Category Archives: Antique Stores

One is Silver, and the Other Gold

Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold. Vacation this year found Chris travelling south to visit his brother on his horse farm in Citra, Florida.  If you read our earlier, I Found Waldo, you will know there is quite good antiquing in and around the Citra / Ocala area.  It was fun to visit old friends but, as is often the case, some old friends have disappeared while new friends appeared.  And in one case, there was a resurrection!

 

The Ole Cracker House is never disappointing!

The Ole Cracker House Antique Mall, located close to my brother’s home, is always stop one. Filled with a variety of fairly priced items, I contemplated purchasing a Chase chrome and Bakelite lamp. With minimal damage to some of the Bakelite and after a lot of thought, I walked away from it.

 

A cool looking deco style tea set was tempting. Unmarked, I wanted to do some research on it before making a commitment.  Another tempting piece?  A mid-century Silvercrest wood and aluminum box. The lid on this is extremely heavy gauge and heavy in weight.

 

There is also quite a good selection of mid-century cocktail shakers there and some vintage Fiesta, but I ultimately walked away empty-handed.

A short ride to downtown Ocala and we arrived at our next stop, and new one for me, The White Elephant, a small store, jam-packed with a variety of interesting and offbeat pieces of all eras. Be careful picking items up as it is easy to start an avalanche of breakables! Luckily, I didn’t break anything, although it was a close call at one point. Items are fairly priced and the owner is friendly and helpful.  She directed my brother to her furniture warehouse across the street as he is looking for a storage piece for his house.

 

Directly next door is another new store for me, Tumbleweed. The same size as the prior store, the friendly proprietor deals primarily with larger pieces.  He too has a warehouse and willing to search his on-line inventory. Unfortunately, he didn’t have anything available at the time of interest to my brother. Next, a quick trip across the street to The White Elephant’s furniture warehouse. It has some unique items but nothing of interest for us.

 

Just a block away, we ate a delicious lunch Ivy on the Square. A tasty roasted chicken breast sandwich satisfied and filled me for the rest of the day. Directly across the street is a fully restored, art deco building, the Marion Theatre. Designed by Roy A. Benjamin, it opened on September 11, 1941 and is built in the streamline modern style. More on it in another post.

 

Late in the day, we headed back to the farm but with one more stop. If you read my article, I Found Waldo, I mentioned Digger’s.  A few years later, Anthony and I visited and found, sadly, an empty storefront. So, imagine my surprise when our last stop for the day – Digger’s!  (See, I promised you a resurrection!)

 

It was good before and even better now.

The new store is large and bright with spacious aisles. A great mix of merchandise from higher end antiques to usable and collectible household goods.  Well laid out, prices are more than fair. The front building is mostly better-quality items in cases and as you move toward the right, the aforementioned household items, then larger furniture pieces. I purchased a passenger list booklet from 1936 for the S.S. President Polk, part of the Dollar Steamship Line, for Anthony.

 

Don’t forget to say hello to the owner, John! He is friendly and knowledgeable about his merchandise. While we conversed, I directed him to our blog.  He got a kick out of seeing his old store.  He informed us the Wagon Wheel, an old friend, had gone out of business.

 

Our adventures continued on day two starting with the Ocala Antique Mall and Estates. They had just opened on my first review years ago and I said it is one to keep an eye on. There is quite a bit to see from kitsch to class. If in the market, they have an excellent selection of cow hide rugs that are very reasonably priced.  County, mid-century and art deco co-exist in more than one eclectic booth.

 

Stop two and we explored Traditions Antique Mall. Bigger than it looks, the prices are generally fair though a few items are a tad “pre-recession” in price.  One dealer has a beautiful display of Lalique.

 

If you need a great costume, they have a fantastic lady’s Mummers style suite. Be sure not to miss the back rooms. More warehouse in set up, there are lots of nooks and crannies to explore.  But be aware, the furniture room at the very back is not air-conditioned.  It is quite warm even on a mild day. Still, I have yet to walk away without something from this place. Two small vintage Fiesta bowls ($3.00 each!), a pair of postcard size silhouettes and a mid-century serving tray are no longer in their inventory.

 

Wildwood Antique Mall in Wildwood, Florida is just a few miles away.  A nice choice of merchandise greets you, but, this place is hit or miss. Items can vary from quality to crafty. Still, it is worth stopping by as you never know what you will see and be lured into buying. FYI: the Wildwood name is branded and there are several associated stores under the same name.

 

Speaking of which, we drove to Wildwood Antique Mall in Eustis, Florida next. A slight detour, due to some questionable GPS directions, and we made it safely.  It has a good inventory and is generally well laid out. I found a most unusual and creepy food mold (which I did not buy) and quite a bit of deco and mid-century items. I picked up a complete mid-century drink set and for my brother, success! He bought a beautiful, reasonably priced sideboard with plenty of storage. Unfortunately, we came in a car and not one of my brother’s trucks. Luckily, Wildwood in Eustis is a relatively short drive our next day’s destination, Renninger’s.

 

A view of the display area at the back of the mall

Renninger’s is combination flea market and established business consortium. I recommend you do the outdoor flea market first then the buildings. Do I follow my own advice? No.

 

A street of quaint stores greets you and friendly (and in some cases, talkative) proprietors are on hand to assist. Several commented on a slow selling season and they are willing to offer deep discounts if interested in any items. Next to  “antique alley” is a large enclosed main building. It is roughly built in the shape of a capital “E”.  So many tempting things called to me but I managed to resist. My brother? Not so much. A charming small secretary made its way to the farm that day. My only purchase; a small Caledonian vase.  Mandy’s Grub Hub Café (in the center “arm”) offers a satisfying and reasonably priced menu.  Highly recommended.

 

Behind the main building I struck gold. There, for want of a better description, is a shack. It is large and sprawling with remnants of straw and hay ground into the slightly muddy dirt floor. The shelves groan under the weight of hundreds of items and a thick layer of dust and grime covers most of the stock. Newer stock has less grime while the older stock needs wiping to see what treasures lie beneath. Best of all, almost everything is 50% off the ticket price (assuming you can read the ticket price!). I found a pair of Consolidated vases and a small French deco or early mid-century  horse bud vase.

 

Most of the outdoor vendors were packing or already packed upped. As with most flea markets, the merchandise varied from “quite good” to “really???”.  (Reminder note to you and self: Do outdoor vendors first!)  We made one last stop to pick up the sideboard purchased the day before and off to home for a night of rest and relaxation.

 

My last day, Sunday’s goal: Waldo Antique and Flea Market.  A nice change of pace for Lady, my brother’s dog, as the flea market is pet friendly – as long as the animal is leashed. Some interesting but non-tempting items.  There is an odd mix of used toys, WW II memorabilia, and confederate merchandise, as well as livestock found here.

 

The main building is a warren of rooms and dead-end nooks and crannies. Almost everything is fairly priced. For less than what I have paid in the north, I picked up a couple of mint condition Riviera dishes. The building is animal friendly IF your pet is carried resulting in my brother and me taking turns sitting with Lady outside.

 

 

Heading home the next day, I stopped at Buffalo Exchange Trading Co. A lot of second-hand furniture and glassware, I picked up a 1939 Ford News magazine, featuring the 1939 World’s Fair, for Anthony.

 

Heading home I stopped for the night in Roanoke Rapids, Virginia. Unbeknownst and unplanned, I happened to stop 2 miles from the Riverside Mill Antique Mall, Weldon, NC. One guess where I went the next morning. (Ding, ding, ding. You are a winner!)

 

It is larger than it looks from the outside. It has an eclectic mix of mostly older and vintage items alongside reproductions and, strangest of all, a home décor store!  I thought the prices a bit on the high side with few vendor sales.  If in the area, I would go again as there is a treasure lurking there somewhere.

 

Back on the road, I saw a sign for Hickorycreek Antiques, in Ashland Va.  Located in a strip mall, I almost went driving- for- deco right by it.

The store has 4 rooms with Vintage and collectible phones, better collectible glassware and ceramics are in room #1. Vintage and newer Christmas items are in room #2; Kitchen and dishware in room #3 and tools, maps, etc., in room#4.

As an added bonus, the owner provides a selection of light refreshments, coffee, water and iced tea as well as several pies and cakes. I choose his wife’s homemade fruitcake (yes, I am that one person you know who likes fruitcake) and it was one of the best, if not the best, I ever ate.

 

In the first room, I saw and ultimately purchased a Wolfgang Hoffmann Art Deco Swing Arm Smoke Stand. While I didn’t know this at the time, I sent a picture to Anthony who was all for buying it.  A little long distance research on his part and… The price online is well over $1700.00. My price? $40.00 (bargained down from $45.00).

To be completely honest, it is in need of professional restoration as a previous owner “improved” it by painting over the original painted areas and chrome tray with white house paint. Please, DO NOT “improve” an item unless you are a professional at refinishing!

So, there you are. A real driving for deco adventure with mixed results. If you are near the Ocala area, be sure to check the stores out. And remember:  items lasting this long is a testament to the quality and pride put into producing them. Antiquing is recycling and generally, for less money, you can get better quality than the disposable merchandise manufactured today.

 

Chris (One half of the Freakin’ ‘tiquen Guys)

Why-Oh-Why Ohio

Ohio Map

Ohio, USA. A state with some of the best antique malls in the country. Image from Best Maps US.

Why-oh-why Ohio? Because it is still the best antique mall we’ve found! Ohio is the place to go for a great variety of items of every possible era and at reasonable prices. While we journey to Ohio at least once a year, this year’s trip included a very special guest antique collector and  friend, Nancy.

Day 1

Our Freakin’ ‘Tiquen 2018 adventures started after an early and hearty breakfast on August 26th, the three of us headed out to our first stop in Ohio, Pottery City Antique Mall in East Liverpool, Ohio. For Chris, it seemed like the blink of an eye as he slept most of the way!

Pottery City Gallery.

The Pottery City Gallery Antique Mall in East Liverpool, Ohio.

Russel Wright American Modern Serving Bowl.

A Russel Wright American Modern vegetable bowl that Chris picked up at the Pottery City Galleries, in East Liverpool, Ohio.

We met up with friends who live about an hour away from the mall and we spent a pleasant afternoon shopping and catching up. The Freakin’ ‘Tiquen Guys started small, walking away with a Russel Wright vegetable bowl and a Revere handled basket. A stop for lunch at a local restaurant, Hot Dog Shoppe, and the three of us were on way to Cincinnati.

 

Hot Dog Shoppe in East Liverpool.

Hot Dog Shoppe just around the corner from the Pottery City Gallery Antique Mall. Good food and good prices. Image from TripAdvisor.com

 

Day 2

After a restful night, we headed out to the Florence Antique Mall, Florence Kentucky.  Nancy found this one and it was a new experience for all of us. Large and well laid out, we purchased a ceramic deer statue, possibly by one of the California pottery companies. Nancy found the first of her treasures, a vintage beaded hand bag.  Also  purchased: an autobiography by Arlene Francis and When Democracy Builds by Frank Lloyd Wright (1945).  Generally,  the prices we found more than fair and the available stock diverse.

 

Florence Antique Mall

The Florence Antique Mall in Florence, Kentucky.

 

Vintage handbag.

The first vintage handbag that Nancy found on the trip.

 

Ceramic Art Deco Deer.

The ceramic Art Deco deer that Chris purchased at the Florence Antique Mall.

 

When Democracy Builds by Frank Lloyd Wright (1945).

When Democracy Builds by Frank Lloyd Wright (1945).

Our next stop for the day brought us to the Ohio Valley Antique Mall just north of Cincinnati.  Our successful day concluded with a pair of Kensington Stratford candle holders (1939) designed by S.C. Brickley, a Here’s How, cocktail recipe book (1941), and a painted wooden jewelry box attributed to Paul Frankl.  Nancy purchased a beautiful quilt, a vintage handbag and several books.

 

The Ohio Valley Antique Mall in Fairfield, Ohio.

Ohio Valley Antique Mall in Fairfield, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati.

 

Kensington Stratford candle holders, 1939.

Kensington Stratford candle holders, designed by S. C. Brickley in 1939.

 

Stratford console set, Kensington Aluminum.

Kensington Aluminum S. C. Brickland’s 1939 Stratford candleholders with Lurelle Guild’s 1934 Stratford comport.

1920's Art Deco painted wooden box.

Art Deco painted wooden box attributed to designer Paul Frankl.

 

Anthony at the Ohio Valley Antique Mall.

Anthony makes a new friend at the Ohio Valley Antique Mall.

After a full day of shopping, we called it quits for the night. Near our hotel we dined at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Fairfield Ohio. We can recommend this eatery after having a delicious dinner and excellent service.

 

Day 3

West Chester Antique Center

West Chester Antique Center, West Chester, Ohio. Image from gettothebc.com.

Day three we headed to the West Chester Antique Center (10 minutes from where we were staying) in West Chester, Ohio.  We quickly picked up a pair of Ronson Athena Goddess bookends and a 1932 re-strike etching of E.T. Hurley’s 1921, Fountain Square.  Although we found some great buys, the stock leans more to up-cycled and garage sale items. 

 

Ronson Athena Goddess bookends.

A pair of 1930’s Athena Goddess bookends made by Ronson – Art Metal Works of Newark, NJ. Some people think they are creepy, I can see where they are coming from.

A quick 45 minute drive and we arrived at the Antiques Village, Dayton.  Chris purchased a Roseville Moderne triple candle holder and a Wells Art Glaze casserole base while Nancy picked up a vintage cloche hat. As we finished relatively early, we headed back to the hotel for a bit of rest before dinner.  We dined at  The Chop House conveniently located next to hotel and within walking distance.  Although a bit pricey, the food was excellent but the service was a bit uneven.

 

Wells Art Glaze casserole.

At Antiques Village, Chris found this Homer Laughlin Wells Art Glaze casserole base to add to his collection.

 

Nancy's cloche.

The great late 1920’s cloche hat that Nancy picked up.

Day 4

Fields of Treasure, West Carrollton, Ohio.

Fields of Treasure in West Carrollton, Ohio.

Wednesday brought us a change of pace.  Taking the morning off from antiquing, we went to the America’s Packard Museum in Downtown Dayton. Unfortunately, we arrived early and it wasn’t open yet. Nancy and Chris convinced Anthony to back-track almost to where we started our day to go to Fields of Treasures in West Carrollton, Ohio, a small privately owned shop with lots to look at.  Nancy picked up a bar caddy set for $15 and Chris found 4 Homer Laughlin egg cups in the hard-to-find Clematis Pattern.  Originally $15.00 for the set, the owner had them on sale for $10.00.

 

Homer Laughlin egg cups in the hard-to-find Clematis decal.

 

Heading back to our previous destination, our timing couldn’t have been more perfect and the America’s Packard Museum opened just as we arrived. There is a nominal fee to enter and the museum is self guided.  Examples represent the various cars from 1914 to the line’s demise in 1956. Placards clearly describe each car and the innovation each brought to the line.  We spent a good part of the afternoon there before heading off to Springfield, Ohio.

 

Welcome to the America’s Packard Museum

Original renderings by chief designer

 

 

 

 

The Main Entrance

Exiting from the main entrance of America’s Packard Museum.

We arrived a bit late to the Springfield Antique Center. Comprising of two complex’, we  got through the first building and picked up  5 Universal plates in the Seminole pattern. There was just enough time for a quick walk through of some of the second building with the intent to come back the next day.

 

Seminole plates by Universal Potteries.

The Universal Potteries dinner plates with the Seminole decal that Chris bought. Image from worthpoint.com

After finding a hotel and settling in, we entertained ourselves by going to Half Price Books, Records and Magazines.  If you have never been, and there is one in the vicinity, you are sure to walk away with one or two (or fifty) items.

 

Half Price Books_Dayton_Ohio

Half Price Books in Dayton, Ohio. Image from Google Earth.

 

Day 5

Thursday, August 30th, 9:30 a.m. and we arrived at Mecca! The Heart of Ohio Antique Center is 122,000 sq. ft, 1425 booths and showcases with an additional 30,000 sq. ft. outdoor garden area. This place never disappoints and we took home our most expensive haul from here. The prices throughout are generally fair but with an occasional bargain thrown in for good measure.

 

Nancy at Heart of Ohio.

Nancy ready to take on the Heart of Ohio Antique Mall.

 

At a good pace, and with comfy shoes, you can get through the complex in about 5-6 hours. It’s good to be prepared!

 

Carl Sorensen Bronze Bowls.

A couple of Carl Sorensen bronze bowls that all of us passed on at the Heart of Ohio Antique Mall.

Anthony picked up a 1934 Century of Progress cocktail shaker (the most expensive purchase on the trip) and a 1930’s moderné bridge lamp by the Rembrandt Lamp Company that the vendor described as mid-century. Chris picked up a pair of glass deco candle holders and a Chase chrome bubble candle holder.  Nancy purchased a couple of vintage handbags and a few other items.  We finished up sometime around 3:30 ( we lunched at their café midway through the day) and headed back to building 2 at the Springfield Antique Center.

 

 

 

Two great vintage beaded handbag Nancy picked up at the Heart of Ohio.

Anthony finally found a Manning-Bowman “Carafon” insulated carafe in walnut finish.  Nancy picked up few items but Chris left empty-handed.

 

Manning-Bowman Carafon.

Anthony’s Manning-Bowman Carafon in walnut (1931 – 1940), purchased at the Springfield Antique Center.

 

Day 6

The next morning, we headed toward the AAA 1-76 Antique Mall in Ravenna.  Another large mall, we saw and discussed many great items. We passed on a deco copper sconce but Anthony did pick up a Chase chrome butter dish with matching butter-fork. (Anthony searched many years for the elusive butter-fork.)

1939 N. Y. World's Fair enameled topped table.

The table that Anthony passed on. The “Table of Tomorrow”! An enameled topped 1939 New York World’s Fair Kitchen table.

He ultimately passed on 1939-40 World’s Fair enamel kitchen table but Chris purchased a small white deco vase. Nancy walked away with no purchase but with some great memories. With our day wrapped up, we headed to our final destination in Cleveland.

 

Day 7

 

We dedicated our final day to visiting the Cleveland Museum of Art.  Large, with a mix of traditional and modern it is well laid out and free to the public. Picasso, Cezanne, Monet, and more are well represented as well as American artists such as Reginald Marsh, Grant Wood, George Bellows, Rockwell Kent, to name but a few, are also well represented, The museum  it is a must see when in town.

 

A view of the main concourse of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

 

Main concourse of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

The atrium of the Cleveland Museum of Art showing the back of the original 1916 building.

This is no time for pictures. There are exhibits to see!

 

Water Lillies by Claude Monet, 1926.

Water Lillies by Claude Monet, 1926.

 

 

 

 

After a wonderful day at the museum, we headed home to admire our treasures and sleep in our own beds. Another successful driving for deco vacation and shared with our good friend Nancy.

 

Chris & Anthony (The Freakin’, ‘Tiquen’ Guys)

If you enjoyed this post you might also like these earlier posts –

Driving for Deco, “Freakin’ ‘Tiquen” Summer 2017

Driving for Deco, Freakin’ ‘tiquen 2017 Part 2, Heading Home