Collector's Corner Editor Michele Alice was thinking of summertime fun - Independence Day, cookouts, and yard-sale finds - when she wrote today's collectibles roundup column.

Declaration of Independence
Collectors have repeatedly been buoyed by reports that rare documents like the Declaration of Independence have been found sandwiched behind old prints or paintings bought at yard and estate sales.

And though extremely unlikely, the occurrence is not impossible. Though just 26 copies of the first printing of the Declaration are presently known to exist, it has been estimated that there were originally 100 to 200 printed. (The first printing predates the written ceremonial copy, presently housed at the National Archives, by one month.)

So, there's always hope of finding your own "National Treasure."

"Declaration of Independence Found in a $4 Picture Frame," New York Times article by Rita Reif (link)

The Founding Documents of the United States of America (link) - Williams College (Massachusetts) is the only institution outside of Washington, D.C. with original printings of all the Founding Documents. Usually housed in Chapin Library, they are presently on display at the Williams College Museum of Art.

Heinz Ketchup
Those who collect food labels, specifically Heinz ketchup, should check grocers' shelves for a redesign. Heinz has decided to replace the iconic pickle on the front label with a tomato-on-a-vine graphic replete with a "grown not made" logo. This first major redesign since the 1940's affects their ketchup products only, and not any of their other lines of pickles or condiments.

Some irate fans have rallied around a "Save-the-Pickle" campaign, but I personally like the new design.

Heinz - Ketchup (link)

"Heinz Ketchup Waves Goodbye to the Gherkin," New York Times article by Stuart Elliot (link)

Save the Pickle (link) - The title says it all.

Welch's Jelly Glasses/Tumblers
After fruitlessly waiting for my local grocer to restock the Welch's shelf with new jelly glasses, I emailed Welch's asking when they would be issuing a new pattern. This was their reply:

Thank you for contacting Welch's regarding decorated jelly tumblers. Welch's no longer packages its jelly and jam products in these tumblers. All inventories of decorated tumblers have been shipped from our facilities, and none remains with Welch's.

At this point in time you may want to watch garage or yard sales or antique/collectibles shops in an effort to locate tumblers from the past. We hope this information is helpful.

So there you have it: NO NEW WELCH'S JELLY GLASSES!

Guess we'll just have to be satisfied with other promotional glasses, like the recent set of four Star Trek glasses offered by Burger King. You can check them out at the updated website of the Promotional Glass Collectors Association. Check out the Articles, FAQ's, and Database pages.

Visual Dictionary
OK, which of these two descriptions sounds more professional?

1) For sale: chair with curved legs. Back and base around seat decorated with shell and leaf patterns.

2) For sale: armchair with cabriole legs. Splat and apron decorated with cockleshells and palmettes.

If you'd like your online descriptions to be more like #2, check out this visual dictionary on the web: Merriam-Webster Visual Dictionary Online. (It's fun just to peruse, too!)