Alton's Historic Mansions by Candlelight

Alton, Illinois is an old historic river town located about 20 miles across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Back in the day the city was full of industry--the box board, the glass works, the foundries and so on. It is a city rich in history and even though the industries are long gone, these fabulous mansions that were built by the industry leaders remain. When I leave my shop I go a few blocks away to the locally owned grocery store that sits in the middle of these homes. Then when leaving a trip down 12Th street and onto Henry is just lined with mansion after mansion. These are a few of my favorites.

I love this one.

This one is actually the Beall Mansion (Bed and Breakfast).

This house has been totally renovated and sits on an entire block. HUGE!!!

I think the house shown below is one of the oldest in Alton.

On Christmas Eve the entire neighborhood is lined with luminaries. It is beautiful. I love the candles in all of the windows. There are many more homes, this is just a tease! Hope you are having a holiday filled with fun and laughter!

Until next time,

Pam

A Little Something Red for Christmas

Is this vintage RED sofa and chair not the best! I know the history of it--it was my mom and dad's living room furniture for years. I intended to use it for display in the window for Christmas, but after Gary got it out of their basement, he decided that it was the last time he was moving it! Too heavy to maneuver it in the window so I set up a display like an apartment.

It is like new, purchased in Benton Illinois in late 1957 and delivered to Roxana, Illinois in 1958. Mom always had a cover on it so us 4 kids wouldn't get it dirty! The couch actually flattens into a bed--and we all know how heavy a hide-a-bed is! Lot's of interest in this outfit! And it can be yours! Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!
Until next time,
Pam

It's Just About TIME for Christmas

Christmas is right around the corner and the shop is full of antique clocks and silver! Thought I'd show a few pictures! This Shiny Brite ornament is bigger than normal--about 4 1/2 inches diameter!

How in the world did I accumulate so many clocks????One at a time I guess.

Several sets of flatware and lots of nice serving pieces.

The little bottles on the left are what I'm calling "Money Bottles". They are decorated inside with a replica of a vintage postcard so you can't see the gift. Perfect for smalls or money! Then save the bottle for your shelf! The framed art in the middle is again a nice glittery replica of a postcard set in a collage with old recipes. Can't beat it as a hostess gift. The small bags are filled with chunks of glycerin soap---another great hostess gift.

Couldn't resist showing these yummy "Cake Ball Pops" that my new young friend Rachel made. I love food that is good to taste and PRETTY! Don't you wish you had one right now?

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Until next time,

Pam

Coming Home For the Holidays?

It's been too long since I last posted. Lots of changes at the shop! We've been selling, changing out merchandise, and just plain old sprucing the place up. We have a showcase at the front of the shop that I have been sharing with the other dealers. Because so many people come home for the holidays, I thought we would load the case with local memorabilia. Not just Alton, but all surrounding towns. We've already sold several fun items. Perfect one of a kind gifts. Below are pictures from the case.

Lot's of souvenir glass pieces.
A quilt with "Alton" embroidered on a center square.

Mint condition clothespin holder, great color!

Assortment of old boxes and directories.

Three old city directories, 2 from the 1950's and one from 1940's. Gone already!

An old candy box.

A letter jacket from Shurtleff College. Lots of other Shurtleff College stuff too!

Lots of postcards from everywhere around Alton.

Nice assortment!

Stools and rockers covered with yardsticks from local businesses.

The seat of a child's rocker.
This is just a small sampling of the souviners and historical items from times past.
If you are anywhere near Alton--stop in and see us!

Until next time,

Pam

Where Did Summer Go?

Summer has flown by--bring on Fall, my favorite time of year. It's been a busy time with estate sales but now they are done and I can get back to my other tasks at hand! Can't wait for the leaves to turn colors--doesn't really take much to keep me happy. Another task at hand is to post regularly, how many times have I said that! Been missing my friends and customers at the shows, but love hearing about and reading about every one else. On a brighter note, being at home has helped me get the shop in order, change it around regularly, keep the window displays fresh, but still haven't been able to work on my junk jewelry. But I will,

Until next time,

Pam

Purse Junk! Something We Really Need!

Well I thought I'd take a beak from estate sales, and shop stuff and mess with my junk jewelry! Anyone that "hand" makes anything knows you have to be in the right frame of mind. I have orders for my junk necklaces, and am busy making junk brooches and junk bracelets, but thought I'd stop a make a couple of treasures for my sisters! Purse Junk! Really fun to do. They are my critics!--I MAKE and BEG them to tell me what they think! Fun to have sisters, especially mine! The lock at the top fastens onto the purse and the key at the bottom unlocks the lock so you can change purses! Lose the key and you are screwed!
Better get back to reality, work is calling!
Until next time,
Pam

It's Been a While

All of a sudden, I'm busy with the Estate Sale part of my business. I hadn't had a sale in quite a while, just finished one and have a couple more on the way. I'm taking this week to try to et caught up on other stuff. Unless you have ever tried to clean organize and display a whole house full of stuff--you can't imagine what is involved. Then, you have the hope that customers will buy. It's always nice to have antiques and collectibles in the sale, because that is what Country Meadows is all about. But that being said, tons of people out there that go to sales buy common household items instead of the antiques. Then there are the shoppers looking for items to sell online, or in there booth somewhere., and then there are people out there looking for a deal. We all like deals, but let's don't get ridiculous. We price way under retail price, and alot of items are 1/2 price the second day. Here is a shot through the window of the crowd gathering for the sale. It was a really hot-hot day.
Listed below are some pictures of the small items, kitchen, glass, trinkets, etc.

I didn't take many pictures of the furniture. I wanted to give you an idea of the small stuff--keep in mind that it all had to be cleaned and priced---so....that's where I've been! Happy to report that the leftovers are being removed today, and the house is going to be rented to one of the furniture buyers from the sale, so all in all--it turned out good. Not on to the next gig!

Until next time,

Pam

The Colors of Summer

I love color. Red is really my favorite, but these bright flowers look great during the summer. When we changed the window, what is left of the gardening look came inside the shop. Funny how different the shop looks when you first change it around! But that's what keeps it interesting.

Still have more to add to this setting, but it'll have to wait a couple of days. The old basket hanging back on the right is a very fun piece. It is from an old farmstand and the liner is vinyl covered with colorful pansies.

I wish I knew how many of these old lawn chairs we have sold in our 25 years. I also wish I had pictures of them, because they are all different in style and color.

The folky ferris wheel was brought in by Yvonne, one of our dealers that rents a large space. She comes up with very unusual pieces.

Better go for now. More calls to make! It never ends.

Until next time,

Pam

"JUNE BRIDES"--Our New Window Display!

Time to change the window again! This month is to honor all of the "June Brides". I have accumulated several vintage wedding gowns and decided it was time to get them all out of the boxes. Actually, I have 3 dresses that didn't make the display. They are complete with the veils, headpieces and shoes, but also very delicate and the heat and light in the window is a killer this time of year. I also have a light aqua colored gown from the late 1800's, beautiful bustle and detail, but, again, too fragile for the window. Sharayah, our newest weekend employee loves working with displays and is also an upcoming bride, so...after we talked about how we wanted the window to look, I just told her to do it. I think she did a really outstanding job. The pictures from out front have glare on the window--it was a bright day when we took the pictures, but then there are inside closeup shots! Enjoy!

Everything is for sale, so if you see anything of interest, let me know. Don't you agree that she did a great job!

Until next time,

Pam