It’s currently 111 degrees here in Phoenix AZ, but of course it’s a dry heat so it only feels like I’m in the burning bowels of Hell trapped in a flaming choke hold being unmercifully applied by Satan.

Naturally, this makes me think of wool Indian trade blankets because everything makes me think of Indian trade blankets. What I’m pondering this month is that the vast majority of blankets were not the dynamic patterns and colors you see featured on this site.

For the most part manufacturers churned out primarily earthtones in less than powerful patterns and after 80 or 100 years the ravages of time can dull their appeal tremendously. In my opinion Oregon City blankets – the less flamboyant patterns, mind you – fare the worst. In even average condition the life seems completely drained out of them and what’s left is uglier than Chanukkah at the Ahmadinejad‘s house. In bad condition they’re scarier than having all your money in British Petroleum futures. BUT what did they look like when they were brand new?

Can I tell you how delighted I am that you ask? It just so happens they looked exactly like the mint condition 1920s Oregon City pictured below. With serious wear it would perhaps be more repulsive than Rosie O’Donnell in a pie-eating contest, but in factory new condition it’s more sexy than yes, it’s your turn to think of an analogy.