dishes were made in 1961 and the other made in 1962. Not branded for one particular restaurant, they could have been found at any sort of eating establishment from roadside diners to hotel restaurants, from clubs to cafeterias and everything in between. A rare, hard to find pattern these days, what's especially fun about these three is the time period in which they were made. 

JFK was in office, the Beatles were a new band, the race to space was in full swing.  Barbie had a new boyfriend in Ken, the Peace Corps was founded, and Pablo Picasso got married. Harper Lee won the Pulitzer Prize for To Kill A Mockingbird, Johnny Carson started hosting Late Night, and Princess Diana was born. The Yankees' right fielder, Roger Maris hit his 61st home run, Sean Connery starred as James Bond, and Bob Dylan sang Blowin' In The Wind. Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Marilyn Monroe died and the Jetsons debuted on television. 

In between all that there was, of course, bigger issues like the Cold War, the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement going on as well.  Needless to say, there was lots to discuss over a good meal shared with good pals. Whether it was an atmosphere heavy with politics or light with pop culture, these dishes were a part of all that conversation, privy to the stories of history as they unfolded right there at the table.

That's the fun thing about vintage restaurant ware... it automatically transports you to another place and another time. These dishes have come a long way in their journey through history. Thanks to their durability and classic appeal, they are ready for another sixty years of adventure ahead.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Matching set of three
• Impact Gray pattern by Homer Laughlin for Best China
• Colors include dove grey and white
• Each dish is stamped on back with maker's mark and date code

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition, these dishes contain no chips, cracks, spots or stains.

{SIZE}

Each dish measures 10.75" inches (length) x 7.5" inches (width) and weighs 1.10 lbs