Going on a day trip while hobbling around with a broken foot isn’t what I would normally plan, but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to check out the antique stores and my favorite used book store in Stillwater, MN while spending some good time with my dear friend and antiquing buddy, Cheri. Cheri was also dealing with a bum knee, so we limped around the town together and really had a wonderful time browsing. The weather was perfect and we even scored a nice parking spot.
We hit Blackletter books first. I first went to this bookstore when Jeff took me to Stillwater last October. This store is just wonderful for the kind of books I like because the art book section is huge! In the past, I would camp out on the floor and look through each book until I was satisfied that I had all of the books I wanted in a healthy pile. With my boot on, though, it’s hard to get on the floor (and back up off the floor) without looking incredibly awkward. So, I sat in the nearby chair and did my best. I knew I would have to greatly limit the number of books I bought, anyway, since everything has to be packed in our cars to drive out east.
I ended up buying three art books – Portraits by Ingres, Cezanne by Himself, and American Realists. The Ingres portrait book is amazing and immediately went in the purchase pile. I had to check to make sure I didn’t have the Cezanne book, which I didn’t. The plates are lovely in that book and there were works not represented in some of my other Cezanne books. The American Realists book was one I debated over. There were a lot of black and white photos of color paintings, which is always annoying! Who wants to see colorful paintings in black and white. Come on, publishers. But, there were enough color plates and the black and white reproductions will be great for sketches and value studies. I don’t have many books on Realists, so I decided to get it as well.
You can see my full collection of art books .
I ended up buying one antique leatherbound book on French decorating motifs from the 1800s. It is a gorgeous book and has some great plates in it as well.
We dropped my books off at the car for obvious reasons and checked out of a couple of the antique shops.
Cheri and I spent most of our time admiring things that we weren’t planning on buying. That is a part of the fun of the hunt…just appreciating things and imagining how they could be used. We loved this vintage “market basket” for hauling your baby or toddler around. It’s just so sweet! I thought it would make a great piece of 3D art in a mudroom or something.
I did end up buying a few very small things that I could justify taking with me.
I fell in love with this antique boater hat right when I saw it. I’ve wanted one for a while, but never purchased one. I thought about it as I walked around the store and decided I would treat myself and get it. It was 20% off, making it a pretty good price. It’ll be a bit of interesting art in our next house.
The details of this hat are just amazing. I love the weave of the straw…
And that thick blue ribbon with the flat bow. It’s just perfect!
I even love the inside… the silk label, the leather band…
…and the little elastic bow.
People kept asking if it fits me. It doesn’t because my head is on the larger size, but I’m not planning on wearing it anyway!
I bought two pieces of ironstone – an and a small oval dish.
In keeping with only buying small things (and a few heavy books), I bought a . I thought they would make great still life studies for drawing and painting. I imagine painting a series of baby shoes and these just spoke to me.
The last thing I bought is completely ridiculous given that I was trying to just buy small things. It is small in a way…it won’t take up much space in the van, but it’s definitely not small. It’s a 7′ wooden and metal straight edge! At first, I was just admiring it, but I realized how much I would actually use it. It’s perfect for trimming fabric and wallpaper among other things. In fact, it apparently is a wallpaper ruler!
When Jeff saw it, he gave me a look that said, “Are you serious with that thing?” And I looked squarely back at him and said “Yes. Yes, I am.”
I went on to explain all of the merits of having a 7′ straight edge that is also awesome-looking and prophesied how much he would want to use my ruler. I also pointed out that it will hardly take up any space despite the fact that it is a huge ruler.
Anyway, I was beaming over my purchases and couldn’t be deflated by minor technicalities like being able to fit everything in our vehicles.
It was so fun to spend the day in a place I enjoy with a good friend. We’re leaving Minnesota this Sunday, so we’re trying to fit in all of the visits and things we want to experience one more time.
I’m not too sad about leaving the antiquing in Minnesota although I will miss Junk Bonanza and Gold Rush. Those are two great events, but I’m glad I’ll be able to frequent some of my favorite places back east again.
27 Responses
The hat is so unique! I like the marks around the bow, that maybe a hatpin was put in to…..
And antique hunting/browsing, what a nice way to spend time with a friend 🙂
I am definitely going to be making a trip over to Stillwater this summer!! Thank you for sharing your experience.
I just knew you would go back to Stillwater ! Love the hat can’t wait to see how you display it in your new place. And if the ruler could only talk the stories it would tell. I covet my grandfather’s old ruler I use all the time. Love all your new purchases. Please keep us up on all your next trips to other towns. Just think of all the shops between MN and the East Coast you have the opportunity to visit.
I’m clutching my heart right now after seeing the ruler! Never in a million years would that have not come home with me! Enjoy all of your exquisite treasures and have a safe trip back east!
I knew I would regret it if I didn’t buy it. It will be so perfect for large sewing projects.
I was so happy that you purchased the hat and ruler! And the baby shoes!!! When I saw the hat the first thing I thought was “oh please buy that hat!” And then I am even more thrilled that you posted a picture of it so that I can sketch it. Win win for you AND your followers!
Yes! That hat will be fun to sketch and paint. I already did a sketch of the shoes.
I can just see fat little baby legs and feet in those shoes. You are also a treasure of our hearts.
Thank you for sharing your new “old” treasure purchases with us. I’m glad you were able to visit Stillwater again, one of our MN treasures before you left. Safe travels on your new adventures going east toward family.
Love the blue illustrations on the French book. (At least that’s how my monitor reads.) The hat makes me think of the pond yacht. And swoon over the straight edge. That will be handy indeed.
This is neither here nor there, but I pressed home on the Roku as your web was loading, and it advertised a movie I’ve never heard of called Stillwater. Kind of spooky funny.
Glad you got to one of my favorite towns, I always feel refreshed after a visit. I have sold
a few ancient books to this bookseller so I know the place well. Love your treasures and they will remind you of your Minnesota stay.
I have a picture of my mother and oldest brother. He was a baby in her lap, and wearing black and white button shoes like these. I found a similar pair in an antique mall. My parents were for the most part poor, as were, I’m assuming friends and relatives, so anything not in use went to someone else. They did not hold onto “things.”
Goodness the label in that hat. I grew up in Garner Iowa which is 10 miles from Clear Lake. We spent almost every summer at a cottage in Clear Lake. Also went to the surf ballroom every Saturday night all through high school I was shocked to see that label saying Clear Lake, Iowa. I still have family living in Clear Lake and I make several trips every year to visit. I live in Wisconsin now. I have made several road trips to Stillwater. I love that town. I went to school in Minneapolis and did not even know about Stillwater.
Another trivia note about Clear Lake, Iowa, it is the location of the crash of the plane when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper died. There is a memorial there where many fans go to visit. Stillwater is one of my favorites. Great food, shopping, and the view is spectacular. I LOVE that ruler.
The overgrown ruler was most likely out of a wallpaper box set. I had one from the 30’s and it also included metal strips to trim off the printed edge of the wallpaper because the wallpaper did not come trimmed. The boxes were folded in two and had metal fold out legs. I always thought the set up box would make a cool sofa table as it was long and narrow. We sold ours at a yard sale for a few dollars. By the way, they are very handy to have and to use. I used mine when I was wallpapering our houses.
My husband and I visited Stillwater several years ago. We stayed in a wonderful Bed and Breakfast. We adored the quaint historic town along the river. My husband loved tea shops and we had tea and tiny sandwiches (the waitress was nervous the tall 6’1″ man would be upset with the petite offerings, he loved it!) and tasty cakes. We ate dinner one night after getting a good recommendation and it was then we found there was a business side to Stillwater, with fast food, etc. We felt a bit deflated and foolish, however, it was a wonderful memorial trip.
I’m teary-eyed just thinking that was our last antiquing trip together. I guess I’ll have to come visit you and the shops in your new town.
I have loved all our treasure hunts together. I’m gonna miss you!
I love ALL your finds, but especially THAT hat! What craftsmanship! The ruler is amazing too! I’m so sorry you broke your foot, but glad you are making the best of it with some antique shopping therapy ;).
Aw, Sunday?? Minnesota will miss you. I hope your new home is everything you dream it will be!
So glad that you were able to spend a special day with your friend, Cheri. All of your goodies are great but that is one impressive ruler!!!! It has such wonderful character! Asking the Lord to bless y’all as you leave Minnesota.
We had a wonderful day! It has been a joy to antique with Marian!
Well, I live near Stillwater and since you visited there last fall I have imagined running into you there and getting to meet you. Alas, it is not to be! I’m glad you had one last chance to enjoy the town and find some treasures too. That ruler is magnificent!! =).
What state are you moving to and why? I may have missed that, but now I am curious. Good luck with your new adventure. We retired 5 years ago and relocated. I found a fabulous woman’s club to join and now have 65 new friends. I feel very blessed. I hope you have as much luck.
We are moving back to the east coast to be closer to our parents. We don’t have an exact destination, yet, but we’re excited about the next chapter!
Good luck and safe travels back East! I’m excited to hear about where you eventually call home and look forward to some great antiquing as we do have some wonderful shops to find treasures on the East Coast!
Safe travels back to the east! I love this post! Oh that hat! Excited to see where you end up and read about your travels! Enjoy your awesome new adventure!
Vicki
When I saw that ruler leaning against the wall, my first thought was it would be perfect for recording a child’s growth. Instead of leaving precious markings on a wall, you can take it with you!