The Old Timey Shop

2009-10-02T18:47:00.001-04:00

Last Blog Entry...

2009-09-21T21:06:00.006-04:00

Come And Join Us On A New Adventure

The Old Timey Shop Blog will be closing as of October 1, 2009. I will miss hearing from you on behalf of "the shop"!

You can still visit Vintageshopgirl at http://www.vintageventures.blogspot.com/ where I will continue to blog about antiques, furniture revitalization, projects, travels, vintage tips, etc. - all those stories that I love to write! Items listed on the new blog site will still be available for purchase and I will still be easily accessible through Facebook, Twitter and email. For direct shopping of glassware, pottery and other great collectibles, you can also visit my online mall site at www.tias.com/stores/pitzer.

Be sure to add our new site to your favorites!

Fall Time Festivity

2009-09-18T17:40:00.007-04:00

The fall season begins on September 22nd and it can't arrive soon enough for me! Cooler days, crunching leaves and time to pull out that favorite pair of faded blue jeans. Best of all, its time for festivals and fairs - pumpkins, corn, apples, walnuts...Mother Earth celebrated as she prepares to sleep for the winter.

During these wonderful fall weekends, be sure to take time for some scenic drives. Check out www.midlandtrail.com for some awesome WV scenery and click on www.escapetowv.com for tips about side trips and local festivals.

Notes From The Pumpkin Patch

2009-09-10T19:47:00.005-04:00

The annual West Virginia Pumpkin Festival is drawing near! Scheduled for October 1 - 4, this year's festival will the 24th in a long line of celebrations developed to promote the sale of pumpkins for local farmers. It has grown to include a variety of activities for families and friends of all ages and 50,000 guests are expected to visit this year. Plans are underway to include a 25th Anniversary cookbook as a special feature for next year's festivities - more information is available on the festival website.

The WV Pumpkin Festival is located in Milton, WV which is featured on Googlemaps located at the bottom of this blog page. To find out more information or to join in as a vendor, visit the website at http://www.wvpumpkinfestival.org/. Be sure to stop by and see us at The Old Timey Shop - we're located across the street from the stop light near the entrance road of the festival!

We're On The Map...

2009-08-29T15:15:00.003-04:00

The Old Timey Shop is excited to announce that we are now listed on Google Maps! For directions, reviews and more information about our shop, click on the Google Map link at the bottom of this page or visit http://maps.google.com. We're located on the WV Midland Trail National Scenic Byway - in the heart of downtown Milton, WV and close to the Blenko Glass Company.Our location is a great weekend WV destination!

New Faces and Spaces

2009-08-17T19:00:00.006-04:00

Lots of Pretty Ruby Glass!

The Old Timey Shop continues to grow as Shopkeep Loretta Wilhelm renovates more cubby holes and corners! During the past month we've added several new vendors: Amy Kent (ABK), Kevin Justice (KK), Sherry & Roger (S & R Nook) and Xylephia Beaver (#3). We welcome them to the shop and hope they enjoy great success!

Painted Chest with Silver Handles and Mirrored Top

If you haven't stopped by for awhile, you'll be surprised at the expansion and pleased at the new offerings of our newest folks. Stay tuned for updates of shop sales as we are nearing that time of year when we celebrate the holiday season with our annual Open House Sale!

Check out the sampling of our current inventory pictured on the top right side of our blog...

Back To School - The Vintage College Apartment

2009-08-02T13:57:00.007-04:00

Its time for some serious back to school shopping for college students. Along with the normal stack of books, paper, electronics and technology - they will be in need of some sturdy furniture and fun accessories for their unique apartment or dorm decor. The college years are great for decorating with fun and funky treasures to express individuality.

One of the best places to look is the local vintage or antique store. Many shops carry vintage furniture that is reasonably priced and is well made compared to the pressed wood they'll find in new retail shops. Many of the pieces are already painted, which adds character to a room, and also means they can repaint year after year to fit their changing decorating taste of the semester!

Blenko Festival of Glass

2009-07-17T20:22:00.005-04:00

Ever wanted to learn how to make hand blown glass? Now is your chance!! The 2nd annual Blenko Festival of Glass will be held this August 7th and 8th at the Blenko Glass Company located at #9 Bill Blenko Drive in Milton, WV. Demonstrations and workshops begin at 8:00 a.m. on the 7th. Call in advance to sign up for workshops as space is limited.

Blenko Glass has been located in Milton, WV since 1921 and is on its fourth generation of handcrafted glass made by skilled craftsmen. You can find more information about the Festival, schedule of demonstrations and the visitor center at http://www.blenkoglass.com.

The Old Timey Shop is located near Blenko on Main Street in Milton, WV. You can find us after you leave Blenko - you'll see us when you drive back to the stop light at the main highway - we're right across the street. Be sure to drive straight through to pay us a visit! We carry a large variety of vintage Blenko, Pilgrim, Kanawha, Hamon, Fenton and other glassware - we're worth the trip!

Treasure Hunting

2009-07-14T11:50:00.012-04:00

Summer Treasures: Metal Kiddie Chair, Steubenville Shalimar Coffee Pot, 1960's Blenko Vase, Kanawha Glass Stretch Vase, Hull Tulip Bud Vase, Weeping Gold Urn, Fenton Peach Crest, and Small Yellowware Bowl.

Summer time is great for vintage treasure hunting with many estate sales, auctions and special sales in local antique stores. The shopgirls at The Old Timey Shop in Milton, WV have been busy traveling the U.S. , looking for just the right treasures to bring home for our customers. We especially love bringing WV glass back home!

When traveling this summer, take time to visit local antique shops along your journey - while some have interstate signs posted, many little stores do not, so you can ask the clerk at the gas station when you fill up about area antique shopping. It is amazing what treasures await you in tiny shops around the United States and it gives you a great break from the toils of heavy traffic and road construction! Be sure to ask if there is a discount available - most offer 10% off for items over a specific amount and may even discount more if you buy several pieces from the same vendor. And best of all, you'll meet friendly folks along the way who will usually be happy to point you in the direction of some local sightseeing. A couple of our best vacation memories started out this way - first a local, quaint county fair and then a drive along a winding country road to find an ostrich farm!

One of my favorite stops of the summer so far was Collectics Antiques located at 1207 Hwy. 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC. The proprietor, Luke Prichard , was very friendly, helpful and had great prices! If you happen to stop to shop - tell him The Old Timey Shop sent you!

Summer Sale

2009-07-02T15:05:00.006-04:00

Its Summer Sale Time at The Old Timey Shop in Milton, WV in honor of the 4th of July weekend! Many booths have individual sale signs posted or special mark downs on tags so check us out for some holiday savings. Shop hours are Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 and Sunday 12:30 - 5:00.

While in town, be sure to visit Blenko Glass, one of the last remaining hand blown glass companies in the U.S. It's a West Virginia treasure!

Whatchamacallit...

2009-06-19T15:48:00.012-04:00

So what is it? It's a whatchamacallit!

If you love vintage and antiques, sooner or later you're going to run across an oddity. What is it, you ask? What was it used for? Chances are, no one within the sound of your voice will know either! It's part of the fun and challenge of hunting for treasure of the vintage kind. The internet has really made researching a little easier but there is certainly great value in tracking down Great-Grandpa or the old-timer down the road to get their opinion - their stories will be priceless, whether or not they really know what the treasure is that you've found.

Pictured at the top of this blog from left to right are a pig scaper, sock darner and double-cherry pitter, none of which have much use today except as interesting collectibles of times past. It would, however, be fun to host a wedding shower of vintage gifts and challenge the guests to bring items that are out of the ordinary and then spend some time trying to guess their original intent. The winner with the most correct guesses would win the coveted prize - a chalkware dog...which was originally given during the 1930's as a carnival prize.

Daffodil's Sales Event

2009-06-13T16:48:00.003-04:00

A Sampling of Available Items @ Daffodil's of The Old Timey Shop

Daffodil's of The Old Timey Shop is currently having a downsizing sale! Specializing in primitives, shabby and country decor, Daffodil's prides itself on low prices, often selling to other dealers. Stop by and browse! Hours are 10:00 - 5:00 Monday thru Saturday and 12:00 - 5:00 on Sundays.

Here We Grow Again!

2009-06-07T18:50:00.004-04:00

The Old Timey Shop is growing once again with several new added spaces and vendors. Stop by and meander through the booths where you'll find an amazing variety of vintage wares like this green painted kitchen cupboard for $299.

Or this framed WWII poster for $149. Don't let the outside appearance fool you we're surprisingly bigger than we look - we will exceed your expectations!

Backroad Reality

2009-05-29T21:17:00.013-04:00

We're heading into the summer travel season, so if you are looking to try something different this year from the general populated traffic jams, long lines and high cost entertainment - try gettin' real on the backroads. Our best vacation memories come from the down to earth people and places we see when we venture off the beaten path to get a taste of the local surroundings.

Over the years we've stumbled across an ostrich farm in California (don't see too many of those in WV); sang with a local man for his bus fare in Mazatlan; drove through a herd of buffalo in Wyoming; and witnessed our most memorable sunset while sitting on a remote cliff in North Carolina.

And while I do enjoy visiting marble floored museums and walking through pristine tended gardens, I think real beauty is found in hillside wild flowers...

...a lone meadow barn...

...and, of course, the local wildlife...

All in all, the best things in life really are free (gees Dad, you were right) with backroad vacation memories that span across the generations.

Memorial Day...

2009-05-20T18:37:00.009-04:00

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

~Moina Michael, 1915

Enacted to honor those who have fallen while in military service, Memorial Day is set aside to remember and reflect on those who gave their all for our country.

In 2000, Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance asking Americans to pause at 3:00 each Memorial Day for a moment of reflection and national unity. Demonstrating our gratitude and respect as one united nation at this moment in time, models our appreciation and deep regard for the sacrifices that were made to preserve our liberties.

Make this Memorial Day a traditional one through observation of correct flag etiquette by flying our American flag at half staff until noon on Monday and then hoisting it to full staff until sunset. Join in with the Moment of Remembrance and unite as one voice in memory of these noble men and women who died to protect the freedoms and security of our homeland. Be thankful for their great sacrifice that allows me to write this blog...and for you to read it freely.

This posting dedicated to nephews Jonathan Scott Fisher III and Jarrod Patrick Summers

We're Army Proud!!

Vintage Cottage

2009-05-18T20:10:00.010-04:00

What words come to mind when you think of vintage cottage? Pink, soft, shabby, overstuffed, pale green, lace, painted, garden, linens, charming, comfy, chippy, candles and definitely... roses. The list could go on and on with words that evoke a feeling of relaxed living - vintage cottage.

Maybe you like the look but have had difficulty finding "just the right" piece for that bare spot in the dining room. You can "make your own" vintage cottage look just by purchasing a vintage piece that you like and applying several coats of paint - an off-white, soft pink or pale green. Choose a piece of furniture with some interesting details that will "pop" when painted. To add that chippy look, take a little sandpaper and rough up the edges - just a little at first - until you get the look you want. You can get a layered look by painting the piece one color, applying a second coat with a different color and then scraping the edges with sandpaper.

Accessorize with a pale green painted tea cart and a vintage vase of soft pink roses and you're well on your way to getting the cottage look!

Simply Dad

2009-05-09T21:40:00.008-04:00

So... Father's Day is just around the corner and what to get for the first important man in your life. It's not like this is a new problem - daughters have been wondering this since Father's Day became a permanent national observance in 1972 - or maybe even back to 1910 when Sonora Dodd held the first Father's Day celebration. What did Sonora give her father??

Like me, you've probably already tried the gamut of ties, sports widgets, mugs, shirts, and shiny new tools...and Dad has always smiled like it was the BEST gift ever! But might I suggest a new twist for your gift this year? Give him something that makes him feel young again - something that blasts from the past and takes him back in time - something that is actually older than he is - give him vintage.

As a frequent visitor of estate sales, I've noticed how men flock to the tool table like women flock to a Macy's day sale. That's because old tools are solid and typically made better than new shiny tools. Your local antique shop will most likely have a wide assortment of old tools - so I'd start there if your dad is one who likes to work with his hands. Is he a farmer or a farmer wannabe? An old cowbell or some grain measures might fit the bill. Maybe your dad enjoys looking at old pictures of his hip, modcat days - when he still had lots of hair - so he might like some modcat glass like some 1950's Blenko.

Whatever you choose, he'll surely appreciate the time and thought that went into finding the perfect gift and the reminisces that will soon follow. But best of all, sharing the moment is the BEST part of the whole day.

As for me and my dad? I found an awesome old Sears Tractor lawn sprinkler - it rolls along while it whirls water on the garden. I know he'll love it - and better yet, love spending time with me to watch it work. (Shhh - he doesn't have a computer so don't spoil the surprise!)

Think Pink for Summer Flower Gardens

2009-05-04T21:00:00.008-04:00

THINK PINK!

For this season's flower garden, choose Festival Pink Gerbera in specially marked Susan G. Komen containers, available at Lowes. For each purchase, 10% of the purchase price is donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Lowes "Plant for the Cure" Program runs through May 31st. Lowes raised $380,000 for the cure with the same program in 2008.

For more information about breast cancer, visit www.komen.org. Check out the Passionately Pink for the Cure section for some ideas to raise funds with your friends!

Think Pink for our sisters and brothers...

Simply Prim

2009-04-30T20:32:00.010-04:00

Spend much time in Grandma's farmhouse where the smell of fresh baked biscuits hit your nose at the same moment of the rooster crow? That image evokes a strong sense of home in those of us who grew up in rural America - and for those of us who wish we had. Decorating a home with primitives, or prim, is all about trying to capture that warm, homey feeling - the feeling of blending the past into the present. It helps you step back, slow down and take a deep breath when you get home from that crazy day at work.

Prim Table $92, Chest $35, Bird Feeder $44

Prim furniture comes in all shapes, sizes and colors - raw unfinshed wood, painted, scraped, weathered, rustic, etc. The beauty is that the pieces you pick don't have to match - not matching is part of the charm. Choose a flat topped trunk as your coffee table...or turn an old peely paint cupboard into a mud room catch all. The pieces you choose don't have to be used for their original intent - their original intent probably no longer exists. And while you can purchase manufactured pieces that are made to look prim - I prefer the real deal - that awesome wood cabinet that you dug out of the barn and still has it's cast iron handles!

Rustic Cabinet $199

As for a tip when searching for great primitives in this weekend's estate sale - pass by the house and head to the outdoor shed or barn where you'll most likely find that old painted crackly wardrobe (filled with greasy old tools and jars of rusty nails) just waiting for some TLC, and you!

Fenton Art Glass

2009-04-26T19:10:00.002-04:00

Did you know that Fenton Glass of Williamstown, WV is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the U.S.? While glass making seems to be a dying art form, Fenton has managed to survive for over 100 years. It is still run by family members - now the third and fourth generations of the founders!

Collecting vintage and antique Fenton is one of my favorite pastimes and I've happily browsed away hours of time in antique shops across the U.S. One of the best things I like about Fenton is the glass comes in so many different colors and shapes. You can find a pretty piece for just about any occasion and it not only holds it's value - it often goes UP in value with time - unlike the "made in China" versions that are found in today's mall specialty shops.

With Mother's Day on the horizon, a pretty piece of vintage Fenton would be a lovely idea for a gift. Fill a basket with her favorite soaps, a candy dish with her favorite chocolates or a vintage vase with some silk stems. Creativity would certainly earn you extra points and hugs!!

The pictured Fenton is available in our shop, listed left to right: Ruby Red Sheffield Vase $75; Blue Satin Toothpick $14; Colonial Blue Hobnail Basket $45; Colonial Green Rose High Footed Compote $24.99; Silver Crest Puff Box $50.00; and Lime Green Satin Persian Medallion Compote $55.00.

Coy Garden Plantings...

2009-04-06T15:50:00.009-04:00

The vintage garden is still my passion of the moment...fitting for the upcoming warmer weather (although it seems so far away with today's dreary, cold rain). Some flirtatious pots of flowers should be just the trick to brighten my day! Here are some of my favorite coy (McCoy, that is) pots that would make even the homeliest flower look beautiful.

Quilted Jardiniere $49

Pretty Peacock Strawberry Pot $59

1950's Wild Rose Planter - $12.95, Green Thumb Flower Pot $16.95

Woodland Babies $12 ea.

1940's Ball Planter with old NM Mark - $15
Pretty in Pink!
Ladie's Shoe $16.99, Cornucopia $19.99, Basket Weave Flower Pot $12.50

Watering Can Flower Pot $24

No matter where you place them, McCoy Pottery should have a prominent place among your vintage garden. Some helpful tips:

Line the planter if it is in good shape and you want to keep it that way
When possible, use planters that are damaged in some way for actual plantings since the dirt, water, and weather will ruin your pottery in time. I use those that already show vintage use such as water and dirt deposit stains and hairline cracks.
Be sure to store them safely for the winter or else you'll just have pieces of pottery to sweep up the following spring. Don't let your pots freeze.
Save the "good stuff" for empty shelf sitting among your other planters or for the indestructible kind of flowers - silk!

Vintage Garden...

2009-03-29T18:29:00.014-04:00

Pale Green Wicker Chair - $39.95

Vintage Ice Cream Parlor Patio Set - $149

Faded Paint Folding Wooden Chairs - $79 set

Painted Iron Flower Pot Stand - $85

Painted Flower Pot Stand - $24.95

Fired-On Color Flower Pots - $7 ea

Wonderful Iron Bed for the Flower Bed - $35

Large Laundry Basket (Perfect to fill with Geraniums!!) - $89

Antique Wheat Cradle - $50

Old Croquet Set - $35

Mmmmm, its time to start planning the garden for the anticipated warmer weather. Nothing is more relaxing than snuggling down in the porch swing with a good book and a tall glass of iced tea. Gotta love it...

Garden spots are even more inviting when vintage treasures are placed throughout the area - on the porch, under the shade tree, in the middle of the flowers - anywhere a nice touch of vintage could help add that cozy feel. Wicker, faded wood or wrought iron seating, old painted flower pot holders, colorful flower pots, watering cans, rusty wrought iron, old baskets filled with red geraniums, old farm equipment and don't forget vintage outdoor games for visitors - just about anything goes when it comes to using vintage to create a warm, inviting outdoor area for the spring and summer season.

So... what's growing in your garden this season??

Spring!

2009-03-19T23:35:00.017-04:00

Welcome Spring!!!!!

This One Brings Back Memories... :)

Steamer Trunk $45 & Jelly Cabinet $345

Glass, Glass, Glass!

Jelly Cabinet $650

Victorian Etagere $849

Chimney Cabinet $98 & Child's Stepback Cupboard $30

Pullman Chair, ca. 1900, $400

Chaise Lounge $75

We are sooooo ready for Spring! We have some great new vintage treasures at The Old Timey Shop. We're gearing up for the outdoor season so be watching for some super patio and garden items to be added as the weather warms up.

We've Expanded!!

2009-03-15T13:44:00.004-04:00

If you haven't visited The Old Timey Shop in awhile, you're in for a treat because we've expanded! Loretta arranged to secure the space in the adjoining building and knocked a hole in the wall - yep, through five layers of brick! It was a site to see but the extra space was well worth the work - we added 13 more booth spaces.

New folks have always been suprised that the shop is much bigger than it looks from the outside - so you should see us now!!

More Great Stuff...

2009-03-12T20:52:00.004-04:00

1800's Wardrobe $695

Marble Top Lyre Table $499

Cousin's Linen Closet

Green Metal Bench $68.95; Tea Cart $39

Here are pics of some of our latest additions as well as a few faves of this blogger. Gretchen recently returned from a trip so her booth has recently been restocked with some new additions like the awesome green painted bench and metal cart listed above. She has a knack for finding great vintage garden treasures! While you're visiting, be sure to take a peek into Cousin's linen closet - you'll be sure to find something frilly.

Blenko Glass

2009-03-09T21:59:00.005-04:00

We're excited at The Old Timey Shop to hear the news that Blenko will resume making glass, albeit on a limited basis for now. We hope our blog reaches out to some new folks to let them know we specialize in WV glass, including vintage Blenko, as well as an assortment of primitives, cottage, vintage clothes, furniture, etc., etc., etc. Our inventory changes by the week!

If you LOVE BLENKO and want them around for the next generation of collectors - let us know!!

A Smattering of Antiques...

2009-03-07T23:03:00.003-05:00

At The Old Timey Shop we have a great variety of antiques, vintage, cottage, primitives, glass, etc. , etc., etc. - this is our first post showing a collage of items currently available - well ALMOST available - the super oak post office cabinet SOLD while I was taking pictures! Stay tuned for updates and information about our shop and it's shopgirls!