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Ruggles China and Gifts Created by Phil and Sophie Papel, “Ruggles China and Gifts” was selected by Disney to be among the first few shops to operate on Main Street U.S.A. when the park opened in 1955. Phil Papel’s experience in the giftware industry and his commitment to quality and customer service made him an excellent partner for Disney. When Papel was informed he had been selected to be an opening day merchant on Main Street, he decided to name his shop after Charlie Ruggles, an actor in the 1932 film, “If I Had a Million”, in which the owner of a China Shop receives an unexpected gift of a million dollars. To Papel, the possibilities of what could happen from a partnership with Disney rivaled the level of excitement that the actor felt in the film, and “Ruggles China and Gifts” was born. The shop flourished on Main Street, and the company would grow to have numerous retail chains and sales in over 15 countries. While Ruggles’ partnership with Disney eventually ended in 1964, the high quality souvenirs from this cherished shop are still sought-after today as reminders of the great early days of Disneyland.
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190. Collection of (4) Ruggles Ceramic Souvenirs. (Disneyland, 1950s-60s) Collection of (4) ceramic souvenirs from the Ruggles China and Gift shop on Main Street. Includes (2) ceramic spoon holders resembling an old fashioned man and woman, (1) rooster-decorated ceramic spoon holder, and (1) floral hanging wall plate by Lefton’s China. These items still retain their Ruggles Disneyland labels. This set is in good condition with some minor wear throughout. $200-$400
192. Collection of (3) Ruggles Ceramic Souvenirs. (Disneyland, 1950s) 191. Collection of (4) Ruggles Ceramic Souvenirs. (Disneyland, Collection of (3) ceramic souvenirs from the Ruggles China and Gift shop on 1950s-60s) Collection of (4) ceramic souvenirs from the Ruggles China and Main Street. Includes (1) ceramic vase shaped like a scroll containing “The Lord’s Gift shop on Main Street. Includes (2) ceramic rabbit figurines and (2) ceramic Prayer”, (1) ceramic girl-shaped bell, and (1) ceramic puppy on a boot. These girl figurines with removable parasols. These items still retain their Ruggles items still retain their Ruggles Disneyland labels. This set is in good condition Disneyland labels. This set is in good condition with minor wear. $200-$400 with minor wear. $200-$400 www.vegalleries.com 59