A Bittersweet Visit to My Hometown

I’ve lived almost all of my adult life far away from my hometown, but it still holds a small piece of my heart. I haven’t been back often in recent years and sadly during that time some of my favorite relatives passed away and now there are fewer loved ones to visit. And of course things have changed. Businesses have closed down. New businesses have sprung up. Beloved former abodes look different. It’s all a bit disconcerting.

Still I am here for a few days having joined my brother and dad who drove up from Tennessee. We’ve already dined with some family and friends, enjoyed some wineries and went antique shopping.

So though it is a bittersweet trip and likely one of my last here, some fun is being had!

On the antiquing front our main venue was the Lewiston Antique Mall. I rarely find much to resell at antique stores but I love going and looking and once in a while I find something I think has “meat on the bones.”

Right by the door a booth had this quirky 1960s Slenderella cookbook featuring “Good health and good figures through good food!” It’s not worth much but I couldn’t resist.

After that I put the book on the checkout counter and grabbed a basket. I was feeling hopeful!

I was tempted by these primitive-style dolls ($20 for the pair) but I just wasn’t sure there was enough profit in them since they were newer.

So I continued on (and on) and my basket remained empty. It remained empty booth after booth through three quarters of the store. Finally, with only about eight booths left, I put a small silver plate cup in my basket to break the “empty basket curse.” Ha, and it worked. I found a few good things in the remaining booths.

The little vintage brass bank is designed to look like a blanket chest and was made in Lancaster, PA. It’s super heavy and cute as can be. I found painted metal versions of this bank online, but none that are brass and plain. Hmmmm.

I was smitten by this artisan pottery candlestick holder and even though I know it will be challenging to get home intact, I couldn’t leave it behind. It’s marked KOZ and 78 and appears to be an early mark for potter Jim Kozlowski, who goes by “the Wizard of Clay.” He and his son have been making pieces for over 40 years! Isn’t it wonderful?!

As the sales clerk was starting to tally up my items I spotted these MCM Dansk silver plate animals in a nearby booth. And bonus, they were 50% off! I was super excited. I should do well with these.

Total paid for all: $50.50 (plus tax)

We have one more day together before I fly back to California and I’ll admit I am looking forward to being home.

Wishing you happy hunting in your neck of the woods,

Karen