We headed out to the west coast this summer to visit family and friends. First stop: Portland and rural areas south of that fine city. After watching clips of Portlandia I was curious to see if that funny show reflected any truth about this city. But before we explored Portland we headed out into the countryside to visit antique stores where we found these funky glove forms at Aurora Mills Architectural Salvage. This is a great spot if you want to pick up glass door knobs, signage or tin toys. Check out some of our finds:
A table made of chains. What a clever way to recycle!
Loved this bike.
Ah, the ultra heavy desk phone—just like one my grandma Bridget owned. The heft of this device made me think about how much we’ve changed with our phone usage. Back when this phone was manufactured speaking on the phone was a bit of luxury. Long distance calls were even more exotic. Did folks save up all their most precious thoughts and quickly share them with loved ones? And how about the “party lines” where folks had to share one phone line? Did people know feel more of a literal connection—knowing that quite often their neighbor had accidentally (or not so accidentally) listened in on a call? We had a party line and I know my neighbor Lola listened in on calls from boyfriends. It was irritating at times but then again I knew she was elderly and a bit lonely so I’d shrug it off with the knowledge that my silly teen romance might have brightened her day.
Great signage. It makes me think of all the artisans and the training they undertook to be able to paint/sculpt these amazing fonts.
You can almost hear a little child making carriage sounds as he/she played with this lovely piece.
A paper cutter—what a beast. I would have loved to have purchased this wonderful specimen.
I haven’t always appreciated mechanical illustrations but after all these years of being married to an industrial product manager; I have grown to admire the skill it takes to make these images. I liked the layout of this one so much that I could have seen it hanging in my studio.
We also explored an antique store called South End Antique Mall. They’re located at 21128 Highway 99E in Aurora, OR. It is a lovely place. Their displays are positively charming. It’s the kind of place that makes me want to linger.
And on our way out we spotted a chain saw sculptor working away. So glad that my Wacom tablet and paint/papers are quiet and soothing. I don’t think I could handle the noise of a chainsaw all day.
