I can’t be sure but I believe that the items pictured below are the contents of Norris Long Houchens’ pockets at the time of his death. These could also just be random items of his but I came to this conclusion based upon the fact that they were all contained together and the date of his death, August 23, 1930, and the receipts that were in his clasped coin purse. Inside there are receipts from sales or purchases of hogs (Norris raised Duroc pigs) that are dated from March, April, and June, the months prior to his passing.
The coin purse is made from soft leather and embossed with “Compliments of Dill State Bank” on the front. There is other writing that I am unable to decipher at this time.
The jewel magnifier is imprinted with “Gavicide – Pacific Guano Company” and must have been from a supplier for fertilizers for Norris’ farm work.
He had the address of a JA Montgomery in his possession. That house is still standing and can be found on Google Maps.
The California Reserve Company, the name printed on the inside of the wallet, no longer stands but can be seen in the porcelain sign picture below which I downloaded.
I do not believe that the pocket watch was with time items but was included in the items for a better photo collage. To the best of my knowledge, the watch belonged to Harold.
Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or purpose of an artifact based upon either direct knowledge, notes, or context. If unable to identify, I will provide as much information about the item as I am able.
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