RAKING UP LEAVES AND SAVINGS

Rake up the savings this October at The Antique Odyssey. Take 20% off of all merchandise every Saturday during the month from 9 AM to 1 PM. The leaves can wait.

OUR OWN WORST CRITIC

We hear our recorded voice and criticize it. We see a picture of ourselves and criticize it. But the truth is, most of our voices are fine, and most of our photographs are fine as well. Except those photos where some jackass runs around at the cookout, taking "candids" of people eating hotdogs and cake.. you know who you are.. (go away!) Anyway, this vintage photograph of a couple says it all. The woman in the picture wrote notations on the backside. It reads:

"What a terrible picture.
Never again will I ever take a picture.
I always come out so terrible.
My hair looks like a mop.
Wanted you to see how fat I've gotten.
Gruesome Twosome."

Now, these people are just fine. They are dressed up. She is wearing a corsage. Her hair does not look like a mop, and she certainly is not fat. Gruesome Twosome? Hardly. We really are our own worst critics.

BRIMFIELD ANTIQUE SHOW BOUND

The Brimfield build up has begun! The Spring dates are just around the corner being May 10- 15. It is always something I look forward to attending and this spring is no exception. I've got a few things in mind I'd like to find, but will come home with some surprises no doubt. There has been lots of talk in the shop lately from people who will be making their first trip, which is always exciting. I shamelessly point them in the direction of my blogs past post titled "BRIMFIELD ANTIQUES SHOW BUYERS MANIFESTO", for tips and tricks on attending Brimfield, from a shoppers perspective, whether they ask for advice or not:)
One of my favorite dealers set up is Audrey Butterworth's in the BIG Yellow and White Tent in Mahogany Ridge. She has a great eye and her merchandise is awesome. Audrey and many of the other dealers who set up in the big tent also sell at Sage Farm Antiques. To find Audrey, go down the first row at Mahogany Ridge by the church steeple, and look for the big yellow and white striped tent.
I predict this will be a great May Brimfield show for everyone, dealers and buyers alike. People are enthusiastic and pumped. Including me!

WORTHINGTON'S DRINKING PROBLEM ~ 1865

This antique ledger and accounting book was written by Revilo L. Hare following the death of his father Abraham Hare who died July 30th 1865. The book covers the period from 1865 to 1889. Revilo, the eldest son, was the trustee of his fathers estate, and was given the task of managing his brother Worthington's share.
Notations and lists of subjects include "personal property appraised of the estate of Abraham Hare", expenses while settling the estate, Worthington Hare's cash account, and Worthington Hare - articles of appraised property taken by him after the appraisal. All items paid for by Revilo on behalf of Worthington is listed, including stock for his store, personal expenses such as room and board, also expenses for his wife's funeral. Also included are descriptions of why so much money was spent during a particular period of time, and a detailed description of Worthington's drinking problem.
Revilo writes "The reason why Worthington's share of the property was left in my hands to be used as I thought best for his comfort and support was because he had been subject to periodical spells of drunkenness from the time he was a boy and his Father could do nothing with him, and Father knew if Worthington had the control of his property when he was on his sprees he would very soon squander it away".. Revilo then goes on to describe Worthington's pattern of drunkenness, who supplied him with liquor, etc. and the difficulties of managing of his business (the store) during his drunken periods.
According to my research, this Hare family lived in Lexington New York and is listed in the Lexington NY County Greene census in August of 1850.
(in 1850) Abraham Hare, age 52 / Farmer / Value of real estate owned $3,000.00. Married in Lexington, NY to Mary Loomis, who was born 1803 Windham NY, daughter of Oliver Loomis and Sarah Upson. Children of Abraham and Mary in 1850 were Harriet age 28, Revilo age 24, Mary age 16 and Worthington age 7.
This book is offered for sale here at the Antique Odyssey at $110. It is fascinating reading and gives an intimate glimpse into the lives and details of this family so long ago. (SOLD AS OF 5/4/2011)

I HAVE RETURNED

This poor neglected blog. For so long, a spare moment was so difficult to come by. I cannot thank my family and friends enough for all the loving support during the difficult year that has passed. Special thanks to Holly for giving up her time and energy in keeping the shop open when I was unable. If not for you Holly, the Antique Odyssey would now be just a memory!
So, now I'm back in the swing of things I think. Working hard in renewing the vitality of the business, as well as this blog.
Please stop in and say hello when in the area. Business hours are by chance, but best chance is Wed. - Sat. 12pm - 5pm.
Again, my sincere gratitude to everyone!

1ST PLACE 3D / SCULPTURE

This amazing piece won 1st Place in the 3D / Sculpture Category at the Duxbury Art Association's Midsummer Art Show. It was created by artist Hollianne Wood - Carruthers and is titled "Merci". This unique and imaginative creation draws the viewer in for close inspection, suggesting past lives, exotic, far away lands and romantic memories. That's my personal interpretation of this fabulous work of art. Congratulations to the artist! Very well done!!

MIDSUMMER ART SHOW

This piece, titled "Femme Fatale" is one of two of my inclusions in the 93rd Annual Midsummer Art Show and Member Artist Studio Sale. This popular event is put on by the Duxbury Art Association, and is held at the Ellison Center for the Arts, in beautiful Duxbury, Massachusetts. Show runs a quick three days, July 22 - July 24, so check it out if you're in the area. Benefit Cocktail Reception will be held Friday, July 23 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Tickets $30.00. Looking forward to a great show!

POOCH PURSE

This sweet little vintage doggie purse is heading into the shop this week. So cute! When I was little, I would have adored carrying this around.. with a comb, some Tinkerbelle cologne, loose change, candy, and anything else I could find and deem purse worthy. Now I couldn't fit my wallet in there! Girls, women and the size of their purses.. Much like boys, men, and the price of their toys.

DRINK UP IN RETRO SUMMER STYLE

From the "Why Pay More" file. These swanky 1960's insulated mugs, bowls, and tumblers are just crying out for some ice cold liquid refreshment. Some call them Raffia, Straw and or Burlap. Priced at one dollar each, they'll be plenty of leftover cash in the wallet for Kool-Aid and ice. ahhh Summer! (ALL SOLD AS OF 8/1!)

PERFECT PEONIES

"People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us." ~ Iris Murdoch

WHY PAY MORE?

These old type press letters and numbers are priced at an amazingly affordable two for a dollar.. possibilities are endless for use in home and office. Lined up to spell a name or phrase seems to be the most popular. (ALL SOLD AS OF 7/14)

ROADSIDE AMERICA

This found vintage photograph caught my eye. Where was it taken? Pennsylvania perhaps? And is this smiling farmer still standing, luring patrons into the diner with his smiling face and all round massiveness? Inquiring minds want to know.