2nd Edition PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE *COLOR Vernon Kilns Commemorative Plate 1950s

Description

Vernon Kilns Ultra Multi Color Collectors Plate of Pennsylvania Turnpike Second Edition 1940s Paul L Davidson, Artist
Many close-up photos below.
Pennsylvania Turnpike
The 2nd Edition Commemorative Plate
of 3 Editions
Made by
Vernon Kilns California Pottery
for
Howard Johnson's
Pennsylvania Turnpike Shops
Featuring:
Vintage Collector's Plate
Approximately 10½" Diameter
Vernon Kilns
Ultra
Rim Edge Form
Multi-Color on White/Cream Background
Signed Under Glaze By
Paul L. Davidson
Renowned Vernon Kilns Artist
Made
by
Vernon Kilns
California Pottery
Los Angeles
ca. early 1950s
This is a wonderful, historic, vintage (circa early 1950s) decorative collector's plate from Vernon Kilns California Pottery featuring the revolutionary and historic Pennsylvania Turnpike which opened in the early 1940s with no speed limits except through tunnels.  It was a true marvel for its time and for today.
Vernon Kilns Pottery made three editions of the Pennsylvania Turnpike commemorative plate from the late 1940s to the mid 1950s.
This plate is the Second Edition, and in a desirable multi-colored rendition.
There are a number of minor differences among the three editions, but the quickest way to identify them is by looking at the rim.
On the first edition (late 1940s-early 1950s), the clockwise wording goes from "Ohio Border" to "Philadelphia," which as the back of the plate says, is "327 miles".
{Example of
First Edition
Plate: "Ohio Border" to "Philadelphia," "327 miles".}
On the second edition (early 1950s), the clockwise wording goes from "Gateway" to "New Jersey Extension," which as the back of the plate says, is "327 miles."
{Example of
Second Edition
Plate: "Gateway" to "New Jersey Extension," "327 miles".}
On the third edition (mid 1950s), the clockwise wording goes from "Ohio Border " to "Delaware Valley," which as the back of the plate says, is "360 miles."
{Example of
Third Edition
Plate: "Ohio Border" to "Delaware Valley," "360 miles".}
About Vernon Kilns.
Vernon Kilns made collectors plates for hundreds of cities and states in the United States, some organizations and institutions, and some for foreign cities and countries. Vernon Kilns closed its doors permanently in the early 1950s.
According to Bill Stern (2001), Vernon Kilns was one of the well known "Big Five" of the Southern California Pottery group (p. 42,
California Pottery: From Missions to Modernism
)
. Please see Maxine Feek Nelson's
Collectible Vernon Kilns: Identification and Value Guide
for more information about Vernon Kilns California Pottery.
This plate depicts a variety of scenes, e.g., "Little Panama," Susquehanna River Bridge with RR train below, the Midway (please see photos below), and the rim of the plate features locations along the turnpike (in order, counterclockwise around the rim):
Gateway
Beaver Valley
Perry Highway
Butler Valley
Allegheny Valley
Pittsburgh
Irwin
New Stanton
Donegal
Laurel Hill Tunnel
Somerset
Allegheny Tunnel
Beford
Ray's Hill Tunnel
Breezewood
Sideling Hill
Fort Littleton
Tuscarora Tunnel
Willow Hill
Kittatinny Tunnel
Blue Mountain Tunnel
Carlisle
Gettysburg Pike
Harrisburg West Shore
Harrisburg East Shore
Lebanon
Lancaster
Reading
Morgantown
Downington
Valley Forge
King of Prussia
New Jersey Extension
The back of the plate is inscribed under glaze with the wording:
PENNYSLVANIA TURNPIKE
The Pennsylvania Turnpike was originally constructed to breach the Appalachian Mountain range and facilitate the rapid movement of transportation between the great scenes of industry and population.  It embodies the most modern principles of express highway design and reduced the limitations of distance and time now imposed on the motoring public by other routes.  The world's greatest highway pierces the highest ridges of the Appalachian, with seven tunnels and spans 274 streams and rivers.  Throughout the entire length of the Turnpike, 327 miles, service stations, restaurants, and gift shops are located at convenient intervals.
Made Expressly For
Howard Johnson's
Penn Turnpike Shops, Inc.
by
Vernon Kilns
USA
The vintage plate has the Vernon Kilns "Ultra"-style rim featuring the locations along the Turnpike.
Condition.
The plate is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or restorations.
... A desirable plate for Vernon Kilns collectors, California Pottery collectors, collectors of Pennsylvania historical memorabilia, collector's of service advertising (Howard Johnson's), and collectors of transportation memorabilia, among others.
Buyer to pay calculated shipping & handling (it's insured).  Paypal only accepted.   Payment must be received within 3 days of auction close...
Always happy to combine shipping when safe to save you shipping costs.
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DesertGold Store,
for more Vernon Kilns pieces and other great finds, e.g., restaurant ware, EAPG, carnival glass, pottery, crystal, books, and the like!