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Monday, February 27, 2012

Daddy's Little Girl

What's It Wednesday #14

I have a confession to make. I am a Daddy's girl. Always was and always will be. I was visiting my Dad the other day and we were reminiscing about the days when I use to visit him at the pharmacy as a little girl. Oh how I loved to see him in his white pharmacy lab coat. I just thought that my Daddy was just the most handsome man. Through the years a collection of pharmaceutical antiques and vintage pieces have been collected to honor his profession. In fact, if a piece also happens to have my Dad's name on it, it is purchased immediately just like that green bottle (Nelson's Pharmacy) next to the super cute pharmacist.


My Dad received this Pharmacy Badge in 1967 when he graduated from Florida A & M University's School of Pharmacy. Once you graduated from the university this badge was to be placed on the car. 

At my dad's house he keeps his collection of rare pharmaceutical items in two antique cabinets. 



I cannot remember a day when we did not have several various mortar and pestles throughout our home. The mortar and pestle was a vital tool in medicine. It is used to crush, grind and mix various substances. The "mortar" is the receptacle in which the substances are added and the pestle is for pounding. The mortar and pestle date back to early Egypt. My dad's collection includes, glass, porcelain, wooden, brass and pewter mortar and pestles. 

This glass bottle is one of Daddy's favorite pieces in his collection. It is an enema bottle. He explained that it was used in the hospital. The bottle was filled up with a solution, hung upside down, and well...Spring cleaning if you will.

In 1983, Daddy went to the University of Southern California to pursue a degree and a new field of pharmacology known as Radiopharmacy. He became one of the first Nuclear Pharmacists in the State of Florida. In fact, he was one of the first African American Pharmacists (If not the first...this is bit of historical information is in the process of being determined) in the state. Daddy was involved in the preparation of various radioactive materials that were used to diagnose and treat patients. 


This antique cabinet houses some additional really cool collections.


You will find all kinds of bottles in this collection. This Boracic Acid (Boric Acid) bottle dates back to the early 20th century. It was used as an eye wash, antiseptic for minor burns or cuts, acne treatment and also for the prevention of athlete's feet. Around 1948, Boric Acid was used as an insecticide. 


When I looked in the cabinet there were many of these beautiful porcelain funnels which were vital laboratory equipment that was used for filtration. What was even more interesting was finding out that these were made by the Coors Company. Yes the beer folks. Daddy explained that the Coors company was known for it's porcelain and cement products long before it became a well known brewery.


The scale was also a very important tool in a pharmacy. This brass scale is still in mint condition. It played an important role in measuring medicine.


This is my favorite piece. This is Dr. Nelson's "Improved" Inhaler. It was used to relieve congestion by inhaling the vapors from boiling water. The Directions state the following: "Remove mouthpiece, half fill inhaler with boiling water replace mouthpiece and apply lips to it, breathe freely in & out as in ordinary full respiration". I am also partial to this piece because it just so happens to have the same name as my darling Daddy.

What are your favorite memories with your dad?

xoxoxo
Paula


Thank you all for participating in our 
"What's It Wednesday"  linky party!
Don't forget to grab a feature button.




Ivy and Elephants


Here are this week's awesome features
This beautiful vintage aqua pitcher is featured at Magnolia Cottage
The Perfect Table at Jennelise is a must see
This beautiful wire basket is from La Vie Quotidienne
You must see these awesome gift ideas at Heaven's Walk
Ann of Moonbeams & Fireflies has a fabulous idea for shoe forms and photos
This beautiful Japanese tablescape is a must see at Tablescapes By Diane



67 comments:

  1. Your posts are always so fascinating! Thanks so much for hosting!

    Blessings,
    Angie @ Knick of Time

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  2. A really interesting post, as always. Some of the old bottles and jars are so beautiful to look at. By the time I was in nursing most of the lotions and potions in the pharmacy were in ugly plastic containers.

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  3. Wow, what an awesome collection. You wrote so proudly of your DAD. That is awesome. Love this post. My favorite is the inhaler bottle. Loved that one. Super cool piece. You are definitely going to inherit a great collection of not just antiques but of beautiful memories.
    TFS. ANA

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  4. Definitely a Daddy's girl here, too. My Dad would take me every Friday to this diner where we would eat a hot dog served in one of those white curly paper things.
    (On another note, we have a lot of pharmacists in our family.)

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  5. What a great post! So many awesome collectibles! I was very much a Daddy's Girl. I so enjoyed going to his office after school and playing on the calculator! We went everywhere together!

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  6. Hi Paula and Patti... Paula, what a beautiful, heartwarming post about your daddy... I am a daddy's girl too, although my daddy passed away several years ago at 91 years young, and I miss him terribly... my favorite thing about my daddy was (is) the love he had (has) for all of his family and always took the time to be our best friend and encourage us in whatever we dreamt of doing in life... cherish every single moment with your daddy!... I loved hearing all about him, and his pharmacy... what a fabulous collection he has, and you must be so very proud of him!... I loved seeing all of the old pharmaceutical items... I think the old scale is my favorite... love to you, xoxo Julie Marie

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  7. I really enjoyed hearing about your Dad's education and career. His collection is phenomenol--the pieces all so intersting!! Thanks so much for sharing.
    Ann

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  8. Paula, this was so interesting.....Your Father what an incredible man and to go back to school for another line of work to add on to his business....this is an amazing story...please follow up with what you find out if he was the first in this line of work.....I drooled over his cabinets filled with rare items....

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  9. what precious memories
    you shared of your dad

    and all the vintage apothecary
    items placed in your home
    speak to his life and profession

    my dad is 82
    and suffering from pneumonia
    as we speak

    he has been a pastor
    for most of his life
    and has influenced me more
    than any other person

    thanks for sharing
    and i linked up
    my daughter's new room makeover!

    alison

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  10. Paula this was such a touching post. It is good to be a daddy's girl :) I belong to that club also being the oldest, it comes with the territory. Your father sounds like a wonderful man and what a gift he has given you, such a good foundation. Mine as well, I am thankful to the Lord for this, he has gone to be with Him now 4 years ago... I can't believe it has been that long. Dad's gift to me was his unwavering love for God. Dad got his Doctorate degree in theology when he was 72 years old... he gave up his artists career when I was a teenager to go into full time ministry for the Lord. He spoke throughout Egypt and the Middle East and was known as "the love of God man". He has left me his mantle and I am forever grateful.
    Blessings
    Rebecca

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  11. Thank you for hosting. Oh, how I loved going fishing with my dad when I was a little girl.

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  12. Beautiful memories, and fascinating story of your very special dad, dear Paula!
    I've always loved the apothecary pieces, and I actually use a mortar and pestle for my herbs and spices.
    My father is a violinist, so my favorite memories are watching him perform solos with the orchestra, and crying during the standing ovations! So proud.
    Thank you for the lovely post again, sweet friend..
    xoxo,
    - Irina

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  13. What a fascinating career your Daddy had and of course your wonderful memories too. I loved his collection of pharmacy collectibles. Thank you for sharing and for hosting this party.

    hugs,
    Danielle

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  14. Patti, this is such a wonderful collection and how special that there are so many items with your father's name. That's so cool! I'm totally drooling over that gorgeous antique cabinet.

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  15. How wonderful to have so many things from you father. A wonderful collection!
    Ruth

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  16. Hello Paula, Thanks for sharing your post. What great memories and wonderful mementos you have. Have a super week. Joyous Wishes, Linda

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  17. Wonderful tribute to your Daddy! How fabulous a career he had. Fantastic collections too. Thank you for hosting!
    Sherry

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  18. Well obviously being a collector runs in the family and what special treasures your dad has! :-) If I starting listing out my memories with my own daddy I would probably start crying so I will just say that I have tons! Thanks so much for hosting us this week~
    Vanessa

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  19. Oh me too -- I'm a daddy's girl at heart too! What a lovely post. I get my "collector's gene" and my creativity from my dad's side too. I shared a couple of things he made in shop class on my blog: http://serendipityhandmade.blogspot.com/2010/06/belated-fathers-day-tribute.html.

    You have a BEAUTIFUL collection of which to be proud!

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  20. Lovely post. And, so informative. What a tribute to your dad. I've always been a daddy's girl, too!

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  21. You always have the most interesting posts and treasures. Loved this post. Thanks tons for hosting. Hugs, Marty

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  22. Thanks for the party! I was a mommas' girl... :)
    t.xooxoox

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  23. You never cease to amaze me with your informative and heart warming posts. This one is especially dear to my heart because you talk about fathers. My dad was my hero in every sense of the word. He was taken from us at such the very young age of 70, but left behind a legacy that was truly remarkable. He believed in living life to the fullest and that he did! He and my mother traveled all over the world while they were YOUNG, enjoying every moment of every day. Thank God they did, because he left us at an early age and my beautiful mother was taken away from us a few years later with Alzheimer's. If you think the quote "Life is too short"... isn't for you, think again. They taught me to live life to the fullest NOW, while you're young, and take nothing for granted....The most important lesson of all...is never, ever miss an opportunity to tell the people in your life how important they are to you...how much they're loved~ NOW.
    Thank you for sharing these beautiful memories. xo

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  24. Another interesting post! I learn something new every week. Thank you for hosting! Cheers, Andrea

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  25. This not just a post filled with very interesting items and history but a heartfelt one as well with the pride of a daughter who loves her Daddy!

    I have enjoyed stopping by!

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  26. Wonderful post, informative and interesting as always! My dad is into trains and ham radios, so I guess I am more of a mama baby, since she is the one who loves antiques. Your dad sounds like a treasure, I'm sure you must be very proud of his accomplishments!

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  27. Another wonderful collection, Paula! I'm a Daddy's girl, too. My dear Dad passed away in 1996 and I miss him every day. I have so many good memories. This time of year, I always remember going mushroom hunting with him in the spring woods. He was a quiet man who loved nature and animals. Loved this post and reading about your Daddy!
    Hugs, Cindy

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  28. Paula ~ thank you so much for featuring Clare's sweet gift to me! I hope that all of your faithful followers will pop over to her blog and Etsy shop to say hi! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  29. Yep, we gals can always wrap our daddy's round our little finger.

    I miss mine, he passed a little over a year ago.

    God bless ya sweetie and have yourself a magnificent day!!! :o)

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  30. What a great post, and a great collection! What a notable career and amazing role model your dad is!

    At 'What's It Wednesday,' I posted about using bold color successfully. I remember one afternoon with my dad. He was a house painter. One day, he got his professional paint tints out and let me mix colors and make a "painting" with it. Mostly, I painted squiggles and designs, just to see what colors I came up with. Dad was very supportive when I showed him my finished piece of paper. He said, "I like it. It could be named, 'Navajo Brick Brack.'" I really felt affirmed! It's a sweet memory. Thanks for reminding me. I'm blessed to still have my dad here, too.

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  31. What a fascinating post; so interesting. Your Father must be a remarkable person, and very accomplished.

    Thanks you for hosting and thank you also for mentioning my post. Have a happy day.

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  32. Oh dear lovely ladies, you always have such fascinating posts and this one is so special about daddy's little girls. I didn't prepare, as I was my dad's little girl, the apple of his eyes and I miss him so much still, I have so much to tell him. He died almost 16 years ago. Nice features. Thank you for hosting this great party I just can't wait to link up! Lots of hugs,
    FABBY

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  33. Paula,

    What a beautiful post! My father died a few years ago and I still think of him each day. My favorite memories include traveling and the ocean (he was a Captain) and horses (we had them growing up). Cherish those treasures that tell your father's story; a family legacy for sure.
    Thank you for hosting the link party and inviting me to join in!
    Deborah

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  34. Hi Paula,
    you have so sweet memories to your Dad. If only all those medicine things could tell their story. How many persons may have been rescued with them. You Dad was certainly an important man. Time was not easy for him but he made his way. That is impressive. I love that you care for all his treasures. Thank you for sharing your memories and for hosting this party.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  35. I'm so glad I found your fabulous blog!
    Thank you very much for hosting this lovely party :)
    Blessings

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  36. I am at work and can't join in the linky party because blogger won't let me , funny I work in an IT department
    I can join in after I get home tonight
    enjoyed seeing all of your Dad's pharmacy treasures

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  37. Ok I got to join in thanks for hosting. I love coming over here

    I had to go through Google Chrome

    I am lost in blogger is anything changes LOL

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  38. Your father is a great man. So many accomplishments in his life. I love the fact that he has continued his education, and I do hope it's determined he was the first!

    What an amazing history to pass on to your children and theirs.

    Have a beautiful day!
    Nancy

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  39. Beautiful memories and wonderful mementos of you father. Thanks for sharing.
    Thanks for hosting What's It Wednesday.

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  40. Hi lovely lady.
    Thanks so much for putting my Tablescape on as one of your features!!
    So sweet of you and thanks so much for hosting your linky party. Hope you have a wonderful week with your family.
    XXOO Diane

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  41. You guys always have the most interesting and informative post. It's always a pleasure to visit your blog.

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  42. Paula...I just loved reading through your post about your dad and looking all of the old medical items. I am a bit of a nut when it comes to medical antiques. I am a nurse and before that a Ct Tech and x-ray tech. My college major was actually nuclear medicine. So I really appreciate your photos and your dad's story. If you are ever in Philadelphia there is a fantastic museum of medical anomolies called the Mutter Museum. It's small but packed with cool stuff!

    Love your party and am linked up again this week. Have a great day!

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  43. Such a lovely tribute to your Daddy and the tools of his profession! There is a very special relationship between Dad's and daughters. I am definitely a Daddy's girl too!

    Thanks for hosting What's It Wednesday!

    Debra

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  44. How cool is that collection. I have some medical items myself from my nursing career!! Thank you for sharing yours with us. Di@cottage-wishes

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  45. Thanks for inviting me over! Your post about your Dad and all his great accomplishments is very heart warming! ~Marcy

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  46. Those treasures are amazing! What a great piece of history to have!

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  47. What a wonderful father and you are so lucky to be "Daddy's little Girl."
    There's quite abit of history you have shared and you have a lifetime of memories. Thanks for sharing and hosting.

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  48. Well, now I know where you get your collecting bug from!

    - The Tablescaper

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  49. Thank You for hosting! A touching and so interesting post!

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  50. Paula...

    Thank you so much for leaving such a beautiful comment over at 21 Rosemary Lane...you brought me to tears! Yes adoption is a true ministry and I will never forget the butterflies, or maybe bats, I had in the pit of my stomach the day we went to meet the children. I was excited and nervous and every emotion in between. You and Sebastian are very blessed to have found one another. I also feel blessed to have you as a bloggy friend!

    Have a beautful week! Hugs...Barbara

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  51. What amazing tools of the trade that belong to your dad! Thanks for reminding me to link up. :-) Sue

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  52. Love the bookcase, I have one that is very similar. I love how the fronts hinge and slide. Thanks for hosting again this week, Laura

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  53. Your dad's collection is fantastic! There are some very interesting objects there! I can also see where you got your love for vintage pieces!!!
    Thanks so much for sharing it with us and for joining me for Pearls and Lace Thursday!
    Blessings, Doni

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  54. Oh Paula no wonder you're a daddys girl! Your father sounds like such a wonderful accomplished man! And his collection is making me swoony! Y'all seem to have that effect on me with your various amazing collections *winks* There's just something about old pharmacy pieces that grabs at my heart.....I have no idea where that comes from...just one of those things kwim?
    I'm actually a mommys girl. And like you, always have been and always will be *winks* Vanna

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  55. P.S......Oops and thank you for hosting this lovely party! V

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  56. Paula, I love the mortar and pestles. I actually used them in my practice as a RN. I also took care of patients with radioactive substances such as I-131. I am familiar with what your Dad accomplished. To answer your question about photo editing I now use Photoscape and use their antique filters. It took a few weeks to get used to that program but I quite like it now. It is not Mac compatible however. hugs, olive

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  57. Thanks for hosting!

    Mrs. Delightful
    www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

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  58. Such a wonderful collection with fond memories attached:)Very heartwarming post! I loved those porcelain funnels.... such a unique collection! Thanks for sharing this lovely post with us and for your loving note on my book accents. I just added my link here, thanks for inviting me to this fun party. Have a great weekend!~Poppy

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  59. Thanks so much for stopping by and inviting me to your party! I am all linked up! I loved reading about your father and his pharmacy collections and career. My father in law and his father were pharmacists as well! Your post was very interesting and insightful to read! I think my father in law would enjoy it as well...I may have to print it out for him! ;)
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

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  60. Love the images on your blog. Thanks for hosting!

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  61. Oh, Paula..what beautifully sweet memories you share with your dad! An extraordinary career and collection he has.

    My father was a jeweler, and he worked very hard at all hours in a little room in our basement for many years. I remember going down there and standing by his side while he filed, and soldered and hammered creating beautiful pieces for others to where. We had many quiet talks, just he and I, about all sorts of things.

    Wow, you really made me remember a wonderful memory of my dad, too. Thank you for that.

    Blessings,
    Marianne

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  62. I love your story very much. You are really lucky.

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  63. How wonderful! I love all of his antique pharmacy goodies. It is wonderful that they are kept in special curio cabinets too. Thank you for sharing with us today. I was never a Daddy's girl I envy you that relationship. xo

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  64. Beautiful post. What an honor to be featured on such a fascinating and enlightening blog. Thank you so much!

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  65. Thank you inviting me to your wonderful party. I'm sorry I'm late. But better late then never. I just love your blog and am happy to be a new follower.
    Rose

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  66. Thanks so much for hosting such a great linky party, and also for sharing such an interesting family history!

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  67. You always have such beautiful posts, Loving this collection. Just gorgeous.
    xxx
    Marlene

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Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.