Brick Boy

Most people assume our oldest acquired his name from the TV show "Friends." But in reality, Karla and I both agreed our first born, regardless of gender, would have her maiden name, Chandler.

And because he is doomed to never have his a name on a novelty license plate or a T-shirt, I am always on the lookout for other things that bear his name. It is a relentless pursuit and has been both enlightening and humorous at times.

First and foremost, at least for printing aficionados, is the letterpress manufacturer, Chandler and Price. If you know of a century old letterpress that is running today, there is a good chance it is a C&P. Author Raymond Chandler, who created the fictional detective Philip Marlowe, also shares his name with our boy.

There are two popular definitions of a chandler. The first meaning is simply one who makes or sells candles, and the second is a person who sells supplies and provisions.

I am also aware of Kentucky politician Happy Chandler and Dr. Chandler who used to make all sorts of weird medicines and tonics. (You can find his signs, medicine boxes and bottles on eBay.) Don't forget your geography, there is also a Chandler, Arizona. However, the most interesting to me is The Chandler Motor Car Company, who produced automobiles in the good old USA during the 1910s and 1920s. That little car company was purchased by another who then had a ill-fated partnership with another car company, the Graham-Paige Motor Co. Coincidence? Actually, yes.

Last, but not least, there is also a Chandler, Oklahoma. And to prove its importance, behold a mighty brick from the Oklahoma Territory! Supposedly, this brick was made BEFORE Oklahoma accepted statehood in 1907. That makes it special. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and do some more useless crap.