Day Trip Travels, A Feral Spool Cabinet and 1880's Quack Medicine!!

November 17, 2023 1 Comment

 Day Trip Travels

My most recent travels took me to the Western Mountains and almost to the coast. Things are quieting down in Maine now that fall is here.  During the week, you can really take your time looking the shops over!  Btw, I will have 4 sewing boxes to list soon, each one very different from the other. More to come on these!

I don’t usually buy larger pieces, but this time I had to break the rules and make room in the house (and my little Camry)! If you are looking for sturdy, well-made furniture with character go to an antique shop! It’s a green purchase and the furniture prices are down.  I am almost red in the face at what I paid.  I got these two pieces and a large wall shelf with antique cast iron hardware (not yet on the wall😉) for under $100.00!   

 Small Antique Rolltop Desk and Bookshelf

If You're Winter Antiquing in Maine...

It’s cooling off here, and not gradually.  Suddenly it’s 29 and the wind is blowing!  Dressing for a Day Trip requires thought.  Warm socks are a must – the floors in antique shops are brrrrrr.  Since I cut my long hair, a hat is not optional.  But must be cute…  I wear gloves outdoors and indoors.  Sweaters, hoodies, both – Maine shops are cavernous, usually housed in an old barn or factory!  And always fun, as long as you are dressed for it!

Feral Spool Cabinet!

You are not going to believe this one.  This J&P Coats spool cabinet was found by my Dad in a barn and it was being used as a tool chest! 😮   I am going to clean it up, nurse it back to life and find the space for it.  Updated pics to follow in a bit!

J&P Coats Spool Cabinet as found "in the wild"

Aesthetically Pleasing Quack Medicine 

The cool find this time veers away from our usual stitchy vintage voyage but just look at it!  An intricate little lantern which served as one of the first vaporizers (?!) and is a great example of quack medicine.  And the “medication” used?  Creosote, which is the tarry mess found in wood stove pipes.  People were encouraged to close the bedroom door, light the lantern and breathe the fumes all night.  Also, recommended for babies!  Yes, people did get poisoned.  Though I suspect this was blamed on the illness, not the “cure”.  It was introduced in the 1880’s, claiming to be a cure for everything from scarlet fever to measles to diphtheria! It was discredited by the 1920’s.  The Vapo Cresoline Lantern became part of an exhibit featured at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair – in the “American Chamber of Horrors”!! But isn’t it pretty?

Cure All Vapo Cresoline Lantern

Sophie Mae Update

Sophie Mae is growing up fast.  She is finally done with all her puppy shots, she was very brave every time.  At her last well puppy check, she weighed 6.4 pounds, she was 1.3 pounds on Gotcha Day! She has lost her first tooth and eaten her first snow! 

 

Till Next Time!

Trish

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