Memorial Day In Sister Bay

Sister Bay is a small town in beautiful Door County, Wisconsin.  CG and I spent a relaxing weekend there and before heading home stopped at the local cemetery for the Memorial Day observation.

We don't have any connection to the area other than vacationing there, but wanted to take a moment to honor America's fallen heroes.

It was the perfect small-town celebration.

The American Legion and VFW units were comprised largely of aging vets.

This gent attended in a wheelchair...

...but stood with assistance to salute when the Navy anthem was played.  Our veterans truly understand the price and value of freedom.

This soldier represented the current generation sacrificing for our nation's freedom.  The crowd responded with a standing ovation.

For sixty-five years this man has played taps here.

...yes sixty-five years..

(he must have started at a very young age!)

 Thanks to those who put together the ceremony at the Sister Bay cemetery; it was a most fitting way to pause and remember the reason for the holiday.

A Perfect Day at Elkhorn

We love the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market; it's nearby and we consider it our 'home' show. Elkhorn never lets us down, the shoppers come out and we always do well there.

 Yesterday, Elkhorn positively rocked and we smashed all previous sales records. We saw a lot of our regulars and made new friends. THANK YOU to each of you...we appreciate you!

The morning started off a little quietly, but we figured that most shoppers were hitting the outside vendors first. Outdoor sellers often have to contend with rain or heavy wind at Elkhorn. Not yesterday. Sunshine and blue skies ruled the day. We were happy for our outdoor friends Margaret, MaryAnn, Judy and Janice, Anita and Judy, and our new friends at Tattered Tiques. 

 Around 10:00 the crowds came inside and we barely had a moment to breathe for the next four hours. Kathy had brought some great metal lawn chairs and industrial stools; most were gone by the end of the day. Wish I'd snapped a picture of her nearly empty van as she headed home.

My beautiful memory jug went to a happy collector. The mini shopping carts, big industrial fan, and fabulous early large advertising umbrella,(upper left corner of above pic), found wonderful new homes. Loads of smaller items went out the door along with most of the flags and toy batons we brought.

I can't end this post without giving a shout-out to CG who manned the post here at home yesterday to meet some nice buyers from Chicago.  They came to pick up a couple of larger pieces in the garage and found some other items while they were here.  CG  was happy to help in my absence.  I'm pretty sure that what he was most happy about was reclaiming the space.    ;)

Today we start preparing for our next show, Viva la Cottage Vintage Market in Door County on July 9th. We've been setting aside special items for this show...you won't want to miss it!

Elkhorn Antique Flea Market Preview

It's gonna be a Yankee Doodle Dandy day at Elkhorn on Sunday...perfect weather, hundreds of vendors inside and out...you do not want to miss this!   We've been stocking our cart with great finds for your summer pleasure.

 With the fourth of July just a week away, we've got dozens of flags in all sizes for your festivities, including cotton, wool and silk.  Two of our large flags are from a Daughters of the G.A.R. post.  

 Carnival canes add a touch of whimsy, and kids love 'em!

...clocks & corbels in abundance

 Of course we'll have our popular Fixings Bar, loaded with little treasures for the artists who shop our booth.  Here's a peek at 4 drawers full of fabulous chandy prisms, including some beautiful BLUE drops.

We're 'fans' of industrial items too, and are bringing a few select favorites!

Patriotic, industrial, shabby, primitives...we've got a wide variety of wonderful finds for YOU.   The Elkhorn Antique Flea Market is easily accessible from Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee...and you wouldn't be disappointed if you drove a few hours from Iowa or Minnesota or flew in from anywhere else. We promise!  The market opens at 7 a.m. on Sunday.  Early buyers can also get in on Saturday afternoon during set-up.  Hope to see YOU there.  We'll try to post some pics on our new facebook page during setup. 

We're in the SMALL ANIMALS building, space 29

We're linking up with the blogger block party today...check it out!
Update...we were the 1000th link-up to the party and it's still growing! Big congrats to all the host bloggers on a mega-successful party!

No Time to Create :(

I know we're all busy. How do so many of you find the time to create such wonderful things? Keeping my business running smoothly takes all my time. Between buying, photographing, listing on etsy, shipping, paperwork, tagging show items, blogging...there's no time left in my days to create.  I love what I do, but was just reminded again that I need to find a way to be more efficient! 

As I listed this sugar sack with the most beautiful faded red print...

...I realized that it would team up beautifully with a couple of old voting booth curtains in my shop.  A tote bag, an apron, a pillow...I can see them all in my mind's eye.  I've decided to save a similar sack and curtain for myself, but am wondering if I'll ever do anything with them. I'm truly frustrated by my inability to get to projects like this.  If you have any great time-management tips for me, sing out!  In the meantime, it's back to work for me...
  

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Thanks to Michelle from Vintage Junky for including one of our items in her delightful post today. Check out her fun blog when you have a moment.

All American Finds - Meet My New Man "GW"

This was a fun day as I love being surrounded by patriotic displays all year long.  Off I went to purchase one special item and ended up with a whole lot more.  First, allow me to introduce you to the animatronic George Washington.  At 4 feet tall with a composition head, arms & legs, velvet coat and cotton wig, he's utterly charming.  He's missing a hand and one arm is broken but present.  His head nods up and down when you plug in the cord.

I'll be giving him a little TLC to minimize his injuries and spiff him up a bit.

Once the deal was made on George, I learned that his owner is downsizing and willing to sell more items from her collection.  Her home was filled with great bits of Americana and I was happy to bring some of them home. 

 - a group of smalls -                                                             

 

- a cute "chicks" sign -

- "God Bless America..." -

- "Housekeeping Rooms" -

- Early 1900s sand toys -

- saleman's sample saddle -

- Soap crate converted to shelf -

- Framed bunting from 1932 -

- early 1900s trim on bolts -

- 1899 Betsy Ross Assoc. Certificate -

....in the next post I'll show you the early 1900s classroom charts...they're fantastic!

Elkhorn Sneak Peek - Come See Us Tomorrow!

We worked all afternoon...

(that's Kathy on the ladder hanging her garden fence chandelier)

and will be back at 5 a.m. to finish it up.  

Come see us!

Thank You to Our Military - Active, Retired, Deceased

To all who have served - thank you.  

To all who currently serve - thank you.  

To the families of all who serve and have served - thank you. 

We remember your sacrifices and we honor you.

 

Start Humming 'God Bless America' and Come Meet Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam.  Here he is; one of my favorite old men.  Vintage patriotic items have been on my radar for years and I love the red, white and blue. My heart immediately began to race when I spotted him in the garage at an estate sale. Over 85 people had been admitted to the sale before I arrived to shop the multi-building sale. After forty-five minutes of shopping the first building I strolled into the garage and saw him.  

 With a sinking heart I figured that he'd been sold

and was just waiting for pickup.

No!  He was available and waiting for me.

He's a tall, thin fellow and stands just a skosh under seven feet.

His pants, head & hat are of solid wood while his 

hat brim, bow tie, coat & arms are made of plywood.

He was made to be a flag holder and likely used

outside to call attention to a store.

He originally would have held a full-size flag.
I don't have one of the proper age so loaned him

a few of my smaller flags for the photos.

His right side is more worn & faded indicating that he

encountered more sun on that side.

There are traces of old varnish in some areas.

I love every detail including his handsome face...

...the stars on his hat...

...his striped pants...

...and the epaulets on his shoulders.

His actual age & history is a mystery.  It's evident that a few 

repairs were made over the years. The estate he came from
was that of someone who had collected
with hopes of opening an antiques store.

 Uncle Sam will be making his first public appearance 

in September.  He'll be the official greeter

at our booth at Junk Bonanza.

Save the date and come see us there!

- God Bless America -