On 2008-02-23 16:16, SilverLine wrote:
While out tiki-hunting today my wife spotted this most bizarre incarnation of the Johnny Sens "Frankenstein" mug.

Then, later in the day, while wandering through a area flea market I noticed a guy about to purchase a "Voodoo Village" (old KC restaurant) plate. "RATS" (not really what I said to myself, but you get the gist). I asked if he knew anything about the place and to my surprise, he did; not only Voodoo Village but many other lost KC tiki establishments. I thought I knew ALL the tiki-philes in KC so I asked if he was ever on Tiki Central. Yes, he said. Me too, I said. We introduced ourselves with our TC names and to both our surprises we recognized each other! I had been skunked out of a Voodoo Village plate by none other than SQUID in town visiting the old 'hood for the first time in seven years! I went from feeling VERY unlucky to feeling VERY lucky in under 2 seconds! Squid, hope you enjoy your stay in the old hometown. It was great to meet you!

It was awesome to meet you and the Mrs. as well. What are the odds of finding a Voodoo Village plate AND meeting you guys at the same time? That was so incredibly amazing!! Bai and I were just dumbfounded at the whole incident. I'll be posting pics of the plate as soon as the camera recharges from the trip. :)

On 2007-05-30 04:48, rupe33 wrote:

This is a killer copper tin Kon-Tiki style candle holder. Am thinking about wiring it up as a lamp.

Here's a closer look at the base:

I recently found the same Kon-tiki candle holder (for $4.95!). I think I got all the pieces except for the piece that goes around the candle. Until I find something better I'm using a glass chimney. However, I'm not sure how it's supposed to work. What does the spring do? If it's to push the candle up, how do you "lock" in the candle?

Naneki

There is supposed to be a top with a round opening for the wick and some wax to burn off, to screw onto the copper tube, very much like a Tiki torch wick-holding top. The wax would burn off and the spring would push the candle higher.

Well folks, here's a batch of stuff I have acquired since last October.

First up we have a hand made ceramic sculpture I found in a brocant (neighborhood sale) in Paris. Only 3 Euro!! This sucker is heavy and 11" tall. No markings.

Next we have a couple of Moai snagged from a thrift store in Palm Springs a couple of weeks ago. See what you guys get for just drinking and hangin' out at the pool? NOTHING!!!! Both marked "Hawaii". So what's up with the slots in the tops? Slots are too wide for a bank and the Moai are too tall to hold business cards. Any ideas?

And next we have an unmarked jobby from the same thrift store. Not spectacular but a keeper nonetheless.

And now, ladies and gentlemen....Direct from Kansas City.....The item I skunked Silverline with. (Sorry mate) The beautiful Voodoo Village dinner plate. Note the sweet airbrushed underglaze. Also you'll see "Caribbean Cuisine" there. I always remembered the joint as Cantonese and Polynesian and at one time I had a matchbook stating just that. The guy who owned the booth said that it started as Caribbean and the fare changed some years later. I'm not sure about that but it sounds reasonable. Anyone else know? Silverline? 8ft?

squid out...

I always remembered the joint as Cantonese and Polynesian and at one time I had a matchbook stating just that. The guy who owned the booth said that it started as Caribbean and the fare changed some years later. I'm not sure about that but it sounds reasonable. Anyone else know? Silverline? 8ft?

Hi Squid! Here's about everything I know about it:

VooDoo Village – First appears in the City directories in 1961 but may
have opened in late 1960. Located at 3705 Main, it was founded by
Gerald Meeker and Lydia Perez and featured “Caribbean cuisine” and
“exotic drinks."

I visited the place a few years ago and they still had African/ PNG masks and stuff on the walls, but the theme has of course changed. Here's what it looks like today:

Now a few months ago a friend of mine was scanning through a pile of large-format negatives and found this shot, probably from around 1955 or so. Looks like the same building to me, and it's label says it's on Main, but I haven't fully checked it out, so who knows

I'll let you know what I find.

On 2008-02-26 18:38, bigbrotiki wrote:
There is supposed to be a top with a round opening for the wick and some wax to burn off, to screw onto the copper tube, very much like a Tiki torch wick-holding top. The wax would burn off and the spring would push the candle higher.

Yes, I have those pieces but the opening in the top is bigger than any candle I can find. Do I flatten the top of the candle so it won't pop through the opening. I'm using straight-side candles rather than tapers.

On 2008-02-26 20:01, squid wrote:

squid out...

That's odd! I have the same plate but from a different restaurant:

It's from The Riviera, Port-Au-Prince Haiti. That's an old pic from my old crappy camera. The plate is in a box somewhere so I can't take any new pics right now.

Weird huh?