~ * ~ This MySpace is devoted to a relatively obscure line of figurines called "The Gnome Family" . They were produced by a company known as Carolina Enterprises, Empire of Carolina, or Tarheel Industries Inc., and later known as Empire Industries in Tarboro, NC, USA back in the late 1970's and on into the 1980's.
~ * ~ They were very obviously inspired by the Smurfs , a line of little blue guys (and one girl!) made in Europe starting in 1965, and later also manufactured in America after they became well-known in the USA. Their fame spread when they became the subject of a Saturday morning cartoon and developed a loyal following.
~ * ~ Carolina Enterprises was a company located in the small town where I raised my sons, so I have a very personal perspective on these figures. My oldest son had a friend whose father worked for Empire, so we saw a lot of these little guys in our household. They were produced in orange , green ,yellow , and also very occasionally in flesh color. The flesh colored versions were later produced as the Lucky Little Leprechauns . I can remember getting whole boxes of them!
~ * ~ While they were an obvious attempt for Empire to "cash in" on a trendy product, they have a charm all their own. In my eyes (and a growing number of collectors), they are more desirable than Smurfs , and are a nice compliment to a far-too-blue Smurf collection .
~ * ~ In the last few years Empire Gnomes have been discovered by collectors and are again in demand. Check my pictures for a recent auction on e B a y that made around $130 for the seller. As stated earlier the Gnomes were available in several different colors. They were also produced in different poses. I am currently working on a website that will show all the colors and poses.