Tuesday, July 16, 2013

A nice find in a favourite antique store, and abit of nostalgia





I enjoy browsing in an antique store, in the downtown area of the city where I live. I came upon Memories, by accident last summer - it is tucked below a good hotel, on a side street. The owner of the store, is Rose, and she keeps an interesting selection of items to please a wide variety of treasure seekers - ranging  from the dollar table, including used books, and ornaments - to fine crystal, and china.

Rose's items are carefully labelled, with some prices "Firm", and some not. The store is small, and the aisles are narrow, and there is plenty of breakable merchandise. Rose makes sure to advise being careful when browsing, illustrating how to hold one's large purse in front, of your body, not in back.

Last summer I found several pairs of earrings for 25 cents per pair, and she was meticulous in finding backs for each pair for me, and wrapped my package with care.

This June I found myself in the vicinity of Memories, so popped in for a visit, and a browse. I found the sweet pottery dog, shown at the top of this post, for $5.00 (Firm), and gladly snapped it up, to carry as I continued to look. I knew without question that I would take him home. The price was right for me, and it reminded me of my sweet Sheltie, Rocky.

Rose was as happy as I with the purchase, she exclaimed, "Oh, good someone is going to take him home!" She explained that when she was a child her grandmother had a larger version of the same pottery dog, which sat on the floor.

I noticed the stamp on the bottom of my dog, and so decided to look the pottery up, when I returned home.

I was interested to learn that Danesi has some history, as a maker of chalkware, which is what this dog is made of. I believe it is created with a mold. It has a history as an inexpensive form of decoration that everyone could afford for their homes, as early as the late 19th century, up to I believe the 1960's.

This isn't a particular valuable piece of pottery, but it warms my heart. I  recognize the kind of chalkware, that my mother also had in our house, such as kitchen plaques, so it also provides just abit of nostalgia for me.

Summer often feels like a good time for reflecting on happy memories. For me, I think this is the result of  a more relaxed pace with longer evenings, and opportunities to walk, and recall other happy summers.

I was able to cut and paste this picture right off the multiple listing site. When my parents bought this house it cost $25,000, and it is now priced at around 350, 000!!

 Recently I found the house my parents had built back in 1968, listed on multiple listings for sale, and it has brought back many memories of the summer we moved in. It was a time of wonder, and newness, and lots of exploring for us kids, as we hopped on our bikes and explored every day. There were excavations as new houses were still going up, and neighbourhood parks, and a large community swimming pool, and friends to meet. Directly across from us was a similar house, and I and a new friend devised a system of communicating from our bedroom windows (mine was the one on the left above the door), and her's was directly across. We developed a form of code and flashed our small bedroom lamps to each other at night. I think we did this for most of the summer. What fun!

I am hoping that summer is a time of  relaxation for you, and an opportunity to remember, and make happy memories.

Hugs.

11 comments:

Teri said...

What a delightful post Brenda. Antique stores are so fun and sounds like you found a treasure of one. Love the little dog.

Finding a childhood can certainly bring back a lot of happy memories. I found mine again 2 years ago and the people invited me in to look around. Lots of happy memories for sure so I can relate. Love the idea of having a message system with your friend.

Hugs

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Thanks, Teri,
It's always nice to find you've been by and read here.
I'm enjoying your sketches so much over at Painted Daisies, this summer too!
Brenda

The Boston Lady said...

Brenda, I think that chalkware dog is quite a find. Love that you feel a personal connection and that you were able to look up the info on the creator.

I haven't thought of looking up my childhood home. Of course, I know that it has been razed and a McMansion has been put on the lot. It was such a lovely 1950s ranch and I often go over the floor plan in my mind when I need something to help me fall asleep at night. Yes, I am a bit strange....

I like the idea of summer time being a time for reflection, this year and last, it hasn't worked out that way, but next year... When I get settled in our new digs I will probably go over the small floor plan of our current, lovely rental to help me go to sleep... Ann

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Ann,
Thanks.
No, not strange at all, such a good way to remember your family home.
Good luck with this move!
Brenda

kj said...

I love this post and seeing your family home. I wonder if my grand kids experience what you had with your friend across the street. My neighborhood, I'll bet like yours, was safe, and we played outside all day.

I love antique shops and auctions and bargains!

Love
kj

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

It's lovely to see you here, kj!
I'll bet that your grandkids will have loads of fun growing up in their new home.
I know I lived a very privileged childhood in many ways, able to play with not much concern.
I'll be popping right over to see your news, and am hoping your recovery from surgery is going smoothly.
Brenda

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

kj, I'm not sure if you will see this, but wanted to say I've been by to read your most recent posts, but can't create a comment. Not sure why.
Although I'm using a computer not mine.
Hang in there, it sounds like your are doing very well with the recovery process!
Hugs,
Brenda

Geraldine said...

I'm wondering how good my memory is in this instance, was the house number there : 72? Just had to ask. ;<) Wow, that is some rise in values. I was aware of how house prices had gone up there in the past few years, amazing.

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

OMG, Ger, I have been thinking of you!
I get your blog posts for MRLR and Veggie Tales, and was just planning to look at your new cook book. I am excited about it for you!
The number was 75, you were very close.
Take care,
Thank you for dropping in today,
Brenda

Geraldine said...

thanks for your kind words and the heads up re: house number, pretty close. LOL ;<)

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