Attic17

A Letter from Fred

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 15:10:00 +0000

Is there anyone still out there, oh vast internet world?
Assuming there might be, I thought I would post something endearing and touching for your Wednesday morning. It's really too wonderful to hold to myself.

I might be typing to a solo audience, but if you are there.....do say hello.

{Read the full story here}

Recipes Found in the Attic

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 17:52:00 +0000

Today launches the second installment of the project "Recipes Found in the Attic", on Instagram. If you have a account, I would love for you to join us in taking vintage recipes and putting a modern twist on them! Come find me, user name: @atticseventeen for all of the details!

Subscribe to Attic 17's Newsletter, "Found in the Attic"!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 18:02:00 +0000

When I stopped blogging, over a year ago {!}, one of the things I missed very much was the sharing of special stories that retold historical moments. I love reading about men and woman from our nations rich history. Their tales are what I learn from and have grown to love, and I loved hearing how the re-telling moved you. How their lives, trials and joys made you think and take a moment to reflect. While I don't know if or when I'll return to routine blogging, I have found one way to share my love for those that went before us. It's something I'm very passionate and excited about.

Attic 17 now has a newsletter, the first which was released in February 2014! This isn't a digital newsletter that comes to your email inbox, but rather a special piece of mail that will be delivered to your home mailbox! I'm so excited to marry two things I am quite in love with-all things antiquated and the post! Besides, who doesn't like getting a piece of mail, hand addressed to them? Each issue will contain historical trivia, vintage stories and special extras {perhaps even some coupon codes for those that shop in my Etsy shop!}.

My purpose behind this newsletter is to share my love for the past and simultaneously give someone a 5-minute break from a hectic day to travel back in time...and hopefully smile {and perhaps learn a thing or two!}. I really believe this newsletter is for everyone....not just the vintage lover. If you would like to be a subscriber to this unusual and unique newsletter, please fill out the information below and submit {your address is always kept private and used only by me}. A monthly subscription {four issues that lasts for four months} only costs $10.00!

It would be my pleasure to send you one and in the meantime, please follow me along at my Instagram account: @atticseventeen

Have a lovely day!

A "family shutterbug" and his amazing scenes of New York in the 1950s.

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Happy Thursday everyone!

Thank you for all of your thoughts yesterday-it's wonderful to hear your experiences and revelations.

***

What a exciting thing to find!

This image {one of many in this collection} is simple and absolutely striking. What I love about each image shared is how easy it is to appreciate the detail....you don't have to go looking for what makes it unique. What I love about the story is that fame, for this photographer, was limited and never achieved, in a monetary or prolific way. It reminded me that simply because you do something doesn't mean you are good at it and on the flip side, just because others may not immediately appreciate your talent, doesn't mean it isn't present and blooming.

The talent that this "shutterbug" exhibited was well deserving of the title, "professional photographer", however, I have to guess that real professionals are assured and confident and don't worry about being labeled as such. They just carry on.

vintage toys on display!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:03:00 +0000

I loved finding THIS site and learning that there is an entire location, meant to showcase vintage toys!

Have fun scrolling through all of these treasures! Below I shared some of my favorites.

A Numora, plastic sink and stove from Japan. Circa 1955

Westinghouse Laundromat, plastic and tin, from Japan. Circa 1955

Amsco Bottles and Sanitizer, made in USA. Circa 1950

Delightful!

Dining out.

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:20:00 +0000

Sean and I have always enjoyed eating out.
Since we were young{er} we have been eating at restaurants all over our surrounding area. We enjoy researching the menu, location and history behind where we are going.

Although eating out has definitely slowed down since we had children, both because of availability and cost, we still save our pennies for special occasions. Eating out, for us, is a type of vacation. We don't go on amazing plane rides anymore {fortunately we took some pretty amazing trips pre-kiddos} or travel cross country {someday by motorhome, I hope!}, but we do get dressed up and enjoy a delicious steak, talk about dreams and sip a well-shaken martini. It's important for us to be together in that way. Vacations are lovely, even if they are only 3 hours long. If we know we are dining out on Friday evening, Sean and I will be talking about it all week long.

Trendy restaurants are all the rage but I find I am drawn to restaurants with old world charm, historical relevance and a vintage feel {surprise, surprise}.

Here is a {very} short list of establishments in the LA area we would like to try:

Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club {Located at the presumably haunted Oviatt building, it has a art deco flare and nightly dancing. They have bands that come and preform weekly, with swing dancing for all!}

Musso and Frank's {This restaurant was opened in 1919 and is a established "must see" in LA, as almost all food aficionados would agree. It's famous for it's never-changing menu and amazing martinis. Many of the bartenders and servers have worked there for 20, 30 and even 40 years.}

Micheli's {Hollywoods first pizza house, opened in 1949. Owned and operated by a large family-which I love- it boasts singing waiters and waitress'.}

The Dresden {Opened in Hollywood in the 1950's, it was originally a paint store. It was named The Dresden Room after the dolls that decorated the interior. It has been left virtually untouched and has been featured in movies, including SWINGERS.}

What about you? Any favorite destinations? Any in my area I absolutely should try?

Scrapbooks, Annette and the loss of innocence?

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:57:00 +0000

Sean is out of town this week on business and there is nothing I hate more. Well, that's not true. I would hate oral surgery more or maybe my hair burning off, more. Really though, I loathe when he leaves and I understand {or so I've been told} that is very co-dependent of me but I'm very much ok with that. I married him afterall....and I think it's nice when couples want to be together, don't you? Yes. I very much dislike turning down one side of the bed and dislike even more watching television alone, at night, on a cold couch. Hurry home, my love. Your darling dear misses you. {Sorry for the sap, everyone}.

ANYway.

On a lighter and happier note, there are some lovely items that have been added to my shop and I would love for you to venture over and take a glance.
Generally I don't sell large scrapbooks but I'm coming across so many lately and I need to sell one, at the minimum. This piece is BURSTING with sweet pieces. Valentines card, school pictures, family photos, souvenirs and family documents, certificates and more. Almost 30 full pages. It's wonderful!

It's a true treasure and I hate to part with it, but if you would give it a good home, I would be so pleased. Start your historical research! Start learning about other families and your own! I've found that my interest is peeked about my own family when I have learned wonderful and special details about others. Odd, I know.

It's listed here.

***

Oh! I would be remised if I didn't mention a little bit of my sadness upon hearing that Annette passed away. I suppose each time someone from that era passes.....it makes me realize that the "wholesome" generation {the video is worth watching, even if you don't care for Bill!} is getting thinner and thinner. I tire of our current pop culture and sometimes wish for the days when the most scandalous music was Elvis and his hip shaking. Not everything was better in the 50s and we all know this....but many things were. Just one ordinary woman's opinion.

Thanks for all the great laughs and movies, Annette!
You were a gem, truly.

yikes {also a link}

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:53:00 +0000

It's been a bit since I posted and the weirdest part is I didn't realize! What has happened to frequently-posting-Rachel?
This past month has been a bit life changing for me and while normally I would post, share, write and detail it all on my blog, it doesn't feel as natural to do so, seeing as so much of this space has been and is dedicated to "vintage".
Maybe it isn't a big deal, but it feels odd to sit down and start a post about the personal nature of things, seeing as I don't do that as much lately. This whole "balanced" blog approach is hard for me. I'm someone who enjoys compartments and black and white-ness. If a blog is about vintage, it should be about that. If it's personal, it should be about that. That's how much brain works. I'm not saying it makes sense or is correct....it's just an explanation as to why melding the two is a struggle for me.

The above paragraph may have been a blur to you and if it is, have no fear! I do have a sweet link for you to check out. Not all is lost, on this post.

I love behind the scenes photos and film reels and could not love any as much as these....
Because their from MP. And if you understand my love for that film...well...you've been around for awhile.

And that I love. You, I love. You faithful few readers.

Happy Sunday, everyone.

Click here for happy.

{left by the roadside}

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 02:50:00 +0000

I would truly love for each of you to read THIS.

If and when you do, I feel as if you might really understand the depth of sadness, discomfort and remorse I feel {often} when retrieving the memories of the deceased. It is never just about "shopping" at the estate sales. It's always about saving the past and passing it along.
When I encounter a home particularly full of untouched papers, cursive notes and faded photos, I leave with a bittersweet ache, always erring on the side of bitter. I know that person has no one in their life to carry them along and speak of them. Tell others about their legacy or moments. Congregate family on the weeks and months after their death and laugh over silly stories and personal anecdotes.

It's hard finding the things I find.
It's hard wondering if I will be that person.
And sometimes its hard admitting that is a fear of mine.
A fear that I can work my entire life to share my heart with others and I might be left at the side of the road.
I'm sure each person I know would say that simply won't happen, but don't you think everyones family would echo that sentiment. "Of course that wouldn't happen to you!"

In any case, each week I spend at a new home, I am reminded of what is important:
Leaving something worth remembering.

Even if no one does. I can't control that. I can control how I live.

Your obituary.

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 03:20:00 +0000

My friend and pen-pal, Erin, {hey lady!} sent me a letter and it arrived today. In normal fashion, it included a little something extra, which almost all of our correspondence do.

Todays letter contained a obituary for one Lily Strange Socci.
At first glance I thought, "huh?"

But after reading, I realized that not only do Erin and I think an awful lot alike, but that obituaries are a wonderful reminder to "stay the course", so to speak. If ever I wonder if something should really matter as much as it presently does, all I really need to do is open my daily paper and read the obit section.

What better section to jolt us back from the ever-wandering mind? Especially in this day and age, and my current season of life, it is awfully provoking to all my mood to change with the wind. One day I might fancy the idea of remodeling, the next of staying put. One moment I may think I should shut down a compartment of my life and the next, "Gun-ho!".

This ever changing society flexes its muscles and we feel tired and slightly exhausted at the possibilities but the older I become, the more I see clearly what is for me. What I am for.

When I read Lily's obit, I could see a life of passion.
Who is to really know if she was living the way she should and who is to say?

But from the words, I gather that she was doing what she felt she should. She was making a difference and doing what matters.

The list in my mind, of things that truly matter to me, is short and cleanly composed.

Sure, I love so many things but only so many things can fit into my days. We all know this, so we pick carefully. We invest where we want to invest and at the end of the year, we take a look back at the neglected and chastise ourselves for not putting in where we should or we shrug our shoulders and realize that we did the best we could, with what matters the most. All the rest will have to wait, for now.

When I read about Lily, I thought about what my obit would say.
I know what I want it to say. I know what it should say.

If I know those two things, I should be living as such...right? Right.

Perhaps it will make you think about your obit.
What would it say?
Or rather, what three things would you like it to say?

{Please share with us, if you're so inclined!}

Something to ponder, for certain.

Three cheers for garage sales!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:50:00 +0000

Hi!
I don't have much time to write today but I had to share this wonderful article!

See this bowl? {sorry for the horrible image-it is the only one I could find!}

It was bought for $3.00 at a garage sale.....

Go HERE to find out how much it sold for, at Sotheby's!

My collections {and you?}

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:02:00 +0000

If you would have asked me several years ago, "what do you think about collections?", I wouldn't have had a good answer for you. I might have even said, "I don't understand them".

I used to have a difficult time understanding why people would keep buying things that {often times} just sit on a shelf. Generally they don't get used or even touched. It made no sense to me, really.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized collections are just groupings of things you have given a name to because most of our life is a collection. We surround ourself with things we love....people, articles of meaning in our homes, memories, recipes, books.

Collections are much like anything else, if you think about it.

For being a vintage dealer, I actually don't have many collections. Well, some would say that my entire house is a collection. One of my friends {ahem, AMANDA} says that our house is a museum. I guess it is. It's a museum of important things to both Sean and I and the girls. As far as specific collections, in a designated location in our house, I only have one.

I collect Lefton Mermaids.
I love mermaids. I especially love Lefton mermaids and because of their high cost, I only have several and the ones I do have were bought for me, by my brother. Each Christmas he gets me one {or two}. I have yet to find one at a sale.

Here they are {with some lovely seahorses I found at a garage sale} and the top of the yellow-haired one is flat because it holds flowers! Awesome, huh?

I also collect vintage Mary Poppins items {of course}. Anything and everything....it's scattered throughout the house, in nooks and crannies.

I very much love the idea of collections, as I get older, and think I am going to begin a new one. I am very drawn to old Sunday School and church paraphernalia. It began when I saw my friends tin Sunday School sign.
This picture isn't great {sorry!}, but she took it for me, so I can reference back when I am out searching. I have yet to find one like it and have scoured sales, Ebay and Etsy. If you ever come across it, I'll pay top dollar. Please!! Can't you just imagine it sitting on a wood pulpit in a 1930s Sunday school classroom?

There are so many lovely pieces that represent vintage church. Attendance pins, old hymnals, nursery postcards, Sunday school lesson plans and more. I love it all, really and think that I'll start a mini-collection.

What is your collection? I would love to know!

Photo Categorization and Pinning!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:44:00 +0000

FINALLY!

All of my thousands of photos are organized but category, thanks to my wonderful mother!

It was quite a undertaking and she was over several days in a row. I had initially separated them into very broad and overarching groupings but the really hard work came when she had to break them down into the smaller, more specific categories. After she had done all of that work, she began to go through them again and took it a step further and made smaller categories within the larger ones. What I also love is that she was clever with the naming of these mini-groups. I didn't look through everything this weekend when she was over {hello, St. Patty's party!}, but when I was in the office yesterday, I took a peek at some of the envelopes and their labeling.
She had names such as, "Dapper Dudes" {meaning gentleman that were looking very prim and polished" and "Trikes, Bikes and Swings" {meaning young children playing outside}.
It made me chuckle and realize I had put the right lady on the job!

She made my life about 1000% easier, as I often had specific requests for photos and photo packs.

If you ever need specific photos such as hand-tinted, portrait, large-scale posed family photos, cabinet cards, young children with pets, military or anything else, please contact me! Chance are, I will have what you need and can accommodate you!

Here are just two mini-packs I put together in the last few days. I have ideas for dozens and dozens more!
A grouping of vintage wedding photos:

and a wonderful selection of pieces, featuring military gentleman and their lovely ladies.

Both are listed in the shop, if you are interested!

And on another note, please feel free to "pin" any of my photos by simply hovering over the photo-you'll see a "Pin It" button, so share away! You can also find me on Pinterest by clicking the button on the side bar!

I hope you have a Happy Tuesday! I'm planning on lighting our daily fire, shipping out several packages, playing with the girls aplenty and dismantling several scrapbooks I found at a estate sales a few weeks back. It always makes me a bit sad to do so, but it's a necessary evil.

My love to you!

Lovely things abound on the web.....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 14:56:00 +0000

Good morning everyone and Happy St. Pattys day!
Are you doing anything fun today? We are! Huzzah!

So many fun things happen online all week and I want to share them each with you, but that would take forever, for both you and I! I'll share a few, though. Hopefully they will make you smile.
1.)
For those of you who follow me on Instagram, I shared this photo a few weeks back:

It's a picture of a woman in uniform, taken by the esteemed photography team Harris and Ewing, in Washington D.C. Take a moment and learn about them, with the link I added! It's fascinating!
Anyway, when I was learning about them, I learned that their film negatives had been given to the Library of Congress. This way, their film legacy {and all of their prints} will be preserved well and in whole.
I was so happy when my friend Jenn sent me a link this week, to the Library of Congress Prints and Photos Online Catalog, explaining that many of their beautiful digital prints are open for use online and on projects at no cost and with no restrictions! That's pretty remarkable, if you ask me! While I was searching thousands of prints, I found that Harris and Ewings prints were included too and there are over 7000 of their photos, open for use!

I just started looking yesterday and I haven't yet found my print....{it takes quite a bit of time to look through 7000 prints}. I would be HAPPY to give anyone that finds it, a $10.00 credit towards anything in the shop, so if you feel so inclined, please!

Thanks Jenn! You are a thoughtful friend.

***

2.)
I loved this article in Co.Exist that share the Detroit Now and Then Project. They combined vintage and recent pictures to share what a Detroit school was and is now. It's fascinating and once again reminds me of the gift of a picture. It's a time capsule, really. And I'm all about that.

3.)
This week, my friend Heather {please check out her special web space. It's one of my favorites} and I shared with each other what items we would buy if we had unlimited funds.
This is my dream item. I've always wanted a library card catalog, in our house.

The last one I saw at a sale, I walked straight to and then was elbowed by some old lady, who apparently already had dibs. I didn't fight for it. I wish I had.

4.)
Often times, I need to reference a old piece of literature and learn it's value. When I come across a highly valuable piece, I visit Bauman Rare Books. It's always fun to look through their sections and see the insanely valuable books they offer. It's really a special site. Go take a look!

5.)
I have found some wonderful items lately and would love to share them all with you, but that might have to wait until next week. I have a baby shower today and our neighbors throw one heck of a St. Patty's day soiree, so today is packed! Until I am able to show more, visit the shop and learn about some of the items I've collected!
Here are several pictures:

Happiest of Sundays to you!

Local Shopper Rejoice!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:50:00 +0000

I think much of the fun with vintage shopping and selling, is the relationships made....especially with the buyer.

Of course, I would love to have a little store someday, but that isn't a reality right now. But I can dream! For right now, I have an entire upstairs bedroom, fill to the brim with vintage treasures that I so badly want to display and share with you.....alas, I can't.

UNLESS.

Local shoppers in the OC/LA area {or if you want to drive} are welcome to schedule a time to come over and "shop" for specific items. I would love for you to tell me what you might need and I can have it ready for you, with several options. All that you can see, touch, feel and take time looking over.

Heck, I'll even make you a cup of tea! And we can chit chat!

How will I take payment on these local, drop-in purchases?

With this handy, dandy gadget! You are able to pay with a swipe of your credit or debit card and SNAP! You're done!

It sounds like a fun plan to me!
Feel free to email me anytime-no search is too big or small!

{Oh, and I found some pretty wonderful items yesterday and look forward to sharing them with you, soon!}

Be My Baby?

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:32:00 +0000

I'm positive I've posted this song before.
Multiple times.
But I can't help myself; it's my favorite.
So, turn the volume up loud, kick up your feet and enjoy the tunes.....
Happy Friday!

Oh and find Attic17 on PINTEREST, now! Follow along for vintage inspiration of all sorts!

It's about the story, right?

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:31:00 +0000

Well, it's already Thursday and I'm wondering, "Where has this week gone to?"
We've spent so much time outside, now that the girls are totally healthy {this Winter has been unrelenting with sickness} and are enjoying the lovely Summer-like weather.

When we are in side, one thing I have been working on is changing over the stores item descriptions. I wanted to give them a less stoic and detailed feel and infuse them with more feeling and story-telling. After-all, that is what I'm all about. I love a good story and I want to know and share the story what I am offering my buyers.

I would love if you took a look in the shop and let me know what you think of the new change. Mind you, I haven't made my way through them all {it takes time!}, but I'm getting there.

And speaking of a story, here is one that I shared on Instagram yesterday, with the accompanying picture:

// This past weekend I went through a home that once belonged to a librarian named Helen // She had preserved several correspondences from the White House, from the years that JFK was President // All were hand signed by Pamela Turnure who was Jackie O's personal secretary // After more digging turns out that she had a ongoing affair with the President, while working for Jackie. // I also thought it was interesting that the librarians name happened to be Kennedy and that they would respond personally to every letter that the White House received //

Cheaper than a plane ticket.

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:56:00 +0000

A friend, reader and fellow post enthusiast, Kate, sent me a email yesterday.

The subject title read, "Wondering if you would like to send Kensington to Colorado for the weekend?"

I read the included article, laughed and was reminded why I love the past so much.

THE STORIES.

They are always fascinating and full of history, facts and interesting happenings that we wouldn't otherwise know, unless someone shared them.

This story, in particular, needed to be told.

Can you imagine the child riding in the mail compartment?! Can't you just see her, hair disheveled and wearing a stamp on her jacket?

I can't make this stuff up! {And thanks, Kate!}

****

Oh, and this lovely couple wanted to remind you of something.....

Stop in, soon!

treasure trove {or honeyhole}

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:43:00 +0000

Are you obsessed with Mike and Frank?
I am {surprise, surprise}.
I once tried to convince Sean that buying a large truck and driving through the backroads of the midwest was a good idea. We would scour homes and barns for beautiful rusty goods and fill our vehicle {which would be a aqua pick-up, of course} each and every day. Oh and homeschool our children on our lunch-break.

Yeah. That didn't fly.

I'm learning though, you don't NEED to be Mike and Frank to find all of the fun stuff. Although, they do have most of us beat.

This weekend, I was able to scour my own "honeyhole" and it yielded some pretty interesting pieces.

I learned quite a bit about the family behind the house and I still am. Turns out I can be SUPER interested and want to learn everything and pour over every card, letter, piece of ephemera and picture....but oh yeah...I have children to raise, dinner to cook and I was slapped with the stomach bug on Saturday. So, it will have to wait until next weekend, it seems.

What I did take away from this trip was a better knowledge of a few pieces of history and especially the interests and predilections of this particular family tree. They were a small but tight knit gang and had roots {at least evidence of them} that traveled very far back and all the way to Tennessee.

See that dual-framed piece? Isn't it gorgeous? It swings side to side and I truly love it but am a bit sad that a.) there are no markings and I am unable to identify the people and b.) the pictures are sealed and unable to be removed. Still, it's pretty unusual and the carvings in the wood are ornate and lovely.

That rendering of the high-collared woman {as I like to call her}? It's rather large and it's breathtaking. Although I do think it is just spooky enough to belong in the Haunted Mansion. It has a yellowish/brownish hue and seems to have been drawn by pencil. There are no markings so I can't be sure if it is a family member. I like to think it is.

The small photograph scrapbook is one of five I brought home. It's the smallest of the five and was a birthday gift to Ruth {the matriarch of the family} from someone. In it she kept small memories from her beginning through grade school. Where she left off in this book, she picked up in several others I claimed.

Here is a small glimpse of the inside of one of the scrapbooks.

Obviously the above is not the best shot of much of anything. It's some pictures of her family on their farm, an excerpt from the local paper and a strip of her first haircut, but it's the kind of thing I find in these scrapbooks. They kept everything.
For as much as our generation likes to talk about how important it is to capture everything, in comparison to that generation, we do a lousy job of documenting. What they did in scrapbooks is what we do on digital files and I don't think it comes close to meaning the same. Just my personal opinion.....sorry....ahem.....

I also learned that this family was very interested in local, state and federal government. I collected several fun pieces of campaign paraphernalia and also these two artifacts:

The book "The Presidents of the United States" was written in 1893 and chronicles the Presidency of Washington through Harrison. And the cross-stitch is lovely. Seems to be a homemade. I can't decide if I should sell it or keep it, it's so wonderful {which happens to be my problem OFTEN}.

Lastly {for today, that is}, I learned that she was a lover of cards and correspondence. I love her even though I will never meet her! She had thousands of letters, postcards and journals she kept and I took many of them to keep, re-sale and re-use. Here is a small sample of some of the holiday cards she kept. Many are unused and most of pre-1940's.

I wish you could each come over and see the hundreds of other pieces I found.
I'll be sharing more soon and I hope you have a great Monday.

Who...Me? {my first pre-sale}

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 03:11:00 +0000

This weekend I was invited to go to a pre-sale for vintage dealers.
Essentially what this means is that I am able to go through a home, before it's open to the general public, take my time and pick out whatever I would like.

It's my dreams come to life.

And when I was asked to go I was like.....

I'm not even sure why I was so nervous to go. Actually, I take that back. I know EXACTLY why I was nervous. I was nervous because I still don't take myself completely serious, as a vintage dealer. I mean I can have a pretty website and a lovely little shop and find unique items that buyers love and I still question it, at times. I question the validity and who even knows where the questioning is coming from because I'm so very pleased with the direction of all of this. Questioning is silly to begin with, right?

Even still, I was nervous to go, it being my first pre-sale and all.
Who would be there? Where do I put my purse when I shop? Do I just start rummaging through boxes? Do I bring my own boxes? How much money to bring? Secret code? There isn't a website to help you with this kind of stuff {trust me, I looked} and I went in blind. Dressed in clothes I didn't mind getting dirty, {good thing-it rained while we were hunting out back} I marched in, and started shopping.
Guess what?
I had a amazing time. I came home with a car full of treasures and I don't say that lightly. Beautiful, enchanting pieces that I can't wait to clean off, research and find new homes for. Not to mention I met some very kind and gracious people. I'm not certain what I was expecting by way of interaction, but if the vintage world was as competitive as some of the other circles I have been exposed to {and at times it can be}, I was assuming I would have to throw some elbows to acquire what I desired.

That wasn't the case at all. Several other dealers were there and they immediately took me under their wing, {because I very honestly told them I was a newbie} and asked what items I was interested in. From there on out, when they found something they thought I would like in another room or wing of the garage, they would find me and hand it to me.
I thought, "THESE are my people. I'm diggin this!"

It was an enlightening day.
Being able to see how someone lived and tangibly searching through all of the hundreds of thousands of items they acquired {no, really} and coming home with items that will be loved and cherished by someone.
It was a wonderful first experience.
Heck, I'd be happy if this was the only one I am ever blessed to attend {but really, I hope it's not}.

Here is one of my favorite items I found {and maybe one of my most exciting purchases ever}....

It's a hotel registry that began in 1894 and goes through 1919.
It's from a city named Nicholson Springs, in Tennessee. The actual city no longer exists as it was burned to the ground right, prior to the onset of WW1. The hotel name was Nicholson Springs Hotel and this accounts for all the of the many guests that walked through its doors.

It's remarkable, really. I love the care with which people used to write. Stunning when you think of the handwriting from modern day. Or the fact that schools have done away with it, altogether {a decision that I believe will have much more far reaching consequences than they care to think about}.

I was so thrilled to pick it up and turn all of the long, tall pages. It was pretty interesting to see the "residence" from which people traveled. I loved seeing the many cities written out. Many cities that no longer exist and many which still do. It's a beautiful piece to commemorate my first {of many, hopefully} pre-sale.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with several unexpected and blessed surprises.

unpacking and settling in {welcome to attic17}

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 15:41:00 +0000

I started the journey of blogging nearly six years ago, at No.17 Cherry Tree Lane, which initially began here. Perhaps some of you remember it? I didn't have children and worked full time on a church staff. I loved that blog. I loved that beginning.

After nearly 4 years, and many exciting adventures, relationships forged and connections made, I took a break from it all. About 6 months later, I came back with a new blog, Crimson to Wool. It felt good to be back and be writing again. Sharing.

But, like I mention on my bio page, it never felt right.

Just as I packed up my suitcase and said goodbye to No.17, I felt the need to pack the bags on Crimson to Wool.

A great place but not a perfect fit.

One thing that has remained constant and pure throughout the changes of the past six years is my love for the past.

Never waining and always on my mind, vintage has been front and center in my heart. THAT has never changed, amidst the ebb and flow of blog changes, and social media craziness.

And so, I believe it's time to unpack my bags and settle in here.

At Attic17.

The place I really feel I have been looking for, all along.

A place dedicated to my passion for the past and how it teaches me daily, to be the best I can....

in the present.

Won't you join along? I'd love if you did.

Welcome.

a book, traveling home.

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:32:00 +0000

I woke up this morning to the sound of my iPad {see, I don't totally hate all technology!} telling me a order had been placed, last evening. Huzzah!

But when I opened up the order, there was a note, from the buyer and I read......

She shared that the book she purchased was the exact same book that her brother had received when he was a small boy, in grade school. He had opened it at a birthday party and they both loved reading it and she had fond memories of them using it, during her childhood. His name was Jeffrey. Sadly, their mother gave it to the Goodwill many years ago and she had been looking for another, all these years.
She mentioned that her brothers name was printed on the front page, but misspelled. She thought it would be so amazing if this was the same book her brother had held, all those many years ago.

As soon as I read it, I raced to my office, opened the book and wouldn't you know....

I cried a bit, naturally. My heart was warmed that out of all the copies of this little book, I had the one that held her memories.

How blessed I am to collect these items.

I'm sending it off to it's rightful owner, this morning.

All the way to Arizona.

A reflection.

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 18:31:00 +0000

{from one familys photo history. This details the same woman on her wedding day, holding her first child and that same son as a 7 year old}

Sorting through collected photos this weekend, {I'm such a sucker for developed film} I had the chance to research a family and one woman in particular. I don't know her name {sadly} or much about her, but I have watched portions of her life, through black and white, square pictures.

On my scratched and certainly-in-need-of-a-polish wood floors, I created a photo timeline, of her life. It was really captivating to see the small changes in her face, fashion and demeanor, as the years progressed.

What I thought of the most however, as I "watched" her {and her children} age, is that time marches on, quite quickly as anyone would tell you, and we must be mindful of this fact. I certainly don't want to arrive at one of life's pit-stops and wonder what It was I spent the last twenty years on.

A gift that old photos gives me is a constant reminder of the inevitability of times countdown.

My hope, when someone looks at my old photos is that they will recognize the following: people, love, passion for life and a person that so badly just wanted to do what God had for me.

I fail so often and must be a disappointment both to the Savior and to those around me, at times, but I am trying. Each day is a blend of trying and failing, I find.
But all I want is to live a life that, if looked at in a photo by myself, in 50 years, would be a reflection of who I was. Who I am.
A beautiful reflection. A purposeful reflection. Certainly a very imperfect reflection, but one that still moves forward....just as time marches on.

Pauline.

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 16:49:00 +0000

I'm sure there is someone out there {or many people} that wonder why I collect, buy and sell items that are somewhat expired, but allow me to explain.

At most estate sales, the items that are usually leftover, are scraps of paper that reveal the "going-on's" in the lives of that homes prior inhabitants.
Basically, they are small pieces of their live. Their story.

Much the same as your story speaks from all the corners of your home. The papers you sign for your child's schoolroom. The letters you write and recieve. The documents that set you apart from any other living person. And these items can be valuable, but most of the time they are not {monetarily, that is}. They simply explain small portions of your life, like a moving novel, scattered on the desk and counter of your kitchen.

And I would assume that you think the scraps of your life are important and rightfully so. They are! They tell your story and that is a important one. Perhaps a misunderstood one, a tragic one or a painful one. But it is your story and the only one like it. Even ordinary lives deserve attention because born from the ordinary are truly profound lessons. The ordinary is sometimes the most extraordinary {or so I tell myself as I find myself most ordinary} and can be pivotal in the story of others. You and your life matter, no matter how small you may view them.

So, when I walk in a house and see remnants of a life story, I'm pulled toward them, no matter how simple or unimpressive.

Several weeks ago I visited a home and collected photos, scraps of ephemera and files of their ordinary existence. I have enjoyed going through them and learning a bit about the family.
Take the matriarch of the family, for instance.
Her name was Pauline and before she had a husband and children, she was a nail artist at a salon. The salon was the Reno Salon. She worked there {from what I can deduce} beginning in 1941.

I found it interesting, considering that WW2 was occurring. I wonder if she was forced to work because her family needed the financial support? The pictures I collected did reflect men in uniform, but I can't make out the face well enough to know if her husband was deployed or not. Had cosmetology been a dream of hers prior to a working age? And what types of conversations must have occurred at that nail table?

At any rate, this large picture {8 by 10} and cosmetology license was a pretty neat find. I enjoyed wondering about Pauline and what her story must have been about.

Happy Weekend, everyone!

Lovely treasures {the new stands on the old}

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Reeves) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 23:51:00 +0000

No time to write much, I'm afraid.

Once again life is calling and I must answer, even though I never wish to write only several sentences.

I must, however.

I thought I would share several images of my recent treasured items. I was called on to be the first person to look through a lovely familys items and it was special, as always.

Many of the items are not listed in my shop yet, and most haven't even been sorted through, but what I have looked at, I love very much.

Again this weekend, someome said to me {as at least one person a week does}, "It's so funny you like this stuff. I just look at it and see old."

I do like so much of this stuff. This "old stuff" makes me feel a bit more connected to the past, how things were made, done, developed and created. In learning about each piece, I learn more than just its origin, I learn history, both about individuals and the world.

It's captivating, really. You see, our generation is so inundated with information that people struggle to find time to make a simple phone call or pick up their favorite book. When are they going to find time to read about the Industrial Revolution or study the history of modern art? They won't, most likely. We assume {even though we know it isn't truth} that things have always been the way they are and we are perplexed and amused when challenged otherwise. Current trends being king, we have very little use for some of the modern advancements of the 1920's but those advancements made the iPhone possible. Think of that. Whatever craft you see fit to undertake is there because someone, long ago, made tools and had a dream to do so. I really believe that we need to share the past with our children as well, in order for them to have a well rounded idea and knowledge of where things came from. I think they'll be better for it-knowing that things weren't always as they are.

Want to learn a few things today?

Ever seen a packet of BLUE CHIP STAMPS at an estate sale?

What about a CABINET CARD?

Both of these items are important pieces of United States history. I'm guessing, however, that the average modern photographer would have no idea what a cabinet card even is, or that any adult under the age of 40 would be able to tell you what a Blue Chip Stamp was used for.

Unless we learn about these things and teach others, the idea of them will be virtually extinct, in several years. This wouldn't be important except that the knowledge of the origin of ideas, industry and ingenuity can inspire new ideas. New forms of creative energy. It can allow us to see how far we come but also appreciate the pioneers.

Old things aren't just old things.

Old things, often, are the legs with which the new, stand.

{My first ambrotype tin photograph, below!}