You will find the most interesting people shopping in
Florence—the antiques capital of Colorado.
This time we found Genieva Grigsby
of Canton, Texas. We overheard her talking with friends about shopping for
antiques and collectibles all the way in Florence.
Of course my ears perked up. Why was it so unusual for
someone from out of town to be finding treasures in Florence?
“Have you ever heard of Canton, Texas?” Genieva asked me.
I admitted I had not.
I was in for a delightful education. It turns out Canton has
a population of less than 5,000 people—yet on First Monday Trade Days—anywhere from
100,000 to 500,000 visitors flood the small town for what it purported to the
country’s largest and oldest continuously operating flea market.
And Genieva works at the First Monday Trade Days, renting
vendor spaces. “You can’t shop when you are working,” she laughed . Genieva has
been working in the office at the flea market for about a decade.
The event hosts up to 6,000 vendors with a variety of
merchandise ranging from antiques, collectibles, electronics and good
old-fashioned junk.
So how did Genieva FIND Florence? She also has a home in
Creede, Colorado. But friends from Pueblo accidentally discovered Florence
years ago and could not wait to share Florence.
We found Genieva in Florence. And what did she find? Lots of
things, besides a fun day with family and friends, and the thrill of the hunt.
But she was particularly happy with this find.
She liked this vintage food chopper (found at Iron Gate Antique Mall for under $15) replete with a tomato
graphic that matches her kitchen cabinets.
Most of us locally know that Florence has the largest amount
of antiques stores in Colorado per capita—making it a paradise from shoppers
all around the country, but it’s always fascinating to find out about other
parts of the country.
Canton’s First Monday Trade Days started in the 1850s when
the first Monday of the month was the time circuit judges made their rounds.
Naturally the townspeople gathered for that and to catch up on town news and
sell and trade farm and other items.
The event eventually
grew into the USA’s largest and oldest flea market that still retains its
historical name, but now operates on Thursday through Sunday before the first
Monday of every month. You can find out more by going to: www.cantontxfirstmonday.com or: www.firstmondaycanton.com
Will we find YOU in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado? That's part of a new (an hopefully fun) feature on this blog. It's simple. There is so much to find in Florence, but we want to find YOU in Florence and see what YOU found in Florence. Even if we don't find you first, feel free to send us a selfie or picture of you and your Florence find. Simply include your name and where you are from, the item and what you plan to do with it. Try and get a Florence landmark or background in the picture, so we know you found it in Florence. And feel free to tell us how much you paid for it (if you want) and what store you purchased it from. Shop owners in Florence are also welcome to submit pictures (and a brief story) about who they found in Florence and have it appear on this blog. There is no charge on either end for this--it's all about fun and sharing.
