Archives Center, National Museum of American History

Guide to the Accoutrements/Archie McPhee Catalogs

Summary

Collection ID:
NMAH.AC.0837
Creators:
Accoutrements, Seattle, Washington
Archie McPhee (Retail store)
Dates:
1985-2008, undated
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
1 Cubic foot
Repository:
Accoutrements and Archie McPhee product catalogs dating from 1983-2008.

Scope and Contents note

Scope and Contents note
Collection consists of almost a complete run of Accoutrements and Archie McPhee product catalogs dating from 1985-2008. It documents the advertising and promotion of the wide range of products during that period. Materials reflect the interests of the consumer market and what was paid for novelty and gift items. Collection is arranged into two series. Series 1, Catalogs, 1985-2008 and Series 2: Other Materials, undated.

Arrangement

Arrangement
Collection is arranged into two series.
Series 1, Catalogs, 1985-2008
Series 2: Other Materials, undated

Biographical/Historical note

Biographical/Historical note
Accoutrements began as a mail order business in Los Angles, California in the 1970s. The company's creator, Mark Pahlow, started the business from his home offering rubber lizards and other collectible items for sale. In 1983, Pahlow moved his business to Seattle, Washington and established it as the retail outlet, Archie McPhee, named after his wife's great-uncle. Pahlow hired two employees and expanded the product line to include rubber chickens and a host of other novelty items. In 2018, Archie McPhee opened the Rubber Chicken Museum inside its Seattle store. The business currently offers retail, wholesale, and online services.
Source: archiemcpheeseattle.com

Administration

Author
Vanessa Broussard-Simmons
Custodial History
The collection was transferred to the Archives Center from the Division of Cultural History (now Division of Cultural and Community Life) in 2003.
Immediate Source of Acquisiton
Collection donated in 2002.
Processing Information
Collection processed by Vanessa Broussard-Simmons, archivist, 2005.

Using the Collection

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Restrictions on Access
Collection is open for research and access on site by appointment.
Preferred Citation
Accoutrements/Archie McPhee Catalogs, 1985-2003, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.

Related Materials
Materials in the Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Warshaw Collection of Business Americana NMAH.AC.0060
Gladys Reid Holton Ephemera Collection NMAH.AC.0466
Mortimer Spiller Company Records NMAH.AC.1387

Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Popular culture Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Photographs -- 2000-2010 Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Toys Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Toy industry Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Photographs -- 1950-2000 Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Catalogs Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Mail-order business Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Legal records Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Novelties Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Cultural History Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Archives Center, National Museum of American History
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