The art of decorating dry goods windows and interiors

Next make twice as many small 5-pointed stars as points on large star. On back, and exactly in center of these, glue some small pieces of heavy cardboard, about the size of a penny, and in center of back of same star, at bottom, fasten some lead or other weights. See fig. 1.

Next decorate face of large star by pleating the points in cheesecloth, or any other way desired, and after having lettered the face of each of the small stars pass a large pin through the re-enforcement in center of them and fasten one to each of the points of the large star, as shown in fig. 1. The large star, shown in center of fig. 1 should be treated the same as the small ones. If you take hold of the grooved wheel or shaft and turn it now, it should cause the large star to revolve carrying the small ones with it; but the small weights on back of small stars will cause them to remain right side up, as will also the star in center, and if not run too fast will produce a very pretty effect.

Figure 3 shows rear view and fig. 2 side view.

The dotted line shown in fig. 2 shows the background of window, which should pass immediately in back of large star, and front of grooved wheel, thereby concealing all other mechanism.

This design may be varied by removing the small stars and in their place substituting small swinging shelves.

Should these shelves be used instead of stars, almost any kind of articles (not too heavy or large) can be displayed, as could also slippers or shoes hung in the same manner. In fact, this contrivance can be used in many ways.

Now that the effect is all ready it becomes necessary to cause it to revolve and it is imperative to in some way reduce the speed of the motor.

A practical speed reducer is shown in fig. 4. It is made as follows:

Two cast iron side frames, between which I run a worm gear. Against this gear is run a worm. On the end of the worm shaft I have a pulley with two different sized grooves in the edge. To this pulley I run my motor belt, on the shaft which runs through the worm gear and is allowed to extend outside of frames. I fasten another pulley wheel with different size grooves in edge and by running my power belt from this wheel to my display I get whatever speed I desire, depending on which groove I run the belt from. I do not expect many window dressers will be able to construct these gears themselves, but any good machinist can make it and once secured it will always be ready for use, take up very little room in window and pay for itself many times over.

REVOLVING WHEEL.

Figs. 2 to 4 illustrate how to make a revolving wheel for showing goods. The stand is made of four pieces of 1 × 1½ pine, A, three feet high, and the top joined with cross pieces, B, of the same stock. Bore an inch hole for the wheel shaft on each side. The wheel is three and a half feet in diameter. Hooping will do for the rims, C, and these are nailed to wood spokes and the latter wired to a hub made from a block of wood, and bored out for the inch shaft on which the wheel is to turn. The wheel is strengthened by nailing on a second hoop at D. The whole affair should be covered with cloth, and swinging boxes attached to the rims, in which to put goods. The view 3 shows the width of the wheel and a wood grooved pulley fastened to the wheel shaft at F. Fig. 4 shows how to make the wheel turn about four times per minute. After the wheel and frame are set up in the window, make a stand of wood pieces, C C, and put a 2-inch diameter round piece of wood, H, in holes cut for same and arrange for turning by means of the crank, J. Put up a grooved wood pulley at L, and run a cord over this. One end of the cord is weighted with a few bricks, M. The pulley, K, is the same as pulley, F, in fig. 3. Another cord encircles this and also the round piece, H. The crank, J, is turned, and thirty or forty turns of the cord taken on the round piece H. Then the device is left alone, and the weight of the bricks steadily pulls on the cord, gradually unwinding it, causing the round piece, H, to turn and slowly revolve the big wheel. After an hour or so the cord is unwound and is rewound by turning the crank again.

HALF REVOLVING BUSTS.

For a millinery display, or any other attraction of a like character, two bust forms may be made to turn half way around, in opposite directions, then pause, and turn back to their original positions. This is accomplished by means of a large wheel to which two eccentrics are attached, each eccentric being connected with a standard holding a bust. Our diagram shows the floor plan of the mechanism, the large 18-inch wheel, which is run by means of an electric motor, turning the eccentrics as indicated. The standards supporting the wax figures run through the centers of the side pillars. The bowls at the top remain stationary, while the busts turn.

STRAW HAT MACHINE.

A novel mechanical display of straw hats is arranged as follows:

Make a box 4½ ft. high and 18 in. wide; open two sides 15 in. from the top; set this box on end, the open side to the top. The open side also to face the glass and to be about half way back and to one side of the window. Make a little platform 12 × 18, about 6 in. below the opening in front; a like platform, only to be longer and even with the opening in the back. Now bore a hole in each side of the box about the center of the opening and insert a shaft. On this shaft inside the box nail four light boards, 6 in. wide and 15 in. long; then fasten a 4-in. pulley to the end of the shaft and connect with the motor. Now fill the back of the window up 3 or 4 ft. with straw, letting it slope down toward the glass. Cover the entire floor with straw, and also the platform in the back. Then place hats on stands on the floor and suspend hats from rods above them. Place three or four hats on the stand in front, and make a sign which reads, “Straw hats while you wait.” Start your motor and you have a window that will sell hats.

The designer describes this effect as follows:

“In describing the window as seen through the plate glass, one can easily imagine he is looking at a bit of nature, only in a miniature form. In the foreground, moored to a dock, is seen a gondola, majestically rising and falling upon an effect that looks precisely like a deep, clear body of water, with a slow, even motion so perfect that it is impossible to determine when it begins or stops. In the distance old Vesuvius is belching fire and lava, which looks so real it is hard to believe it is only an illusion.”

The drawing will at a glance give a fair idea of the mechanical contrivance used to obtain these effects.

The rising and falling motion to the water effect was made on the plan of scale beams, as can be seen in drawing. Cords were fastened to ends of levers marked ‘B’ and passing them under rollers ‘E’ and hooking the other ends to crank-wheel ‘C.’ As wheel ‘C’ would revolve it pulled levers down, causing center, containing water effect, on which was placed the gondola, to rise, and in turn the weight of the gondola would cause the center to fall when levers were released by wheel. I used window weights to balance it, allowing center to be heavy enough to sink of its own weight.

The water effect was obtained by placing a piece of double strength window glass, 3 ft. × 3 ft. 6 in. on the frame, the detail of which you will find illustrated. Underneath it I placed a canvas frame painted near the same shade as the water in the foreground of my canvas representing Vesuvius. On the top of said frame I puffed loosely very fine veiling. I also puffed the veiling on top glass. The painted canvas frame gave me the water color, the glass, the realistic reflection, and the veiling mystified the whole. Hence a perfect water illusion, well worth trying. The fire and lava belching from the crater of mountain I obtained in the following manner: I first covered the entire canvas on back with heavy paper, making it perfectly opaque, then I tore a hole, beginning at the top or crater of mountain, about 5 inches wide, widening gradually as I went upwards, and to one side. Then I cut several openings large enough to admit little streaks of light on the left slope of mountain to represent lava running down the side, above which I cut a round hole for the moon; all which can be plainly seen in the picture. Back of opening representing lava I pasted different shades of red paper (tissue paper) and back of moon yellow. Back of the large opening at the top of mountain I placed a large wheel made of two layers of red tissue paper with little tufts of grey wadding between. Back of this wheel, exactly opposite the opening representing the crater, I placed a lamp. When set in motion I had the most beautiful representation of real, burning fire. As the different thicknesses of the wheel would pass the lamp they were illuminated, and as they passed on up they would cool off and finally die, disappearing in the smoke and steam, which was represented by carefully tufted white and grey cotton on the front of canvas. Two lamps higher up illuminated the smoke and steam in the sky; another to light up streaks of lava seen on the left slope; and the fifth lamp for the moon, which threw its yellow glow in beautiful contrast to the ever raging, burning flames from the crater of Vesuvius. In conclusion, I wish to say that I know my attempt at describing these effects is a failure, compared to seeing them in reality.

Mr. Shogran won a gold medal for inventing this fine effect.

A STUDY IN ASTRONOMY.

One of the most remarkable mechanical displays yet conceived is that designed by M. M. Mohnkern, called “A Study in Astronomy.” It is not theoretical, but has been made and exhibited by Mr. Mohnkern and has attracted and delighted thousands. It is, to be sure, rather complicated in construction, and requires a mechanic to build it, so that it will work smoothly; but it is thoroughly practical, and so very novel and beautiful when completed that it will repay the labor expended to produce it.

The device is intended as a background for any display of goods, and may be utilized by any merchant who has a show window, the expense being very little aside from labor.

In his description Mr. Mohnkern says: “In looking at this display through the show window one can easily imagine he has been transferred to some other planet and is looking at the solar system, where old mother earth revolves slowly around the sun. In the distance the moon is changing, first in the dark of the moon to the first quarter, then to the half, the third quarter and the full moon, decreasing again in the same way. The stars twinkle as naturally as they do in the heavens; the whole display is grand and awe inspiring.” We can well believe this.

Fig. 1 is the front view of the window, showing the sun, moon, earth and stars, and the orbit of the earth where it revolves around the sun. A strip of lumber was bent into a large circle, almost the full size of the window. Black cambric was stretched from this to the four sides of the window, and openings cut in the corners for the stars and moon, as represented, C C C being the stars, and D the moon. Back of each of the three stars in each corner small wheels were placed (see F F F, Fig. 2). These wheels were twice as large as the stars, and placed so that the center of each wheel was directly opposite a point of a star. Then half of each wheel was covered with black cambric and the other half with bright red. As the wheels revolved very fast, it made them twinkle like real stars. The moon was a large round hole cut in the cambric with yellow tissue paper pasted back of it, and an electric light suspended behind the opening. A disk is made, a little larger than the opening, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. A, Fig. 5, is the opening of the cambric; B is the disk; C is where the disk is connected with the axle. This disk is covered with black cambric and placed between the cambric background and the window pane. Thus it will be seen that as the disk slowly swung around, the changes of the moon would occur.

Two more strips of lumber were now bent into circles, about eighteen to twenty inches smaller in diameter than the first circle. One of these was placed flush with the first circle and held in position by means of braces I I. This circle was then covered by stretching black cambric snugly over it, and an opening was cut in the center to represent the sun (B, Fig. 1). Yellow tissue paper was pasted over this, and an electric light suspended directly back of it.

Star-shaped openings were now cut in this cambric, as shown by the stars in the central portion of Fig. 1.

The second circle was placed about six inches back of this (see Fig. 3, A 1 and A 2). It was held in position by braces F F, Fig. 3. These two circles formed a track on which the earth slowly revolved. Another circle was next formed, similar to the first one, except that this had four spokes, I I I and J, Fig. 2. The spoke marked J was long enough to reach the center of the globe and connect to an axle, as seen in Fig. 3. This circle was also covered with black cambric, and irregular holes cut in it (H H H, Fig. 2), over which pieces of red tissue paper were pasted. These are represented by the irregular patches in Fig. 2. This rear disk was fastened to a pivot (Fig. 3) and placed three inches back of the front disk in which the stars and sun were cut. As it slowly revolved it carried the globe around with it, and the irregular tissue paper opening coming opposite each star caused the stars to twinkle like those in the corners.

The earth was constructed as follows: Two bushel baskets were procured, the handles cut off, and a brace nailed across the center of each. Holes were bored in the middle of these braces, and an axle inserted (B, Fig. 4) and made fast to the bottom of the basket. Then the spoke J, Fig. 4, which has a hole in the end, is slipped over the axle and the other basket placed in position and fastened opposite the first. The baskets were left far enough apart to allow them to revolve. In Fig. 4, A A, are the baskets, B is the axle, c c c c braces, J the spoke, corresponding with J in Figs. 2 and 3.

The profile drawing in Fig. 3 will enable you to see the mechanism at a glance. A1 and A2 are the circles on which the globe representing the earth revolves; B is the disk with the long spoke, J, placed between these two circles; C is the pivot which causes disk B to revolve. D D are the braces holding disk B in position. F F and I I are the braces holding A1 and A2 in position; G is the pulley on pivot C that run the different parts; K is the main belt leading from the basement; L L L are belts running to pivots H H H. All framework liable to show should be made black; also have the cords you use for belts black.

REVOLVING CYLINDER.

This is a simple but very effective mechanical contrivance, and may be constructed by any amateur:

Make three circular pieces from one-inch planed boards, A A A. Through the exact centers of these run a rod, EE. Nail two-inch strips, c c c, placed a little distance apart, over the discs, one of which is placed at either end, and the third in the center. This forms the barrel, AAA, with the rod, EE, as pivot. This pivot rests on crotches, DD, allowing the barrel to revolve when the motive power below (at G) causes the fly-wheel, which is securely fastened to E, to turn by means of the circular band, B. The crotches, DD, should be high enough to bring the barrel to the center and middle of the window.

Cover the barrel with cloth—a dark material is best—and upon this pin or tack the articles to be displayed. Almost any articles, not too large, may be shown, and they should be so arranged as to present variety as the wheel revolves. Suspend a screen in your window that will cover the mechanical apparatus, only allowing the front section of the barrel to show. Thus, as the barrel slowly revolves, a panorama of merchandise is shown the observer, and the constant change will undoubtedly attract much attention. You may letter the screen in any manner that suits your fancy, and this arrangement will not prevent your placing other goods in the window before your screen, as the revolving barrel will be high enough not to interfere with anything shown on the window floor.

WIND POWER.

One good use to which the wind force obtained from a fan motor can be put is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In Fig. 1 is a section of a water tank, which tank should sit in the show window, filled with water.

A toy ship is on the water and is guided in a track, A, which track is attached to bottom of tank. Guide wires, B, B, extend from the ship to grooves in the track. Fans, C, C, are set up at each end and are covered with window trimmings in front so that they are not in view. The fans are run by means of cords from the motor. The arrangement of the fans is as shown in the top view of the tank in Fig. 2. The fan at the left is at D, and the wind it produces sends the ship across the tank at opposite side, on line with the arrow. The grooved track holds the guide wires B, B, of the ship, and steers the ship around G, and the momentum carries the ship to H, where the blast of air from the fan at E sends the ship along course I to J, and thence opposite D again, where the course is commenced over again.

PERPETUAL MOTION.

A perpetual motion wheel never fails to attract attention in a show window. There is one form of perpetual wheel device which can be made very easily, as it consists of a simple mechanism such as is shown here.

MECHANICAL HANDKERCHIEF DISPLAY.

We show a picture of a mechanical handkerchief display in which the central figure is a girl in a canoe, who works the paddle by a simple device.

A stiff wire attached to one side of center of paddle, passing through bottom of canoe, fixed on a wooden wheel under the fixture. A rubber band is fixed on one side of paddle to canoe. As the wheel revolves it sets the paddle in motion. It is worked by a small motor. The entire display is made outside in sections and is rapidly fixed together in the window. The canoe is of heavy paper.

MECHANICAL PANELS.

To make a double mechanical panel, that will open and close alternately, follow the device shown in the below diagram.

Cover the faces of the panels, or “doors” with cloth or puffing, and arrange them so as to cover two alcoves on opposite sides of the window. One cord is wound around the barrel and the other is unwound. When the barrel is turned, either by hand or by a motor, one door is raised while the other drops of its own weight, the doors being balanced by each other. The motion is reversed by reversing the barrel, or cylinder.

“A SCENE IN VENICE.”

The mechanical device called “A Scene in Venice” consists of a reproduction of the Trocadero palace, before which constantly passes a procession of floats or gondolas. The following diagram shows a ground plan of the framework of this window.

A procession of floats bearing dolls dressed as gondoliers, etc., passes constantly around the palace. The interior of the building was lit by colored electric lights. Six thousand handkerchiefs were used in this display, but the palace may be trimmed with linens or other goods.

MECHANICAL FAN.

This display was arranged with a high grille at top, supported by columns resting upon a pedestal or base. Upon this an enormous fan opened and closed every fifty seconds. When opened out, only the fan was visible; when folded, the fan seemed suspended at one side, revealing a 5-foot circle, studded with lights and covered with roses, in the center of which was a bust figure. On each side of the circle was a 2-foot wreath tied with white satin ribbon. The color scheme was white, top blue and ivory, with narrow moldings. Grille, fan and cornice at base were covered with dark blue velvelette. The photograph shows fan partly open and also decorations behind fan.

The ribs were fastened together with straps under the base, and also on the back of the fan, above base. Ribs were of light framework, and extended below base, as in the drawing. Front or first rib extended down three feet and had a slot through which a screw was fastened to drive wheel, which propelled it backward and forward, or, rather, from side to side; an evenly balanced weight assisted motor to open fan.

The sketch will explain mechanical apparatus.

Fig. 1 shows fan, spread open, looking from back of window. A is drive wheel on a pivot, smooth side facing slot of first or front rib, and to which screw in slot is attached. B is an upright supporting rack (C) through which lower ends of all but first and last rib work to avoid wobbling. Dotted lines D are heavy rubber bands fastened to ends of second and third rib, and to end of rack, as indicated. D D are similar bands fastened to end of fourth, fifth and sixth ribs, and to floor, as in the drawing. These bands prevent sudden jerking in opening and closing. E is small weight on cord, run over pulley to basement, to assist in spreading fan. This relieves the strain on drive wheel when screw in slot is at the top. EE are straps that hold fan together, and must be proper length to allow each rib to overlap the next, in order that decorations behind fan are concealed when fan is open.

Frame of fan was covered with cambric ovals, shown in photo, which were decorated in water colors, and body was of velvelette. Rack was made of thin wood strips the proper distance apart to hold ribs in proper position. Lower portions of ribs were thicker than the upper, to prevent top from catching when closing. Iron washers were put on axle between each two ribs to reduce friction; drive wheel or one at back, was stationary, the others revolved in direction of arrow, last rib moving to and fro.

THE MECHANICAL BUTTERFLY.

This is a very novel and easily constructed device.

The window was put in to show a line of black ostrich tips, and the butterfly was mechanical, opening and closing its wings in a natural manner. The background is figured cotton crepe, put on plain. The groundwork is crepe, a rich cream base with figures of heliotrope and green. In the center is placed the butterfly. It has eyes of bright green and a body of black and green. The long feelers were made of large black plumes, the ends being tipped with white plumes. The wings were made of black tips, the marking in the upper wings being of yellow, while in the lower wings are two marks, one of white and one of red. To the right is a pillar with black velvet base and a green column, and to the left a pillar with black velvet base and blue column, both pillars supporting palms. The festoon drapery is of black velvet. In front of the butterfly is a square pedestal, covered with red with a line of black velvet “lovers knots” down the center of each side. Palms and trimmed hats make up the floor decorations. We show a drawing of the mechanism used to open and close the butterfly’s wings. As the butterfly was tipped forward at the top the wings closed of their own weight. The motor is connected with a reduction gear and then with a pulley with a cam, instead of connecting direct.

The butterfly itself is 9 feet wide at the extremes and 6 feet high and is raised about two feet from the floor.

The wings of the butterfly are but the thickness of heavy pasteboard at the edge and ¾ inch towards where the wings join the body. The two one-inch rods which open the wings run through the floor to basement and are covered with same goods as background and are barely visible. On the ends of these two rods (see cut) are two levers at right angles with rod and are placed in opposition to each other. On the end of each lever is attached a cord running to a common point about 3 feet back of levers. They then go through two pulleys and combine in a single cord which is attached to a cam placed 7 inches from center of pulley. The levers being shorter than the width of a single wing, this gives the outer edge of wing a stroke of about three feet.

THE MECHANICAL EGG.

I show an illustration of a mechanical Easter window, in which the Folding Star, previously described, was used as a centerpiece. In this case, however, the points are fitted with shade rollers, making the pull from behind and out of sight. The roller springs pull it out, and the wires in.

The above sketch explains the working. There was a sleeping wax infant in an egg, surrounded by light blue China silk; the other decorations were purple and white, with flowers of same shades. The points were made from wire and then covered with cloth.

The star closed every twenty-five seconds—the egg wire, being attached to the center of the two levers, had a longer pull and would begin to close before the star, and would also take a few seconds longer to open.

The description of the egg diagram is as follows:

THE EGG DIAGRAM.