Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, toothpick holders were one of the state souvenir items of choice. Though Toothpick Charlie is devoid of any markings other than his name, identical trinkets were churned out and stamped with state names as frequently as shoe shaped coin purses and carved wooden jewelry boxes.

Charlie is made out of a tree limb and holds about 30 toothpicks when his mouth is full. He’s sat at my kitchen table with me for as long as I can remember.