HOMETOWN VINTAGE TEES

Why We Are Unique

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

In the early 2000's, my hometown of Charlotte began to experience a level of growth it had never seen. I quickly noticed that many of my favorite childhood movie theaters, restaurants and local hangouts were disappearing at an alarming rate.

I began taking photographs of the signs of those landmarks as a way to preserve their memory and the stories I had of them, so that I could share them with my kids.

I wrote a book with my father and sold some of the photographs, which are still available, but when I discovered I could redesign and recreated t-shirts for those places, I decided to expand that concept to other cities and learn about places across the country that have suffered the same fate.

I present to you, HOMETOWN VINTAGE TEES. It is an ever growing collection of nostalgic diners, movie theaters, arcades, restaurants, skating rinks, ball parks, or arenas.

Please feel free to reach out and let me know what places you remember or wish you had a t-shirt, and I will create it for you and add it to my site for you and your friends.

History of The Peabod Man

My father, Robert Peabody Taylor, was named after a family friend and World War II pilot.
The name Peabody is not uncommon in the Northeast. My father was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, near Boston, and the Town of Peabody is just a few miles down the road.

When he moved to Charlotte, NC in the 1950's, he quickly learned that 'Peabody' was not a name many southerners were familiar with, and he was often the target of childish name calling, (as was I).

Using his wit and creativity, my father turned those negative words into something special, creating a character and a logo, that would incorporate each letter of this middle name, 'P.E.A.B.O.D' into the 'Peabod Man' logo I use today. My father was so proud of his name, he passed it on to me, Andrew Christopher Peabody Taylor, and I have passed it on to my son, William Thomas Peabdy Taylor.

My father's 'Peabod Man' was quite different than mine, reflecting his analytical and lineal personality. My version is hand drawn, loose and free. My father encouraged me to make my version my own, and I will encourage William to take his 'Peabod Man' in his own direction, keeping the history and legacy, while letting it fit who he is as an individual.