It’s easy to rationalize a souvenir purchase when it’s actually something useful, so Retro Roadhusband and I have gotten into the habit of picking up a Tervis Tumbler or two any time we’re in the Osprey FL area. Never heard of a Tervis Tumbler? Well neither had we, until we visited our pals T&P who told us all about these insulated drinking glasses with their HQ right down the road from their Florida place.
(Tervis = the last 3 letters of the 2 inventors’ last names, CotTER and DaVIS)
At first I was dubious about what was so great about these tumblers, but had to admit I liked the almost deco looking concentric ring design and the fact that I could get them with palm trees and flamingos on them (to name but two of their gajillion designs):
It doesn’t hurt that drinking out of our tumblers at home bring us fond memories of sitting outside in T&P’s Florida back yard on a warm morning, drinking fresh squeezed orange juice from the grove down the road, in the middle of what is technically winter. But here are a few things that I think make Tervis Tumblers noteworthy on the Retro Roadmap scale of coolness:
+ The company has been in business since 1946 and had been owned by the same family since the 1950′s
+ The tumblers are all hand assembled and made in the USA (except for a few emblem designs)
+ They are guaranteed for life- no matter how long you’ve had your tumbler! “Should your Tervis Tumbler become defective in any way, simply send it to Tervis for free replacement, even if it has been over 40 years since you purchased it! No proof of purchase required – If it says Tervis on the bottom, that’s proof enough for us!” what a cool customer friendly policy, huh?
+ Microwave, Freezer & Dishwasher Safe
+ Keeps Hot Drinks Hotter & Cold Drinks Colder Longer
And they also come in Retro Roadmap friendly designs like this:
(Mai Tai, anyone?)
One last thing of note is that the company headquarters, has a distinctive entrance that I thought was going to look like a “Giant Plastic Tumbler”, according to Roadside America . Well I took a drive out there to see this myself, and was a little disappointed that it was not a clear plastic cylinder, but a somewhat conservative looking stucco entrance. I mean c’mon, where’s the straw I was expecting to see sticking out of the top?
After my initial disappointment at this roadside “programmatic architecture” I realized it kinda reminded me of the Guggenheim Museum, and again had those lovely deco concentric rings that I’m so fond of. And art deco always reminds me of that deco mecca just a few hours away, Miami Beach.
We could buy our tumblers at many a fine retail store, so I’m sure you can check them out near you, but if you’re in the Osprey FL area stop by their company store, and tell ‘em Retro Roadmap sentcha!
Tervis Tumbler
928 South Tamiami Trail
Osprey, FL 34229
(941) 966-2114
View FL – Florida Retro RoadMAP in a larger map
Helium Design
This makes me wish we had a patio so that we could enjoy the tumblers (or as we would call them in Mass. – tumblahs). Hmmm – maybe we should pick some up to bring to the Carribbean Motel this summer!
you know, a Caribbean themed “tumblah” could be a great idea- I know they do custom designs all the time- good thinking Suzanne!
They’re great for hot drinks too! I have a “regular” I keep in the RV for camping. My coffee stays hotter much longer than my camping buddies! Also use them @ home for hot chocolate!
Ruth- I learned that myself- after I wrote the piece I put my hot tea in a Tervis Tumbler and it indeed stated warmer than my regular ceramic mug. Now I’m kicking myself for not getting some of the covers they sell, I hear those keep stuff warmer even longer. I’d be the envy of all in my steno pool! Thanks for swinging by Retro Roadmap!
I had no idea this company was so old. I have a friend who won’t drink out of anything but a TT.
I did not know much about them either, but now I’m a fan- we just got a new size of glass from them it’s a taller smaller glass 10 oz size and fits in my hand better than some of their wider versions. A keeper!
I loved your story. My grandparants always had Tervis Tumblers. Oh, how I wish I had their cups still. I remember they had fishing lure designs and boating designs, as they used most of them on their boat and at their winter place in Florida. I started purchasing them a few years ago just because they reminded me of my Pops. Now, they are all I use. I have quite the collection and seem to have a compulsion to pick up more anytime I can.
Mindy- I totally know what you mean about the compulsion- luckily I promised myself we’d just pick’em up when we’re visiting Florida or else we’d be overrun with them too! That is a totally neat story about your grandfolk – reminds me actually of the first time I even saw a Tervis Tumbler- my sister and her husband got some for a wedding gift from his grandmother, she loved them and would always give them as gifts. Now I’m hooked too!