Q&A: Liz Ughetta of Bohland & Graham

Posted on January 28, 2013 by thesavvyseeker

Q: Tell us briefly about yourself – What are your interests or your hobbies?

A: I love the antiques business. I’ve always enjoyed antiquing – so, it only made sense to open my own shop. By the way, the name of the shop comes from my husband’s grandmother’s name & my grandmother’s name.

Where can I hang this in my house?! An amazing Ringling Brothers Circus banner, found in upstate New York.

Q: What inspired you to open an antique store in the Richmond area?

A: Richmond is such a great town. The shop was a leap of faith – and knock on wood, so far so good. It was also in my blood, my mother had an antique shop in Southampton, NY. I learned a lot from her – and she made it fun – it was addictive!

Love this tall english cupboard with pewter and stoneware display! I loved it so much, I had to purchase two of the smaller platters for my own collection!

Q: How would you describe your shop in comparison to other stores that offer antiques in the Richmond area?

A: When asked to describe what we carry at Bohland & Graham – it’s hard to come up with a simple answer that encompasses everything. I usually say it’s a mix of traditional antiques, mid-century & industrial furnishings with interesting objects interspersed throughout. There’s definitely a certain vibe to the shop. The other day one of my customers said, “I just want to hang out here.” And that’s a wonderful compliment.

You can never have too many antique dress forms!

Q: What do you see as big collecting trends for 2013? Are there some hot items that one should invest in?

A: I try not to pay attention to trends. I think it’s better to buy what you love, and what speaks to you. Timeless sounds trite, but If you buy what you love, it will always work together – my mom taught me that. A good decorator will cull items from your own collection to incorporate with new acquisitions. It’s rare to find a decorating book from ten years ago, that doesn’t look dated. Rose Tarlow’s book, The Private House originally published in 2002 is the exception to that rule. It’s an inspiration, with lots of great advice on how to make your house a home.

Beautiful antique chest with english leather books and miniature boxes.

Q: What is the most unique object that you’ve ever brought into your shop? How did you acquire it?

A: I went to a sale about 2 years ago at Abraham Lincoln’s great great nephew’s house on the Piankatank. It was fascinating & I purchased a lot of unique items at that sale as well as some very beautiful traditional pieces. I’m only sorry I didn’t buy more!

Fantastic early 19th century lantern. LOVE the red glass!

Q: If I had an antique store, it would be empty! I’d bring all the treasures home with me! Does your personal home decor style influence what you put into your shop?

A: Somewhat, however now that I have a store – I’ve neglected my house. It’s like having 2 homes less than a mile from each other. Also, whenever I find something great – I want to share it with my clients.

Liz looks for treasures for her shop everywhere, including the flea markets in Paris.

I fell in love with these heavy cast iron industrial wheels! No reproductions here!

Q: What would be your advice for those who are just starting to purchase antiques?

A: I’m repeating myself, but my advice would be buy what you love. If you don’t know anything about antiques – visit some of our wonderful resources right here – from the VMFA which has a terrific permanent collection, to the Virginia Historical Society to Agecroft Hall, as well as many other museums and historic homes in Richmond!

Keep your treasures locked away in this awesome old Richmond safe.

Q: What other services does your shop provide?

A: We try to provide outstanding customer service. We offer free local delivery, designer discounts, and gift wrapping for smaller items or wedding presents, etc. We are so lucky to have such wonderful customers, it’s only natural to want to please them.

Another great chair and antique lithograph!

For more information about this wonderful shop, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bohlandandgraham

Bohland & Graham

2605 West Cary St

Richmond, VA 23220

(804) 859-1577

Store hours: Mon. – Sat. 10am – 6pm

GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!! The winner of my first ever blog giveaway is Sam!! Congratulations Sam (I’ll be in touch via email shortly!) and thanks so much to everyone who entered the drawing!

Upcoming Events:

Winter in the Valley Antique Show

Feb. 9th, 2013

11am – 4pm

General Admission $5

Augusta Expoland

Fishersville, VA

Happy Blog-Birthday! Favorite Posts of 2012!

Posted on January 8, 2013 by thesavvyseeker

Hey ya’ll! Can you believe this blog is turning ONE this week! Well, I can’t! I started this blog as part of my 2012 New Year’s resolution…to create a new outlet for my passion for antiques and for my other interests; writing and photography. I had no idea how I was going to do it or what I was going to say…but once I started, it all came pouring out! Looks like I enjoy talking…imagine that!

Wow! What a year! Here’s to many more treasure hunting adventures!

I would like to also take this time to thank everyone who has encouraged me with supporting words like, “You can do it!” And I don’t even know how to thank those that have opened their homes and their shops to me and allowed me to pester them with endless emails and questions about their unique collections. You guys/gals are AWESOME!!

I thought we could take a look back at 2012 and see what ya’ll loved most about the TheSavvySeeker.com:

#5 – Seeking in Colonial Beach, Va

I’ve lived in Virginia for over 20 years and hadn’t heard of Colonial Beach until this past summer. What a fantastic destination spot!! Just over an hour from Richmond and Washington, D.C., this quaint Victorian town has a lot to offer it’s guests. Rich in history, friendly people, shops, restaurants and a small beach, it makes for the perfect day trip.

Remember this beauty? The Alexander Graham Bell family vacation home, now a B&B.

#4 – Before & After: My Bathroom

These photos don’t do it justice! It really is one of the cutest rooms in the house! I can’t express how happy I am with the way this room turned out…from the dark gray grout and the craigslist finds (Kohler sink and antique Hoosier cabinet). You’ll see some updates to this room this year too, as we are having the old cast iron tub refinished and the hunt continues for the perfect mirror!

I’m still on the hunt for the perfect mirror!

#3 - Bathroom Inspiration

Before I start any creative project I always sketch out some thoughts and collect a variety of images that inspire ideas. Just like you, I love to see how other people update their older homes. This post was a fun collection of different bathroom styles with some small similarities.

Hello Barbie! How about a hot pink sink? NOT!

#2 - Old House Charm: Before & After Banister

What was originally going to be a stained banister ended up as a painted banister. Not all home improvement projects go as planned, but sometimes a little experimentation can land you happy results!

Wowzers! Looking good! This minor change really added a lot of character to our foyer!

#1 - Mason Jar Light Pendant

By far…the most viewed post was actually about taking an old mason jar and turning it into an inexpensive, yet funky light fixture! We get so many compliments on this little light pendant from visitors and it only set us back $28 for parts!

The OG: Original Mason Jar Light Pendant

So that’s a look at the top 5 from last year, according to YOU, my wonderful readers!

And not to ignore lots and lots of other great stories, I thought I’d share just a few of my favorites from 2012:

Stay tuned next week, as the Birthday Bonanza continues with a great GIVEAWAY CONTEST!

The Historic Homestead Resort

Posted on December 4, 2012 by thesavvyseeker

One place that my mother-in-law loved to escape to for a long weekend was The Homestead, located in Hot Springs, VA. For years, she kept telling the Mr. and I that we should go there for a romantic getaway, especially around the Christmas holiday. Well, a few weeks ago, I got the wonderful opportunity to stay at this amazing historic resort for a company retreat…and boy was she right!

What a view! The original tower still stands, originally built in 1929.

The Homestead has a long and rich history, which all started with the natural mineral springs that are located in this beautiful area. Native Americans were the first to discover and use the hot springs for their healing properties. In 1776, the first version of the resort was built, which consisted of 300 acres and an 18 room hotel. The Homestead’s website has lots of great information on the history here.

Enjoy tea time on the sprawling front porch.

After staying at this place for a few days, I understand why it has earned a four diamond award rating. Besides the serene natural settings, beautiful architecture and cozy room accomodations…I was actually most impressed with how wonderful the resorts staff was. The food was also delicious…especially the huge buffet style breakfast, which offered everything from homemade miniature waffles to bagels and lox.

This photo was taken early in the morning, standing in the Great Hall, which had just been decorated for the holidays. This impressive entry way was rebuilt in 1902 after a horrible fire burned the entire resort. The coffered ceilings, dental molding, pendant lighting and giant columns will take any visitors breath away! By mid afternoon, this area is buzzing with guests who are checking in or those who are simply enjoying tea time with an afternoon paper.

She’s got a ticket to ride!

There are many items scattered around the resort, hinting of the Homestead’s rich past. In this corner, I found an old horse-drawn buggy. I would love to go for a ride around the property in the spring time in this thing! The resort still offers private horse-drawn buggy tours of the grounds for a fee ranging from $95-$170.

And if you like to golf, here’s a small view of one of the many golf courses at the resort…offering amazing views of the surrounding Allegheny Mountains. For more information on about the courses: www.thehomestead.com/golf

If you get the chance to go, which you should definitely try to do if you are going to be passing through the south western region of Virginia, take an afternoon and go hike one of the many trails around the property. There are 100 miles of biking and hiking trails around the property. This photo was taken while hiking a small trail that offered amazing views of many waterfalls. Simply breathtaking!

For those of you that will be in the Richmond, VA area this weekend, here’s an event you shouldn’t miss:

The Fan District’s Historic Holiday House Tour
December 8th & 9th, 2012
1-5pm
More info: http://fandistrict.org/holiday-house-tour-december-8th-and-9th-2012/

Are you going somewhere fun this holiday season? If so, tell us about it!

Q&A: Ignatius Hats and Home

Posted on July 10, 2012 by thesavvyseeker

What do you get when you mix two magically creative guys with a knack for making wearable art and a historically significant home in Petersburg, VA? One of the most interesting and beautiful homes that I have ever seen…that’s what! Meet Rod Givens and Ignatius Creegan of Ignatius Hats! The were gracious enough to have me over to explore their federal style home and even allowed me to try on a few of their fashionably forward hats (Fellas…the bird hat is a MUST HAVE!).

Q: What can you tell me about the history of your home?

Ignatius: The home was built in 1855. On April 3^rd, 1865, the house served as General Grant’s headquarters, where President Lincoln met him here to discuss the end of the war. This was right after the end of the 9-month siege of Petersburg. Ten days later, Lincoln was assassinated.

Gorgeous antique chest, anchored by a mirror and architectural prints.

Q: Where do your beautiful antiques come from?

Rod: From all over the United States because we travel extensively throughout the year. We take our hats to about 10-12 shows a year. Some of the collection also came from my family.

A rare Empire style grandfather clock greets guests in the main foyer.

Q: What can you tell us about this fabulous clock in your foyer?

Rod: I’ve never seen another Empire style grandfather clock…it belonged to the previous homeowner and came with the house.

Amazing plaster work on this ceiling medallion, original to the house.

A marble bust sits on top of this empire style table. Pocket doors reveal the “hat room” in the background…

Q: How long have you been renovating your home?

Rod: Since we moved in, about 9 years ago.

I have no idea how a girl could choose from all these beautiful works of art…each one delicately crafted by hand! Maybe a different hat for each day of the week? Hmmm….

Q: What was the first antique hat that you brought home?

Ignatius: A blonde horsehair and straw hat from 1910, that came from Bygones (in Carytown). The horsehair allows the hat to be lightweight and stiff. It’s rare because most horsehair hats are usually black.

Original marble fire place found in the formal dining room…

A sweet petite chair sits to the right of the original china closet.

Taxidermy and fine art await you in the formal living room.

Q: Tell us about your favorite item in your home…

Rod: I love paintings and I’ve been collecting them for quite sometime now. My favorite painting is from the 1920’s by an unknown artist that I purchased off of Ebay. Other paintings in our collection are artists such as Jack Lawrence and Martha Upshur.

Part of Rod’s antique toy collection is showcased on this petite antique french settee, located in the upstairs office.

An antique furniture cart is fashioned as a coffee table, here in the bright and spacious sitting room, just off of the kitchen.

Q: Describe your style in three words:

Rod: Elegant Hoarder

I am in LOVE with this creamy colored enamel ice box! No ice inside…as it now stores bread and other treats!

Q: How did you acquire your amazing antique hat form collection?

Ignatius: The first one was bought in New York in 1985, but some were also given to us. A little later, I bought a small collection from New York. The earliest hat forms we have are from the teens or 20’s.

This is just a peek at the extensive antique hat form collection of Ignatius Hats…each one a unique work of art!

Q: If people want to learn more about Ignatius Hats, where can they go for more information?

Ignatius: Our website at IgnatiusHats.com

“Feed the birds, tuppence a bag…” I feel like Julie Andrews in this lovely Ignatius Hats original!! Isn’t it fabulous?

Got a great collection? Would you like to have your home featured on The Savvy Seeker? If so, contact me!

Squash-a-penny Junction, Part 2

Posted on June 4, 2012 by thesavvyseeker

So this is my Squashapenny Junction Recap, Part Deux! Remember this amazing place I blogged about last week? Well, there was soooo much to talk about, I thought it would be best to split it into a two-part series. That way I didn’t totally overload you with all of the amazing eye candy! Just in case you forgot, here’s the main building from the front of the property that holds lots of vintage treasure! One thing I forgot to add, was that the owner of Squashapenny also sells a lot of these items as movie props…how cool is that?

Lots of treasure to be found in the Squashapenny General Store!

Directly across the street is this beautiful farmhouse. I can’t even tell you how much I love this house!!! With the green shutters and that wonderfully welcoming wrap around front porch!! (I think there’s a cold glass of sweet tea calling my name on that porch somewhere) Anywho, apparently it was the original hotel for the town since the railroad tracks are located a stones throw away from the home. This house was also constructed around the 1860′s (same time period as the general store building). Today, it is now a private residence…

I would LOVE to see the inside of this beautiful 1860′s home!

Next to the old farmhouse is this charming brick building that was the town’s original bank. This building was not constructed until 1920. Today, it has become a high end antique store that houses some serious americana collectibles. It wasn’t open when I was there visiting, but I drooled while peeking in the window. There were hobby horses and hand painted signs and lots of other amazing early american antiques. The sign on the window said “by appointment only,” so don’t plan on just popping in this place.

The town bank, circa 1920.

When the Mr. and I came out of the general store building, we thought that we had seen all there was to look at. The shop owner told us there was more around back and boy was she right! We walked through the side yard and found this wonderful iron horse sculpture and old tin shed.

The Mr. wanted to take this pony and place him in our front yard!

Once we were inside, we were surprised to see less wacky general store type merchandise and more items that reflected a primitive, early american style. Most of the merch in this building was not tagged, so I’m guessing you’ve got to name your price with the shop owner. One item that I fell in love with was this early hobby horse…hmmm…I’m detecting a bit of a horse theme…

Great early american hobby horse, all hand painted and constructed from wood.

This photo reminds me a lot of my own kitchen! I love old baskets, firkins and any kind of early cupboard. This cupboard was probably the top half to a larger pantry. The firkin in the foreground is in excellent condition and I loved the two-toned paint. Firkins are very hard to find in the south…maybe because majority of them were destroyed during the civil war? If you’re looking for a firkin, my recommendation is to head to Pennsylvania where they seem to be at every antique show and shop. Anyway, this one was a really nice size but lacked a price tag.

Lookin’ for a firkin? Better grab this one because they are hard to find in Virginia!

This building was small, but packed full of small cupboards, chairs and other early american primitive antiques. I loved the color of this red cupboard sitting next to the dark green file cabinet.

One thing I look for with primitives is rich, dark colors!

Here’s another corner of the building…

Adorable white pantry and I love the feed sign!

So pick a pretty day and head to Doswell, VA where all of these wonderful items are waiting for you! You will feel as if you stepped back in time…and if you place your own penny on the train tracks and wait for a train to come by…you can make your very own Squashapenny!

Let me know if you visit and what you think!

Squash-A-Penny Junction, Part I

Posted on May 29, 2012 by thesavvyseeker

Have you been someplace to unique, so extraordinary, that you almost felt like you walked onto a movie set? That is exactly how I felt when I visited Squashapenny Junction a few weekends ago.

A friend of mine gave me the tip about this place and then when I was in Fishersville, another antiquing buddy had asked me if I had ever visited Squashapenny. I’ve been to a few places off the beaten path looking for treasures, but I know I would surely remember a placed called Squashapenny! And now that I’ve been, I can truly tell you that this place is as unique as its name.

I bet you’ve never seen a general store like this before!

Just a few miles off of the Doswell, VA / Kings Dominion exit off of 95 North of Richmond, down a tiny unmarked road that runs parallel to some train tracks, is this gem of a place. It was originally built as a general store in the 1860′s and about 16 years ago, the property was bought and turned into an eclectic antique store. I don’t think much has changed about this building since it was built…except maybe some of the contents inside…which still contain many old general store items such as old food cans, displays and advertising signs. There was so much to look at, it was totally sensory overload!! But what fun we had while we were there!!

How’s that song go…”whiskey for my men, beer for my horses…”

This old iron horse sits outside…he looked thirsty, sittin’ out in the hot southern sun, so I offered him a drink…

See what I mean about a movie set? I felt as if I had gone back in time…

This is what we saw when the Mr. and I entered the building through the original screen door. It was wall-to-wall-floor-to-ceiling eye candy!! You could literally get lost in this place, scoping out the walls and displays for one of a kind treasures!

Wonderful old Pepsi machine…I wonder if the fountain soda sign will fit in my station wagon?

The Mr. was all about this Pepsi machine…which up until recently looked like you could still purchase a cold beverage inserting a coin and pulling its lever. I’m a Coca-Cola kinda girl myself, but I still thought it was pretty amazing. I was more in love with the Fountain Service sign sitting to the right…

Amazing RCA Victor chair…maybe once used as a display piece in an old record shop.

The Mr. does not love antiques as much as I do…but he loves me which means he gets to tolerate my sometimes-over-the-top-enthusiasm for old treasures. I rarely see him get as excited as I do over antiques but when we he turned the corner and saw this RCA Victor Records chair, I thought he was going to lose his mind!! For a man that collects records, this chair takes the cake. I may have to talk to Santa to see if it can appear under our Christmas tree this year…

Children’s boots in pristine condition!

See what I mean about wall-to-wall!! So much to look at!!

Overall, I would say this is the place to go if you collect antique advertising pieces, old store displays or anything odd and quirky. And the owner was just a friendly as can be, so I’m thinking that she would probably be willing to negotiate on a few items for serious buyers. So if you’re near Doswell, VA, do yourself a favor and make this part of your itinerary! I’ll be sharing more about my visit at Squashapenny Junction next week so stay tuned!!

50th Shenandoah Antiques Expo

Posted on March 26, 2012 by thesavvyseeker

I had never heard of Fishersville, VA until just a few years ago…which is strange, because I’ve lived in the state of Virginia for half of my life. A couple of years ago, I started hearing the whispers, “Are you going to the Fishersville show?” between antique dealers while I would peruse their shops. The whispers would grow louder in the spring and fall. Then my mother started asking me about an antique show in Fishersville, VA…which I knew had to be good because the woman lived in Charlotte, NC. How was she hearing about it? What was this mystical place? Finally, my curiosity had the best of me.

Love this old mantle...

My Heart Belongs in Fishersville

In the spring of 2011, my mother-in-law and I decided to take the trip to the Shenandoah Valley area to check out the show on a Saturday morning. It was a beautiful day and a lovely drive near Charlottesville to the town of Fisherville, VA. When we pulled off the exit and onto the highway, we saw a handwritten sign on a flimsy piece of poster board strung against a guard rail…I knew this was going to be good.

Photo: http://www.maineantiquedigest.com

Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa. It was like a pickers heaven!!! For those that don’t know about this AMAZING event, it’s official name is the Shenandoah Antique Expo. It’s hosted twice a year by Heritage Promotions and is held at the Augusta Expo Center. There are over 300 dealers (for the for-real collectors) located inside the expo center, whose prices range from moderate to what I like to call “wowzers” expensive. For example, I seriously debated about purchasing a walnut settee from the late 1700’s with original rose head nails, that was a steal priced at $700 – and then I also saw a giant English stepback cupboard that made my jaw hit the floor, which was priced at $15,000.

Photo: littleredroost.blogspot.com

Outside the expo center are hundreds of other dealers who have small tents set up with their merch, as well as those that pull up in a rusty truck that morning with fresh pickin’s ready to sort through. I should also add that there is 4 large barns with dealers set up as well. One of the items I did purchase came from one of these barns – a 1940’s cottage style wrought iron settee with cushions for my front porch. Most of the items I scored from the outside vendors…ironstone platters, garden accessories, wreaths and other smalls. My mother-in-law purchased a beautiful antique basket and 19^th century firkin from the dealers inside the expo center.

What else did we see? Fine Virginia made primitives, antique garden items, bible boxes, quilts, antique french religious relics, shabby-chic items, advertising…I could go on and on. What I truly love about this event is that there is literally something there for everyone and at every price. One item I’m sad that I passed on was an a sign from a bar from the late 1800′s that said “No Horses Allowed.” I know…that was stupid of me!

This Year’s Show

Mark your calendar’s now because this year’s spring show is being held May 18^th – May 20^th. The gates open at 10am on Friday and it costs $10 for early bird admission (ticket good for three days). Saturday and Sunday open at 9am and costs $5.

I am still amazed that I hadn’t really heard of this event before, but now that I’ve gone…I’m a fan for life. Nothing can beat a beautiful day, a cold lemonade in one hand and a hot dog in the other, while haggling for that one new treasure you just can’t live without!

Will you be going to the big show this year? If so, maybe I’ll see you there!

Q&A: Antiquing in Lynchburg, VA with Kathy Brown

Posted on March 6, 2012 by thesavvyseeker

This Q&A interview will read a little bit differently since I decided to combine it with some highlights from my wonderful weekend in Lynchburg, VA. What’s in Lynchburg you ask? The Mr.’s family, which includes my lovely mother-in-law, Kathy, who happens to share some of the same hobbies and past-times that I have! One of my favorite things in the world, after a long workweek, is to leave the city and spend a weekend hopping antique shops and yard sales in the rolling landscape around Lynchburg, Amherst and Appomattox, VA.

One of my favorite places in Lynchburg...Estate Specialists!

Kathy knows were all the awesome little outta-the-way spots are…mostly because she’s lived in this region for all of her life. Estate Specialists is one of our first stops whenever we head out treasure hunting. Every time we visit the shop, one of us is sure to find that special something sitting at the bottom of a pile merchandise. On this trip, Kathy found a wonderful early glass butter churn and cute black table/bench that she plans to use as a display for some of her antique crocks. I was digging in a large pile of random prints and frames and found this amazing early 1900 lithograph of an elk for $25 in a wonderful black Victorian frame. I think the subject matter of this print will look great with some of my arts and crafts furniture!

What did we find? An glass butter churn, small painted table and an antique lithograph!

Two gals on a shopping rampage can certainly draw up an appetite! Conveniently located directly across the street from Estate Specialists is the darling Ploughcroft Tea Room. We tried to get a table, but alas, the entire placed was packed with reservations. And judging by the menu, its no wonder…you can enjoy such delectables such as “The Plough” Shepard’s Pie or the Somerset Cheese and Onion Tart!

The Tea Room...better make a reservation!

Since the tea room was a no-go, we opted for another adorable restaurant down the street called Market and Main. Once we filled up on fresh cod sandwiches, fried green tomatoes and my all-time favorite, sweet tea, we headed out for one more antiquing stop. Lou’s Antique Mall is a great place to find just about anything. From farm tables, victorian cabinets, china and smalls…they got it. But be ready to pay retail here…even though the shop owner informed me that they do a 3 month layaway and some dealers offer as much as 20% off on some items.

Lots to see at Lou's Antique Mall!

After Lou’s, we stopped to check out this old mill that’s been a family business since 1813!! That’s a whole lotta cornmeal people!! What you don’t see here are the chickens that were running around on the property and the family farmhouse up on the hill to the right. There’s a beautiful stream that runs behind the property and makes the entire scene something out of a movie. I can’t image that there are many working mills like this one still in existing today in America. It was a lovely end to a lovely day and as the weather gets warmer, I’ll be anxious to go back and visit and do it all over again!

Get your grits on at this 200 year old mill!

Q: Tell me briefly a little about yourselves. What are your interests or your hobbies?

Kathy: I love primitive furniture and looking for that next “find.” I love to knit and primitive rug hooking. I was born and raised in Lynchburg, VA and am one of the Daughter’s of Confederacy…in the Kirwood-Otey Division.

Q: What are some of your favorite decorating magazines?

Kathy: I love to read A Primitive Place and Southern Accents was one of my all-time favorites before it went out of print.

Q: Describe your style in three words:

Kathy: Eclectic, primitive, country.

Q: Do you have any decorating rules?

Kathy: Less is more.

Lovely old grain bin greets visitors at the front door...

Q: Where did most of your antique collection come from?

Kathy: Almost all of my antiques have come from Virginia. I’ve been collecting for 30 years. My first piece was a butter churn that was priced at $20, that my husband purchased for me.

Q: Do you have a favorite genre/style of antiques?

Kathy: I love primitives. I look at these early pieces and think back to what women went through…how they lived over 200 years ago. They used these articles in their everyday life and that is fascinating to me. These pieces have endured centuries while most of the average furniture made today doesn’t last.

Lookin' for a firkin? Check out this beauty that used to hold sugar.

Q: Where did you find the antique grain bin?

Kathy: That was a lucky find on craigslist for $30. It came out of an old barn in Pamplin, VA, which is on the other side of Appomattox.

One of many antique crocks in Kathy's collection paired with child's boots.

Q: What can you tell us about this crock and the little shoes sitting next to it?

Kathy: I love stone. Isn’t it crazy to think that this was an early form of Tupperware? Women used to store food in these containers and keep them in their pantry. That particular crock was from an estate sale here in Lynchburg, VA…it was a beautiful old home. As for the little shoes…I bought them at a primitive antique show in the Shenandoah Valley, but the antique dealer told me they came from Pennsylvania.

Beautiful spinning wheel surround by more civil-war era crocks.

Q: I love your spinning wheel. What can you tell us about it?

Kathy: That is an old spinning wheel that I found last year at a shop called Old Mill Primitives, located in Goodview, VA. It dates to about 1860…so around the time of the civil war. It was used to spin wool and it’s all original. When I saw it, it really spoke to me because I love to knit. It was interesting getting that into my car and getting it home!

Q: What are some of your favorite pieces in your collection?

Kathy: I’ve been collecting quilts for years. A 97-year-old woman at church made one of my quilts…and that is probably my favorite quilt. Her name was Pearl. I remember she used to use an old quilting frame to make them.