A few weeks ago, I shared my desperate search for those old-fashioned cardboard cutouts of famous presidents—the kind that used to be a staple in school classrooms.
So, the hunt was on. I didn’t want to resort to Amazon, but as it turned out, I couldn’t anyway—because they weren’t there. It was perplexing. For decades, these giant oval portraits of presidents were a classroom staple, and now, they had seemingly vanished from existence.
It appeared Rosie was right: they were next to impossible to find.
My quest didn’t end with that visit. I scoured shops across eastern Pennsylvania’s highways and back roads, stopping at every place that might carry old-school holiday decorations. But each time, I came up empty—no presidential heads in sight.
Then, after what felt like a fruitless chase, I stumbled upon a lead: a small but mighty decoration store in Cincinnati, Ohio, called Cappel’s.
They had an online ordering system, but since I had refused to buy from Amazon, I extended my self-imposed ban to this as well. Instead, I picked up the phone—an old-fashioned move for an old-fashioned decoration—and called the store.
To my surprise, after explaining my ordeal, the person on the other end confirmed what I had suspected: these decorations were all but extinct. But then, they gave me good news—it was my lucky day. The store had a few left.
After some back-and-forth, I finally caved and placed an order. Since I had spoken to a real person, I felt it was only fair.
I ended up with George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Franklin Roosevelt, and Theodore Roosevelt.
As a gesture of goodwill, they even threw in a non-president but founding father—Benjamin Franklin—for good measure.
From that day until now, they adorned the walls and windows of my home. My son found it a bit unsettling to be constantly watched by presidents, but now the decorations have come down, replaced by shamrocks and signs of the next season.
I plan to store them safely, keeping them free of moisture and heat, so they can be displayed every Presidents’ Day from now on. After all, I may have the last of these famous presidential heads left on this planet.
But one more mystery remains: I noticed a business name printed on each portrait, along with a signature—”B Clever.”
The research begins.
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There is one last part of this story that is upsetting.. Rosie’s in Minersville.. After around years at the location near Palermo’s, Rosie’s is closing down after a squabble about the rent costs in the complex. That is upsetting. Her decoration store was there for a long time, and prior to that, it was in the mall. She is not reopening anywhere–so another store that provides beautiful old fashioned decoration will be another memory. Like the presidential heads..
Nice group of President’s portraits.
Sad to hear Rosie’s is closing. Like many of the small business, our present high costs are driving them out of business. But then who would’ve thought the Schuylkill Mall would no longer exist. At least Moyer’s Electronics (one of the old time staple’s of the electronics parts suppliers from as long as I can remember) is still in business.
I will keep these presidents safe for as many years as I can!!
Concerning Rosie’s, it is sad.
The old fashioned decorations are the best, regardless of holiday. There is something bold and beautiful about large cardboard cutouts of holiday flare.. Rosie’s was a friendly place with a good nostalgic feel..
Too many places are closing.