This wonderful 1917 World War I Navy Recruiting Poster was found rolled up in a mailing tube in the back storage room. It was in excellent shape and is now framed and can be viewed on the second floor of the Museum. The Illustrator is: Howard Chandler Christy (1872–1952).
He was an American artist and illustrator, famous for the “Christy Girl” – a colorful and illustrious successor to the “Gibson Girl”. Christy is also widely known for his iconic WWI Military Recruitment and Liberty Loan posters, along with his 1940 masterpiece titled, Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States of America, which is installed along the east stairwell of the U.S. Capitol.
(Source: Wikipedia)
Christie Tolides opened a luncheonette business on River Street in Collinsville, from 1923 until his retirement in 1967, in the space now occupied by ABC Pizza. Along with the Luncheonette, Chistie sold music records and appliances. He would also service TVs at local resident’s homes. Teenagers and residents remember his Juke Box as well as the camaraderie provided at his shop.
During World War II, Christie collected hundreds of photos of local young men and women serving in the Armed Forces. This is the glass-enclosed display case which hung in his shop for many years. Most of the servicemen and women’s names are now attached to the photos.