And even the rarer ones are not astronomically priced. From the late 1800s through the 1930s, Germany and Austria were the main producers of American souvenir plates. If that's not surprising enough, these early wares were true porcelain. After World War II, Japan stepped in to compete in the tourist trade, making inexpensive, whimsical earthenwares. As families took to the road in record numbers to see the United States, souvenir plates were produced in honor of famous landmarks like Niagara Falls and for popular vacation destinations, such as California and Atlantic City.
Some collectors focus on just one region.
When you put plates like this side by side, you'll begin to see how a particular area changed with the times, both architecturally and culturally. Now, the raison d'etre of souvenir plates is to be put on display. Or line them head-on in a hutch on plate stands. Decorate the wall with them, too. Keepsake plates look great among colorful framed road maps, postcards and train ticket stubs.