The Owl, Halloween's Often-overlooked Icon.

When I began the Ozark Halloween collection 

I never thought, 'Oh Gosh, I absolutely need an owl.'

They unexpectedly flew into my collection.

It all started in November 2011 when I spotted an

orange owl cookie jar with big 

yellow eyes at Anthropologie.

Source: The Harris Sisters Blog 2013
 With a $128 price tag, it was way out of 

my budget to buy at the store, so 

I tried my luck on eBay.  

The prices were high there too.

However, I did come across a few other 

charming owl pieces. I came close to

buying this Carbone, Inc. owl cookie jar.

He looked pretty scary

Everything changed when eBay suggested

the mid 50's Kron Owl TV Lamp

eBay image

It was fascinating, unusual, and a little scary.

I'd never thought of buying a lamp before, yet 

I knew exactly where it would fit.

I procured it a short time later for $29.99. 

He makes an ideal sentinel for Halloween,

not a ghost, or monster, but a subtle tribute 

from nature itself.

In my search for other Dept 56 

Google Eye Halloween pieces, 

This quirky owl popped up.  

Its unusual appearance and 

wild colors caught me off guard. 

'I don't want that,' I thought, and moved on.

As time went on, Halloween collectables 

became more scarce and 

Dept 56 discontinued its serving pieces

I was still on the hunt. 

I frequently came across the owl on a site 

called "Tomorrows Treasures" in Trenton NJ

I let it sit there for years until common sense

finally took over and pressed the 

buy it button for $27.50 + $12.00 shipping.

I must say, I've never regretted it.

His Elizabethan collar and crazy colors 

really grew on me.

I have smaller owls too

They just kind of came with the cookie jars

Sort of a "Where's Waldo" for owls

Still very adorable 

I have an owl on a dessert plate too

The set was a Kohl's purchase a few years ago

An abstract owl is also perched on 

our pot shelf overlooking the living room.

We discovered this large chartreuse 

vase at HomeGoods, and we love how 

its color mirrors the colors on the

"Happy Halloween" sign beside it.

This year, Sam gave me the most amazing birthday 

surprise: The holy Grail of owl cookie jars!

She found it on eBay this year 

for a reasonable price and remembered

 I'd been looking for one some time ago.

What a woman!

 I'm also the proud owner of the 

Carbone, Inc. Owl cookie jar

In 2021 Sam and I traveled to North Carolina

to visit her son and his family.

While they were busy with work 

and school during the day, 

we decided to pass the time by exploring

an antique shop.  And WHOOO should be 

gazing at me from the end of an aisle?  

It felt like pure kismet. 

Just goes to show you, 

Good things come to those who wait,

or those who marry Samantha!

It all began with the thought that 

one owl would be a nice Halloween accent. 

Now, I find myself surrounded 

by a whole parliament!

And I love it.

from 1909

Just don't go throwing ink bottles at their heads

Now for a moment of gratitude:

in August 2023, I received a delightful email

from Richard T. in Bedford England. 

Richard has been collecting for 20 years, 

he shared how much he appreciates my blog

and the information I offer,

Which has been a great resource for him - 

just what I intended when I started it.

He attached a photo of his collection, and

I knew immediately we were kindred spirits.

Richard also has a unique owl 

in his collection-a piece he painted 

himself 18 years ago in a pottery class, 

which he named Oswaldo.

I think it's perfect,  

A real Halloween Icon.

Thanks Richard for sharing, and

thank you for stopping by

Happy Haunting.