Every once in a while, we say we're gonna throw out all our furniture, pictures, and other
accoutrements and change our style completely. Should we go modern? Mid-century? Cottage? Beach house? Traditional?
We go out looking at various shops and stores. Sometimes we even buy things! And they are usually in the same style that we already have. No matter how much we determine to change, we are stuck in the same vein -- I guess you'd call it "country" (but without all the kitsch -- "
something that appeals to popular or lowbrow taste and is often of poor quality," according to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary). They used to call it "
Early American."
Well, yesterday we drove to a small town in southern York County, Pa., to look at woven goods at the Family Heirloom Weavers shop near Red Lion.
I did a post on this place last year so I won't repeat all the particulars. Suffice it to say that it was fun speaking with a member of the family, who told us about the presidents' homes and other historic houses for which they have woven carpeting and other fabrics. They do it for movies, too, like the relatively recent
Lincoln and the older film
Cold Mountain, among many others.
We traveled south in I83 to Pa. 74 and on to
Dallastown, where we turned onto a two-lane road, drove a mile or so through farm country, and arrived at a tiny community of a few houses, a church, and the Heirloom Weavers' mill.
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| Our Sienna met the weavers' truck in the parking lot. |
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| The entrance to the mill building. |
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| Original 1838 coverlet to the left, reproduction to the right. |
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| Additional coverlets and carpeting. |
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| Next door is the show house. |
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| I liked this vintage wash stand because it looks French. |
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| Susanne bought napkins and some other woven pieces. |
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| She also bought this tool for winding yarn, or something! |
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| These colorful spools of silk were for sale as decorations. |
Once our visit was completed, we head back into Dallastown and, on the advice of the weaver, went to lunch at
Lion's Pride in Dairyland Square. This was a great experience with a very efficient and personable server and great food.
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| I got an open-face Rachel sandwich -- turkey, cole slaw, Russian dressing, and cheese. |
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| For dessert I tried "Jewish Apple Cake." |
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After lunch we drove a few blocks to
Broad Street Antiques Market, located on, you guessed it, Broad Street! It's located in an old warehouse building that has been nicely cleaned up and made suitable for selling vintage and antique items.
According to the owner, there are no antiques or reproductions, and all items must be older than fifty years. We toured the whole place, and these are some of the items I found appealing.
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| A 19th-century (I am guessing) maple bed with a beautiful head board. |
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| Gorgeous Roseville pottery. |
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| Early children's farm toys. |
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| A nice example of E.S&B pottery from New Brighton, Pa., where my daughter Sarah lives. | | | | | | | |
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| Anyone for a stoneware decorated mug? |
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| This strawberry-patterned bowl was nearly irresistible. |
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| I like the shape of these cordial glasses. Bottoms up! |
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| Who doesn't like bright tulips in the spring? |
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| Old Glory. |
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| I was intrigued by this plate, allegedly made in western Pa. in the first half of the twentieth century. |
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| An old pie safe holds lots of goodies. |
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| So does this wooden cabinet with what appears to be original paint. |
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| The primitive table sports a beautiful green color. |
On the way home we took the scenic route (of course) and passed
Three Mile Island nuclear generating station in the Susquehanna River near Falmouth. It's always impressive to see the water vapor rising from the cooling towers -- no matter how many times you see it.
Soon we arrived home. No new style. No new furniture. Oh well.
After all, tomorrow is another day!
