I’ve always been a nostalgic person – saving cards and letters from family and friends and cherishing photographs from the past. I also treasure the special sentimental items passed down to me by my family, such as the swing coat that belonged to my great-grandmother and the china set presented to me on my wedding day, which belonged to my grandparents.
Only recently have I found great pleasure in the actual hobby of antiquing. Sure, there’s the thrill of finding that rare artifact a lá “Antiques Roadshow,” but what attracts me the most to spending days on end, combing through items of the past, is the delight of finding something to make my own, while complementing my own design aesthetic. Moreover, there’s a true sense of charm in marrying a treasure found from the past with the present, renewing both its life and purpose.
While visiting a good friend in Milwaukee, I was introduced to Chattel Changers, a quaint consignment shop near her home abounding in all sorts of discoveries, including my personal favorite – milk glass. Upon returning from my trip, I vowed to find a similar shop in my own backyard… And, so the treasure hunt began.
Below are a couple of local stops listed on my antiques treasure map… Perfect for the novice or the pro, one of these places is bound to offer you that item you’ve been looking for… or didn’t know you were looking for!
- Den of Antiquity: Open by chance or appointment (and closed on Fridays and Sundays), I was lucky to find the doors unlocked on a cold December day. A cozy space filled to the brim with antiques and collectibles, during the months of November and December, the Den boasts a charming Christmas shop in its attic. While the shop doesn’t have a Web site, you can reach the store owner, Mary Lou Miller, at 610.459.2208 or find them at Route 352 and Gradyville Road – just outside of West Chester, Pa. My recent purchases include decorative silver-plated trays ($9) and milk glass dishes ($3-$9).
- The Clover Market, the “motherlode” of antiques, is an "upscale vintage" outdoor market in Ardmore, Pa. The Market conveniently brings together antique shops throughout the area into one centralized location. It’s a great way of finding new shops that complement your personal taste and style. My two favorite shops from the Market, which offer shabby chic inspired items and other decorative touches, were Nannygoat Antiques (Narberth, Pa.) and Fernish (Yardley, Pa.). My finds from the Clover Market included two vintage pieces of framed artwork ($30) and a beaded necklace with a gold clasp ($10), both from Nannygoat Antiques. The Market goes on hiatus for the summer, so prepare for your trip this fall.
Happy hunting!