Why-Oh-Why Ohio

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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 26^th, 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!

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 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 Flore nce 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.

The Florence Antique Mall in Florence, Kentucky.

: The interior of the Florence Antique Mall.

: Another view inside the Florence Antique Mall.

The first vintage handbag that Nancy found on the trip.

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

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.

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

: Ohio Valley Antique Mall.

: The Ohio Valley Antique Mall, interior.

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.

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, 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.

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.

: Antiques Village in Dayton, Ohio. Image from Yelp.

: Roseville triple candle holder.

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

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

: The Chop House in Dayton, Ohio. Image from ThreeBestRated.com

: Nancy and Anthony waiting for a table at The Chop House.

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.

: America’s Packard Museum at 420 S. Ludlow Street, Dayton, Ohio.

: America’s Packard Museum, vertical sign detail.

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

: 1914 Model 4-48 Runabout.

: 1932 Light Eight Coupe Roadster.

: 1934 Seven Passenger Touring Car.

: 1936 One Twenty Convertible Sedan.

: 1941 One Eighty Convertible Victoria by Darrin.

: 1947 Custom Super Clipper, originally owned by Al Capone.

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.

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 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 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!

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.

: Chase chrome and cobalt glass “bubble” candle holder from the 1930’s.

: Pair of Heisey Ridgeleigh candle holders (1934 – 1943).

: Mid-1930’s Rembrandt bridge lamp with original shade.

: 1934 Century of Progress, aluminum recipe cocktail shaker made by A. P. Co. of La Grange, Illinois.

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.

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.)

: AAA I-76 Antique Mall Interior.

: Looking down an aisle at the AAA I-76 Antique Mall.

: Revere, Kensington Chase.

: Anthony’s favorite cases at the AAA I-76 Antique Mall. Here is a perfect example of the Deco that we drive for.

: So much Deco, so little money!

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.

: Chase Butter Fork.

: Chase Butter Dish & Fork.

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.

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.

: Pablo Picasso’s Harlequin with Violin, 1918.

: Fan, Salt Box, Melon, Pablo Picasso, 1909.

: George Bellow’s 1909 painting, Stag at Sharky’s.

: A Woman’s Work, 1912 by John Sloan.

: Regniald Marsh’s A Paramount Picture from 1934.

: January, 1940-41. One of the last paintings by Grant Wood.

: Maine Coast (1907), Rockwell Kent.

: Edward Hopper’s painting Hills, South Truro, 1930.

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

Rochester, New York Art Deco – The Reynolds Arcade

In my article on Spot Coffee I wrote there is not too much Art Deco architecture in Rochester, New York. One of the comments I received said there is more than I think, so now I’m on the hunt for Rochester’s Art Deco heritage. My first stop is The Reynolds Arcade on East Main Street. I have to admit this was a building that I read about but never noticed. Recently, when on a detour that took me to Main Street I passed The Reynolds Arcade. Seeing it, well more accurately noticing it, for the first time, the building impressed me and I decided to learn about its history.

The Reynolds Arcade, 16 East Main Street. Opened in 1933. 2018 Photograph.

The present building is the second Reynolds Arcade. On the same site the first one stood for over 100 years and went back to the days before Rochester became incorporated as a city.

The First Reynolds Arcade, circa 1829. Image from the Rochester Public Library, Digital Collections.

Built by Abelard Reynolds, Rochester’s first Postmaster, the arcade quickly became the heart of the new city. At its completion the building was the largest in the United States west of Albany, New York. The arcade housed the post office and Rochester’s first public library, the Athenaeum in 1829. Another early tenant, Western Union arrived in 1851. And the forerunner of Bausch and Lomb originated in the original Reynolds Arcade.

The first Reynolds Arcade shortly before being demolished in 1932.

The first Reynolds Arcade in 1932, just prior to demolition. Photo from the Rochester Public Library, Local History Division.

By the turn of the Twentieth Century the original Reynolds Arcade began to show its age. In the autumn of 1931 came the unveiling of plans for a new building to replace the historic structure. The Rochester Times-Union announced on November 27, 1931 the following:

Big Office Building Planned to Replace Rochester Landmark

One of the largest realty propositions nearing readiness for award of contracts will wipe out an historic landmark, it was learned today. A committee of the Reynolds Library trustees heady by Josiah Anstice is reported ready to proceed ready to proceed with the erection of a large office building replacing Reynolds Arcade at 16 Main Street East.

In its place, if the plan is finally realized, will rise one of Rochester’s biggest office buildings. Those vitally interested refuse to discuss the plan, but it became known today that Gordon & Kaelber, architects, had drawn the plans and early realization is looked for. That calls for the erection of a modern office building, at least ten stories high.

Rending of the New Reynolds Arcade, 1932.

Architectural rending of the proposed Reynolds Arcade. Gordon & Kaelber architects. Image from Rochester Times-Union, May 7, 1932.

Demolition commenced on May 9, 1932 and in less than a year the new Reynolds Arcade opened. The northern section of the building along Corinthian Street remained and Western Union moved some of its operations there while the Main Street frontage came down. Once the Main Street building opened the last section of the 1828 building was razed. The demolition and construction of the Reynolds Arcade provided jobs for approximately 1,200 workers during the very depths of The Great Depression.

Construction proceeded rapidly with the last piece of exterior stone work being set in place on November 18, 1932. The facade of the new Reynolds Arcade consists of polished granite to the second floor with limestone covering the upper nine. Not only being taller than all the other buildings on the block the simplified modern design stood in contrast from its Victorian Era neighbors.

The new Reynolds Arcade tops out. Photo from the Rochester Times Union, November 19, 1932, Pg. 9.

In mid-December, 1932 the newspapers were announcing the new Reynolds Arcade would be ready for occupancy by the following April 1st. Some of the enticements for prospective tenants were private parking at the rear along Corinthian Street and acoustical treatment of ceilings to deaden noise and clatter.

New Reynolds Arcade parking advertisement

Newspaper advertisement featuring the private parking for the new Reynolds Arcade. Democrat & Chronicle, December 12, 1932.

Air conditioning ad for the new Reynolds Arcade.

Air conditioning for the new Reynolds Arcade. Democrat and Chronicle advertisement October 23, 1932.

The new Reynolds Arcade provided air conditioning for its offices, a first for Rochester. This would be the most modern building in the city, although not its tallest. A relatively squat building, the architects decorated the facade to emphasize verticality. The decorative metal main entrance rises up to the fourth floor with a stylized eagle topping the it. Receding step back style up the face of the building it directs one’s eye up the central shaft to the engraved name at the top. Modernistic carved limestone at the fifth floor continues the upward feeling.

The Reynolds Arcade main entrance on East Main Street. Stepped back decorative metal. 2018 photo.

Decorative metal work on the facade of the Reynolds Arcade.

Detail of the Reynolds Arcade facade decorative metal work, showing the stylized eagle at the fourth floor. 2018 photo.

Detail of the carved limestone at the fifth floor leading one’s eye up to the engraved name at the apex of the building. 2018 Photo.

Even the metal spandrels between the windows, designed like feathers on an arrow, point upward.

Detail of the decorative metal spandrels on the Reynolds Arcade. 2018 photo.

The finished building does differ slightly from the original plans. An additional floor being the biggest change. Also the carved limestone window boxes, originally planned for below the fifth story windows, moved up below the tenth story on the sides and the eleventh story in the middle section.

Detail of the carved limestone window boxes at the eleventh floor and carved decorations at the top of the Reynolds Arcade. 2018 photo.

Ground floor businesses began moving into the new building by early March, 1933. The rest of the building opened on schedule in April.

The entrance to the new Reynolds Arcade, February 26, 1933. Rochester Times Union, February 27, 1933, Pg. 8

The Reynolds Arcade remained basically unchanged for the next 28 years. A five-story annex opened in the spring of 1961 at the back of the building along Corinthian Street. Built over the existing Reynolds Arcade parking, the International Style of the annex did not mix well with the 1933 building. At the same time the original lobby received a mid-century marble renovation that blended stylistically with the annex. This design remains to this day.

Sometime later the annex received an exterior makeover, which changed the outside, top floor and roof from a late 1950’s appearance to a bland sleekness.

The five story Reynolds Arcade annex, 1961.

Democrat & Chronicle advertisement for the five story Reynolds Arcade annex. April 16, 1961.

: The 1961 Reynolds Arcade annex in 2018.

: The Reynolds Arcade annex looking toward the 1933 building. 2018 photo.

Main Street looking east, circa 1946. The Reynolds Arcade is at the left center of the photo. At the corner is the 1879 Elwood Building. Photo from the Rochester Public Library, Local History Division.

In 1967 came the demolition of the Elwood Building, at the corner of State and Main Streets. In its place rose the Crossroads Building, completed in 1969. At 15 stories it blocked the view of the Reynolds Arcade from the west. Then in the early 1970’s the buildings between the Reynolds Arcade and Front Street came down for the construction of First Federal Plaza (1976). At 21 floors, crowned by a “flying saucer” that once housed a revolving restaurant, it’s more than double the height of the Reynolds Arcade.

The Reynolds Arcade sandwiched between the Crossroads Building (on the left) and First Federal Plaza (on the right). 2018 photo.

Today the Reynolds Arcade is no longer a stand out in the Rochester skyline. It is still an impressive Art Deco building that deserves attention. So the next time you happen to be in downtown Rochester, New York, take a moment to notice the Reynolds Arcade.

Driving for Deco

We will drive anywhere to find great Art Deco.

Why-Oh-Why Ohio

Day 1

Our Freakin’ ‘Tiquen 2018 adventures started after an early and hearty breakfast on August 26^th, 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!

Day 2

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

Day 4

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.

Day 5

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

Day 6

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

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

Like this:

Rochester, New York Art Deco – The Reynolds Arcade

The present building is the second Reynolds Arcade. On the same site the first one stood for over 100 years and went back to the days before Rochester became incorporated as a city.

By the turn of the Twentieth Century the original Reynolds Arcade began to show its age. In the autumn of 1931 came the unveiling of plans for a new building to replace the historic structure. The Rochester Times-Union announced on November 27, 1931 the following:

Even the metal spandrels between the windows, designed like feathers on an arrow, point upward.

The finished building does differ slightly from the original plans. An additional floor being the biggest change. Also the carved limestone window boxes, originally planned for below the fifth story windows, moved up below the tenth story on the sides and the eleventh story in the middle section.

Ground floor businesses began moving into the new building by early March, 1933. The rest of the building opened on schedule in April.

Sometime later the annex received an exterior makeover, which changed the outside, top floor and roof from a late 1950’s appearance to a bland sleekness.

Today the Reynolds Arcade is no longer a stand out in the Rochester skyline. It is still an impressive Art Deco building that deserves attention. So the next time you happen to be in downtown Rochester, New York, take a moment to notice the Reynolds Arcade.

Anthony & Chris (The Freakin’, Tiquen Guys)

Like this:

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!

Day 2

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

Day 4

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.

Day 5

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

Day 6

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

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

Share this:

Like this:

The present building is the second Reynolds Arcade. On the same site the first one stood for over 100 years and went back to the days before Rochester became incorporated as a city.

By the turn of the Twentieth Century the original Reynolds Arcade began to show its age. In the autumn of 1931 came the unveiling of plans for a new building to replace the historic structure. The Rochester Times-Union announced on November 27, 1931 the following:

Even the metal spandrels between the windows, designed like feathers on an arrow, point upward.

The finished building does differ slightly from the original plans. An additional floor being the biggest change. Also the carved limestone window boxes, originally planned for below the fifth story windows, moved up below the tenth story on the sides and the eleventh story in the middle section.

Ground floor businesses began moving into the new building by early March, 1933. The rest of the building opened on schedule in April.

Sometime later the annex received an exterior makeover, which changed the outside, top floor and roof from a late 1950’s appearance to a bland sleekness.

Today the Reynolds Arcade is no longer a stand out in the Rochester skyline. It is still an impressive Art Deco building that deserves attention. So the next time you happen to be in downtown Rochester, New York, take a moment to notice the Reynolds Arcade.

Anthony & Chris (The Freakin’, Tiquen Guys)

Share this:

Like this:

Our Freakin’ ‘Tiquen 2018 adventures started after an early and hearty breakfast on August 26^th, 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!