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June 11, 2024 1 Comment
Recent and Future Day Trips
So, we are debating a trip to the Brimfield, MA Flea Market in September. Epic antiquing and most certainly more than a Day Trip! This would be my first Brimfield adventure and has been on my wishful to-do list for many years. However, this would not be the first Brimfield for Rob! He started going with his family in the early ‘80’s, around the age of 12. They had an antique business in Solon, Maine at the time. They also set up a booth at Brimfield for several years and sold at Heart O’ the Mart field.
Rob (currently of LeHay’s Shaker Boxes fame 😊) wasn’t just along for the ride – he was likely the youngest dealer there. His specialty was comic books and bottles, he is very proud to say that he always came home with a pocket full of cash!
If anyone has been to Brimfield, let me know in the comments!
Rob and his Dad on the way to Brimfield in 1984!
In the meantime, I continue to travel around Maine searching for treasures. I most recently visited one of my favorite spots: Camden. The lengthy journey is easily broken into parts by antique shops and ice cream along the way. The culmination of the journey is ocean, parks, flowers, haddock chowder and more antiquing - this time I even found a sewing bird in the wild!
Park and Harbor at Camden, Maine
Found in the Wild!
A Short History….
A while back I had a 1942 Willcox and Gibbs hand crank sewing machine in the Shop. I have used a few different sewing machines over the years and this one was by far the smoothest to operate and made the nicest stitches of any I’ve used and the machine itself was a piece of art.
Willcox and Gibbs was founded in 1857 by James Willcox and James Gibbs. Gibbs, a Viginia farmer provided the idea for the single thread chain stitch mechanism and Willcox, a New York businessman provided the capital and business knowledge to produce and sell the sewing machines. The chain-stitch mechanism reduced thread breakage and made the machines quieter and smoother to operate than the lockstitch machines.
The Civil War separated the partners, and as a Southerner, Gibbs lost most of his wealth but not his determination. He borrowed a suit and walked from Virginia to the Willcox and Gibbs offices in New York City after the war. He reunited with Willcox who had held Gibbs' stake in the company. They continued to innovate and improve their sewing machines which were produced well into the 20th century. The machines became well known for reliability, simplicity and compact size. Today they are sought after and cherished by collectors – if I find another, I will be very tempted to keep it!
I’d love to know if you have ever operated a Willcox and Gibbs and what you thought of it!
1942 Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine
Sophie and Porter, the Shop Dogs
Sophie has been named the new Shop Apprentice, she is excelling in the lumber procurement department! In her spare time, she is enjoying all that summer in Maine has to offer….
Sophie Mae, Lumber Procurement Assistant
Sophie and a Lady Slipper Orchid
Porter has taken a new position as Shop Morale Officer with a strong focus on Snack Quality Control.
Porter ready for QC on a cookie
Cookie Passed!
Do You Have a Request?
I am happy to take requests for specific items. You are under absolutely no obligation to purchase! Email me your request, if I come across the item, I will email you a photo and quote a price. If you are interested, just email me back! tricia@lehays.com
Follow Along!
You can follow the Shop on Instagram for updates on new items and goings on here at the Shop and on the road!
Trish LeHay (@daytriptreasures) • Instagram photos and videos
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Day Trip Treasures, Quality Antiques From Maine
Thank you and Have a Wonderful Summer!
Trish
November 17, 2023 1 Comment
October 26, 2023 1 Comment
Rob
June 11, 2024
Awesome update!