SITE PURPOSE
This is a noncommercial site devoted to the collection of snow sleds.
The focus is to examine and display recreational snow sleds, mostly Flexible Flyers. The sleds of the late 19th and
early 20th Centuries came about as technology suggested improved design
and artwork adorned the tools of play. The development of the
designs demonstrates a continuing shift away from art and toward
technology and speed. The steering mechanisms of the Flexible Flyers
shows a continued study of what works better. The advertising over
the years showed the orientation to better technology.
My own interest stems from my
childhood and my Airline Patrol, shown in the header of this site.
Many afternoons were spent racing on local hills near Syracuse NY where I
grew up. Later, having kept the sled, we began to use it as a center
piece on our dining room table during the holidays. The sled and
table allowed the addition of a small N gauge train between the sled and
place settings.
Then, I learned that other types of sleds existed and I gained
interest in the differences. The collection began at a nearby antique store and quickly
spread to ebay. Some of my collection is displayed on the page
called "Jon's Slope." Click on the link to view them.
I learned that there is not a lot on the Internet about sleds
and that there is a need for more online information on the subject.
The standard reference is the beautiful book by Joan Palicia, Flexible
Flyer and Other Great Sleds for Collectors (Atglen PA: Schiffer Pub Co.,
1997) www.schifferbooks.com Joan reviewed our site and wrote in part: "If anyone
would like an autographed copy they may contact me by email jpsleds@optimum.net
or call 973-831-0527.... I would also welcome questions. Good Luck
with the site, many thanks and may you continue to enjoy .......... Smooth
Sledding"
For more on other
sources, click on the links page above.
