Echos Across the Prairie

This little brick school represents generations of pioneers who founded a small village at a crossroads where thousands of travelers passed through on their way west.  My great grandfather and his family came here  in 1873 after arriving in America in the 1850s.  Where were they for 20 yrs?  That's a whole other story.  This small school was erected ca 1875-1878 and provided a community gathering spot, a church sanctuary as well as a place to educate hundreds of children who grew up in this area.  My grandfather and father attended classes here and my mother taught here in the 1930s.  Just south of this building was the site chosen for a flour mill by my great grand, and it operated until destroyed by a fire in 1887.  Thru the years ox carts, stage coaches,  military units, covered wagons, people pushing wheelbarrows with worldly goods and horseback riders as well as people on foot, all paused for a day or a life time to pursue their dreams.  I am proud to say that my family continues to be the caretakers of the property which surrounds this school.  Today, it is used as a township hall and the surrounding fields provide shelter and food for hundreds of deer in addition to turkeys, pheasants, eagles, ducks and even a coyote who was seen patrolling the snow dusted fields on a cloudy winter day.  Think of the stories and whispers of generations of individuals who have passed this way.

Through the years repairs have been made to the building to protect
it from the elements and to keep it useable for special meetings.

The cemetery was incorporated in 1883 and provides the final
resting place for several great grandparents and other relatives.

 In 2011 we found hundreds of deer making themselves at home
in the area.  My father started the tradition of planting corn to
provide a food lot many years ago.

sugar and spice ==

Long dress on the left would be perfect for a baptism.  In center
a replica of a Little House On the Prairie outfit bought in Joplin, Mo.
The funky pink pantaloons with chics is perfect for the child who
has way too many ordinary clothes in her closet!

A petticoat on left, beautiful sweet party dress with hand sewn design
in the middle and a 1920s dress on the right.

According to the old verse, what are little girls made of?  Sugar and spice and everythng nice, of course.  Well, I can't testify to that since we raised three boys and have 4 grandsons in addition to 2 male granddogs.  But we do have 2 really wonderful daughters in law, so that gives me a little perspective!  At any rate I enjoy collecting and selling vintage clothing, including many girlie type items.  I have included several for your enjoyment, also.  Haven't decided which store they will go to yet, but if interested leave a comment and I will get back to you.

A novel feed sack

I really enjoy collecting colorful feed/flour sacks just for fun.  However, I have found over the years they make beautiful accessories in any room in the house.  There are devoted treasure seekers who agree with me and have shared their end products with me.  Novelty patterns and designs are particularly sought after by quilt makers or to make pillows, curtains, market bags etc.  There is a book devoted to these collections called:  "Vintage Feed Sacks"  by Susan Miller.  There are also some wonderful sites on line that are really helpful and informative.  The piece with the kitties that I am featuring here, has been sold on ebay twice---both times for over $100.00.  I found my opened bag at a garage sale for $1.00!  Can't beat that for a deal.  In the past, I also sold novelty sacks with rabbits and the lady who bought them was utterly thrilled to find this pattern.  Beautiful feed sack quilts can be seen at the Grant County Historical Museum in Elbow Lake, Mn  which featured a special display.

A horse is a horse, of course.......

At Exit 55 antiques you can find this fine windmill weight in very good  condition.  It has been mounted on a board so would be easy to use as a decorative device on a mantle, side board or in a bookcase.  Great find.  There is also a weight which could be used as a way to keep a small dog from running away.  We once had a customer who bought sad irons for that purpose!

WILD FASHIONISTA DESIGNS

Some of you may remember the book and movie titled "Auntie Mame."  It involves the adventures and lifestyle of a loveable eccentric woman who dared to live life to the fullest and kept everyone around her, including a nephew, on their toes.  Her personal style ran to artsy and down right avantguarde with lots of drama thrown in for good measure.  Our friend had Aunt Bea, who traveled and lived in far away places,  collected a very exotic wardrobe of skirts, shawls and dresses made from animal hides or reptiles which certainly went far beyond anything most outstate Minnesotans would have seen.  A few pieces from this chic fashion collection have made their way to Exit 55 Antiques---several have already been purchased by adventuresome individuals, but a few items still remain.  In addition, we have several  lovely modern day furs as well as one unusual long raccoon coat made in 1908.  You, too, can live vicariously in fancy schmancy wild fashions!

WILD FASHIONISTA DESIGNS

Awesome Auction Primitives

unusual 6 sided hardware cabinet on cast iron base
probably home made with triangular drawers.

wonderful mint condition wagon wheels

not sure what its purpose was, but would make a great garden piece
or placed on a platform for a bench.

We took in another auction this past weekend and were amazed at the prices people are paying for STUFF!  I was able to get a picture of the storage unit before the new owner wrapped it in a blanket and hustled it off to its new home.  Winning bid was $625.00!  Hate to say this, but usually customers expect that antique stores are going to nearly give things away, but judging by how much auction goers are willing to pay for take home treasures, I am amazed they would think they are overpaying in a shop.  Actually, we usually do most of our shopping in other antique stores because the prices are much more reasonable than competing at an auction or even going to estate sales.  Oh well, hope you enjoy the unusual pieces that sold at the auction.

Yesterdays looks

Here's that moss which was being nurtured in Gail's house!
Perfect idea for thinking about spring which might be late this year.

Remember those antlers I talked about in an earlier blog?

Since winter is just getting started in central Mn., this display
is perfect---using a suitcase for a winter boquet on a sled on a BIG table!

Gail, Ron, Jeff and Cardie have been busy again bringing in fun looks at Yesterdays Antiques in Alexandria, mn.  Always something to catch the eye and tickle the imagination.  Gail does gather moss, but only for quirky projects so look and enjoy.

On the wild side.

This picture of roe deer was done by a European
artist.   Interesting design on frame.

Bye Bye, Mr. Buck!

Someone is now using this fish for bragging rights.

People are always looking for items to decorate dens, rec rooms, cabins etc. etc.  They really like the unusual and are often drawn to fish, fowl and animals.  Since some critters that have been to the taxidermist are not supposed to be sold in antique stores, we can still provide the option of wooden decoys (ducks or fish) as well as mounted deer heads with awesome racks.   I have noticed that people conducting occasional sales are big into using antlers as decorative pieces in various ways.  For instance, several sets are lashed together with leather and used with candles or many are placed in a large bowl to be used on end tables or as centerpieces.  Then there are the huge chandliers made from antlers or hides used to upholster chairs and ottomans.  We even have unusual pictures that can become conversation pieces either as a single focal point or as part of a grouping.  There's no accounting for taste or imagination but we're happy to oblige.

The Colonel doesn't live here anymore!

Exit 55 Antiques in Fergus Falls, Mn is another example of redesigning an old building for use as an antique shop. The former Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant has proven to be a perfect spot.  Of course, location, location, location has something to do with our constant traffic.   People come in who remember when they used to order Colonel Sanders to go or to eat in.  A little paint inside, siding outside and a new roof were part of the rehab that took place.  Customers are always amazed how much stuff can be arranged in a not so big space.  A huge mall, we're not, but just right for those travelers who like to stop and shop for a while and then head out on I 94.   We often see them coming and going to whatever their destination. 

Vintage Brown Leather Button Up Children's Shoes With by carriem24

Vintage Brown Leather Button Up Children's Shoes With by carriem24

THESE SHOES WERE MADE FOR WALKIN!

These cute little shoes come under the category of: awwwwww   The neat red boots are embossed with a flower type design and have pull up tabs for little fingers to get a grip for pulling them on.  They are called Weather Bird thrift and according to what I could find on line, they were made by the Peters Co. (same ones who made guns?) ca 1930s.  They  were listed for sale on vintage gun and western sites for $150.00!  The second pair is a primitive example of handmade clog shoes, again for little feet.  They have iron attached to the heel and sole areas to make lots of noise, I'm sure.  These are currently sitting on my shelf while I determine if I might like to start a collection of childrens' foot wear.  Two could be the beginning of a collection, don't you think?. 

fine art it "ain't"

We have more selections of fun paint by number art work
at Exit 55 in Fergus.  One of a kind art work!

Who would have thought paint by number pictures would become collectible?  As the saying goes, what goes around comes around and it certainly is true when talking about many hobbies, fads and collectibles.  Just think about those Beanie Babies and the prices people used to pay for them!  Anyway, here we have some paint by numbers for those who are artistically challenged.  If you could count, stay within lines-----presto, instant art.  What fun to decorate with kitschy stuff.  Our neice, once upon a time, went on a mission at Scotts Antique Show in Atlanta,  money in hand, with one purpose----to buy a paint by number.  Hope she held on to that prize and keeps it in her hope chest because some day it might be worth-------------------------------

older boys toys!

Some of our best customers are men who buy things that remind them of their childhood, to add to a collection or just because.  They are really taken with old farm tractors etc. and other die cast toys still in boxes, or not.  Before Christmas a lady came in to look through our many booths with old rusty toys and found something she really wanted to buy because her husband had mentioned how much he liked it.  BUT----she who hesitates loses.  The very next day a guy came in who bought that old grader with white wheels, plus several other beat up old cast toys. Guess what, she came back ready to buy and it was gone.

Stock truck and Tonka are on the other guy's shelves.

other fun boys' toys

the fellow on the left has left the building.

I guess the lesson learned is when you see something you really like buy it because you may not see another one like it.  Men usually don't hesitate or worry about what their wives are going to say.  Come on ladies buy it, you'll like it!

A Little of This A Little of That

Not one, but two chairs with
ottomans!  Upholstry is clean , not worn.
Ready to brighten your
living space.  one chair has sold.

A fun collection of vintage food containers to brighten
up your kitchen.

A wagon load of vintage games
with colorful graphics.

The red wagon has gone to a new home
in North Dakota! 

                                        

Wonderful cast bookends by Bradley & Hubbard
Foundry  Ca 1930s.  Spinning Scene

!

We are soon welcoming in a new year so have yourselves a joyous 2012!  We have been seeing lots of December traffic at Exit 55 Antiques in Fergus Falls, which is a wonderful way to end 2011.  Many pictures of items taken in the past couple of weeks, contain items that have sold----which is a good thing, but guess I should have been more diligent in getting pictures posted.  Oh well, the dealers are very happy!  Hope you enjoy perusing the photos of interesting and useful merchandise we have available.  New things are added daily/weekly since there are 12 dealer spaces.  Since we have no snow, there shouldn't be a lot of cabin fever but it's never too early to shop for great stuff.  I call that attitude adjustment and who doesn't need that now and then?

OOOH those flirty eyes!

Love these flirty eyed dolls!  They make me smile whenever I look at them.  These are my little collection of porcelain dolls.  Haven't found any lately so guess I'll have to make a real effort to search them out again. 

dumpster diving and curb/alley picking

If you are a follower of American Pickers or Antiques Roadshow or some of the other new shows dedicated to trash and treasures, you certainly have heard about people striking it lucky in the most unexpected places.  All over the country there are city wide clean up days when people can haul accumulations of unwanted "stuff" from their basements, attics, garages or sheds and leave it curb side or in an alley for pick up.  Before dawn, flashlight in hand, coffee in the car there are the true pickers out and about looking for that perfectly good item that will find a new home at their house.  Our extended family includes a sister-in-law who lives in a large city where she has found really big items such as a perfectly grand patio set that was listed on ebay for about $500.00!  Now that is a real deal.

Someone was relating stories of how he used to go to abandoned farms or farmsteads that were to be demolished to clear the land and find useful items in graineries and barns.  These included old implement catalogs which are in hot demand these days.  He also found long forgotten signs and machinery parts that are not available except in those places Mike and Frank are fond of exploring---they always act as though they struck gold or found the ultimate Christmas gift.

These interesting books, manuals and advertising sheets can
be found at Exit 55 Antiques in Fergus Falls.

I must admit that being a book lover has prompted me to dig through a dumpster, plus grab things from the jaws of a hugh garbage truck.  Years ago a fellow teacher and I heard the publishers' sample textbook room/closet was to be emptied and we arrived in time to throw armloads of books into the trunk of her car while the driver of the truck looked on in amusement.  At least we provided new unused books for our students to enjoy!  Several years ago I was asked to help set up an estate sale that included mint condition books that had been stored in trunks in the attic of a garage.  The son-in-law of one daughter was going to be helpful, but he threw away dozens of wonderful vintage books that had been collected by a lady of the house in the 1890s.  Needless to say I quickly filled boxes that went home to my bookshelves! 

CLASSY GLASS

The green and blue glassware is available at Exit 55 Antiques
in Fergus Falls, Mn

This lovely ruby bowl has a new owner.

Pretty glassware doesn't have a faithful following anymore.  However, it is attractive and makes a dinner table sparkle as well as making a statement in a china cabinet or as an accent piece in a room.  So---you don't have to be a collector of any particular pattern but you do have to enjoy pretty pieces.  Once upon a time mother or grandmother probably had an extensive quantity because glass, such as depression glass, was inexpensive and even came in cereal boxes as promotions.  Even though it isn't dishwasher or oven-safe, put away the mundane stuff and bring out the candles! 

Bark with no Bite

This piece of fabric is waiting to be used for
just the right project.  It is in
Weekend Cottage, Clear Lake, Mn

Cute market bag at Exit 55
made of novelty bark cloth

Check out these items at Exit 55 in Fergus Falls
The bottom cloth has an unusual geometric
design which gives it a 70s mid century feel.

Here are some fun fabrics that I keep in my "hope" chest!
Actually, I'm hoping to get organized and use them for
pillows and curtains.  The top left and right are not
bark cloth, but certainly have the right designs.

Ok, so really I'm referring to a textile called bark cloth which I know most of you are familiar with.  It became popular for home furnishings from the 1940s thru 1960s, mainly because US servicemen coming home from duty in Hawaii brought lots of this bright colored fabric with them.  If you want to more of its very interesting history, be sure to look it up on line!  It has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity the last few years as people have discovered the "retro" look and all of the decorating and clothing lines that accompany it.  Bark cloth has been used mainly for drapes, upholstry, pillows etc. since it is a nubby tightly woven fabric which wears well and hence it's name because some believe the texture resembles the bark on trees.  Well, maybe.  There are several other types of textiles that resemble bark cloth, but they aren't as heavy and don't wear as well.  There are many patterns, but probably the most recognized are those with large often gaudy flowers and leaves.  However, if you look carefully, there are many other designs which are fun and very beautiful.  Since linens, textiles of all types and vintage clothing are among my favorite topics, I wanted to share some pieces that are in my personal collection or that are for sale in various shops.  I have also included several pieces of fabric that aren't bark cloth but resemble the type of designs used in it.

a little dab'll do ya

Did you know that rubbing mayonaise onto scratched or dull wood surfaces will give it a surprising new look?  Brings back the patina and covers up most minor scratches.  Don't have pets so can't gaurantee they won't do a taste test!

just for fun

This psycho bunny rabbit came from Atlanta several years ago.  Thought it would be a conversation piece and inspiration for someone wanting ideas for what to do with old bed, chair, sofa springs!!  Those old springs have found many uses and it's amazing how creative some folks are.  The head is of paper mache and the hat of felt.  No shortage of things to use in decorating for any season.  Enjoy------
freaky or cute, doesn't matter.  This example reminds me of the new fad of repurposing doll heads into or on to all manner of unusual objects.

light up your life!

This is a beautiful art deco hanging lamp available at Exit 55 Antiques in Fergus Falls. The black graphic design  against the white glass is so stunning  and would make a wonderful addition to a dining room or living room.