Silver Spoon 1935 - 1942

This drawing was made by William P. Shearwood. It shows two elaborate spoons, likely made of silver. These aren't just any spoons. They're souvenir spoons, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The United States was experiencing rapid industrialization, leading to increased wealth and leisure time for some. This new middle class wanted to travel and commemorate their experiences. Souvenir spoons became a tangible way to remember places visited and display one's status. They were also a sign of leisure and luxury as owning such elaborate items suggested a certain level of disposable income. Shearwood's drawing itself is a fascinating document. It shows how even everyday objects can become symbols of social and cultural trends. To truly understand the meaning of these spoons and Shearwood's drawing, we can delve into periodicals, advertisements, and social histories of the period, understanding the burgeoning culture of consumerism in America.