Whitman's. An original edition

This is one of the very earliest tinybuildings, made by James a long, long time ago. Must have been in 1975 or so. No way of knowing, really.

This little structure is about 1-1/4 inches tall.

As I've mentioned, these tinybuildings were originally made as part of a Christmas *village* and for tree decorations. One of our family traditions was to put small boxes of Whitman's candy in the kids' stockings. So, that box would have been handy when James first hit on the idea of making miniature houses and stores and small-town buildings. This is exactly how the whole concept of the tinybuildings is supposed to work.

When I hold this one in my hand, I can conjure up many Christmases when we were all together, with piles of wrapping paper, kids in pjs so excited they couldn't sit still, cats hiding under the trash, too many presents for just two kids, special breakfasts of Dutch baby pancakes- joy all around.

I love that this one is worn and shows its age. Don't we all?!

I've tried to replicate these earliest Whitman buildings, but, sadly these candy boxes are now made of flimsy, slick, photo-printed paper....not at all a rewarding process.

So, this may be the very most favorite. I wish it were still in my collection; but I know it has a good, appreciative home where it lives now.

c. 1975