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Showing posts with label Royal Gorge Region. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Royal Gorge Region. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

The CellHouse In Canon City, Colorado: Fun Shopping Experience Bar None

When I close my eyes and imagine a fun shopping experience, I imagine a shop where I can buy a motorcycle, a cutting board, some office furniture and perhaps pick up a bit of salmon or goat cheese for my next soiree, all at one store.

Actually I've never imagined that. But now that is possible to buy all those things in one place at The CellHouse in Canon City, Colorado.



This unique shop, located at 602 Main St. offers a huge selection of prisoner-produced items in conjunction with the Colorado Correctional Industries.

And the shop also has many items that are not produced by inmates, such as surplus office furniture at low prices.

So far, on my one visit to this semi-new business I purchased a big jar of honey and will probably return for more.

It's worth a visit to The CellHouse just to see the quality and diversity of the inmates' work.

More information on this fascinating business can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/thecellhouse/

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Antiques Store Humor: Seeded, Please Keep Off

I never knew there was such a thing as antiques store humor. And God help me, I wish I'd never found out.

Not really. I enjoy a good joke as much as anyone.

The other day a customer came into ye olde antiques mall and told me he had purchased a sign many moons ago, similar to the one pictured below, in the store I work in.


I wondered where this was going.

The customer, an older man, proclaimed,"The first one of my daughters that gets pregnant, I'm going to post my sign on her lawn: SEEDED, PLEASE KEEP OFF."

I chuckled, then replied, "Oh, dad!"

He admitted his girls might have reason to say "oh dad" but I could tell he was going to do it anyway.

Hmm, I was thinking his proposed public use of his antique "seeded" sign might be one of the most ingenious methods of birth control devised.


Friday, October 7, 2016

Florence, Colorado: All The Single (And Married) Ladies Love Robert Redford

In a previous blog post, I mentioned that interest in Jane Fonda seemed a bit higher in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado--than for Robert Redford.

Well, that changed today.

Filming for the Jane Fonda and Robert Redford movie, Our Souls At Night, was happening at Fremont Lanes today. I've never been inside the bowling alley, but I hear it's one of only a few six-lane historic venues left.

I happened to have a bird's eye view of the bowling alley most of the day. And then I spotted Robert Redford once. Then twice. I lost count at about six times.

Last week folks came in the antiques mall, where I work, and asked if I had seen Jane. No.

Ah, but today I was asked if I had seen Robert. Yes. From afar.

And the "lady" asking the question was nine years old. She was very wistful in asking, hinting and almost begging if she could see Robert. I told her I had no status, but perhaps if she asked one of the crew they might tell her when and how she could see him.

Then the truth came out. I asked,"Who is it who REALLY wants to see Robert?"

It was the girl's mother. Darn little charmer. She almost had me convinced.

The mother and her winsome daughter came back later and said the crew said there would be no contact or autographs until Oct. 11 when there would be a meet and greet. I wasn't able to find out what time or where, but I will update if and when I find out.

Another local antiques dealer and store worker was trolling the streets and got a picture of Robert, right before a car went by and almost ruined our pictures.

One time when Robert walked out of Fremont Lanes, a small group of middle-aged ladies screamed across the street,"Oh, Robert! Come over here!"

But mostly all the ladies, young and older, were quite dignified.

A few came in the antiques mall and wondered if Robert Redford was still handsome.

I can report that he is. I got just one distant picture, where you cannot tell. But a neighboring shop owner got a close-up picture of him that proves it. But that photo is stuck on my phone. I am not very adept with technical things, but will attempt to post it.

But here's my distant picture of the actor and storyteller whose popularity is at quite the fever pitch in Florence.


He's wearing a red plaid shirt and entering the bowling alley.

Another fan came by and said she wanted Robert to sign a horse book that she had of his.

And yes, I finally caught two glimpses of Jane Fonda around the bowling alley. She seemed very animated and engaged and it was a pleasure to even see these two professionals from afar working hard all day long while I attempted to keep their enthused fans happy.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Is Florence One Of The Most Interesting Towns In Colorado?

Yes!

Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado has been so interesting lately that I've had nary an extra second to post anything.

That will change soon. And I'll have some insights into many of the exciting things going on in our small burg.

Stay tuned...

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Florence,CO: 89th Annual Pioneer Day--Junktique, Parade, Hollywood & more

You know you want it. You know you need it. Small-town America at its best and a festival that brings out the best in people.

On September 16, 17 and 18, Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado will celebrate the 89th annual Pioneer Day.

Alright, there is so much packed into these three days, that it's near impossible to envision it all.


So, I'll just highlight some of the fun and frolic planned for all ages.

On Friday and Saturday, many vendors of fine antiques and good old fashioned junk come into town and treat everyone to an open-air shopping experience.


Of course, there is a parade, a craft fair, music, delicious food and libations, a street dance, coal car races, a flyover and a tractor pull.

Um, did I mention the hoagie eating contest? No, I did not. My mouth was too full practicing for the event.

Did I mention there will be six former Denver Broncos in town? No, I did not, because I was too busy daydreaming about all the fans that will be welcoming them.

Did I mention that this year the production crew for a Jane Fonda and Robert Redford movie will be in town during the Pioneer Day parade?  No, I did not, because I was too busy envisioning all the thousands of people that will be in town not only to enjoy one of the best parades in Colorado, but also might be captured in the background during filming.

Shoot! There's more exciting things going on in Florence lately than Colorado has spectacular mountains.

And you can find out more about Pioneer Day at its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/florencepioneerdays/

Will I be on the streets hoping to get into the parade filming for the Netflix movie, Our Souls At Night?

No, I'll be running my hoagie-eating body around an antiques mall all three days selling beverages and wonderful antiques to all the people fortunate enough to be in Florence during the best little festival ever.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Florence, Colorado: Jane Fonda & Robert Redford & Some Feisty People

Oh my! I've lived in Colorado for many decades and besides the scenery, the people are often what make this place so special.

Recently when I heard that Florence, Colorado was chosen as the town to film the Netflix movie, Our Souls At Night, starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford--I was pleasantly surprised. I can't deny that Fonda and Redford are great actors. And I am a fan of the late Kent Haruf, the Colorado author of the book, the movie is based on.

But there are some feisty people out there in my beloved Colorado.

My first clue was when I was driving to my bank in Florence and I saw someone had gotten some white shoe polish and written, "Go Home Hanoi Jane" on their SUV. My first thought was,"Heck, Fremont County is pretty feisty. I had no idea."



I admit the Hanoi Jane incidents were a bit before my time. I was alive then, but just graduating from high school when the Vietnam War was totally over. So, I had to look it up online last week.

I like to balance facts and see both sides. What Fonda did seemed a bit incomprehensible to me. But I saw where she made public apologies. People have long memories though.

I  told a coworker about the, Go Home Hanoi Jane SUV, and her comment was,"Already?"

My coworker already has a section in ye olde antiques store devoted to Robert Redford and Jane Fonda and is also planning on offering copies of Our Souls At Night for sale. So, I had no idea she also had strong feelings about the subject.

She said her brother was in the Vietnam War and Fonda had spread some information that put him and his fellow soldiers in danger. She said she would have been so angry if he had died because of that. Of course. She said her brother has never forgotten.

But she had the attitude that this is the here and now, and she's preparing for an event that will showcase Florence to the whole world.

That's my attitude too. But I empathize with how people feel.

I had no idea how many people had direct or indirect experience with Jane Fonda's activities.

And today the news hit the major local media outlets that there was a casting call for extras for the movie. And the comment boards were lighting up. People indeed have long memories.

I won't recount any of the Hanoi Jane comments. Even though I have my political opinions, I won't recount all the negative comments about liberals.

But I will recount this one found on a Colorado media comment section: "The filming will take place in Florence. She's 78, he's 80. The title of the movie is "Our Souls at Night," not "Two Leathery Old People Try to Breathe at High Altitude," as originally proposed.

Oh my! Such feisty Colorado folks!


Monday, August 15, 2016

Florence, Colorado: Will Anyone Buy An Entire House Of Antiques?

Florence, Colorado is the official antiques capital of Colorado.

Most every time I work at ye olde antiques store I either get a few phone calls or in-person visits from people wanting to sell a few antiques.

Today I got a call from a professional "downsizer" who was helping an elderly client, well, downsize.

She was calling from Manitou Springs (about 35 minutes from Florence) which borders on Colorado Springs.

The downsizer told me there wasn't much of a market in Colorado Springs, which is about 100 times the size of Florence.

I thought about that for a moment. It's true Colorado Springs has many very nice antiques malls. But malls are usually made up of numerous dealers with rather small spaces. They simply, often, don't have the room or resources to buy an entire houseful of antiques.

And this lady was offering the potential for someone to buy the entire houseful of mint-condition European antiques.

I could tell the downsizer wasn't exactly sure if she was calling the right town. She was.

She wasn't sure anyone would be able to handle so many big pieces. I told her that Florence had the advantage of having several shop owners who are sole proprietors and have large amounts of floor space and storage facilities.

I also told her that a few of the stores have large shop trucks that can handle moving large pieces or entire households.

Let me assure you, Florence is the right town to call when you want to sell or buy antiques.

If you want a few insights (totally my opinions) about selling antiques and collectibles, you can read a previous blog post at: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2016/07/selling-your-antiques-collectibles-in.html

Now, I don't give names of which stores of who buys what on this blog--but tips on how to find out are in that other blog post.

First, it helps to know who specializes in what. And when you call most any shop in Florence, or the Chamber of Commerce or any related business, they will generally know and steer you in the right direction.

There is a spirit of cooperation in Florence, and if someone isn't interested in an entire household or a certain speciality, they often know who is--and will make sure you connect with the right person.

Florence Colorado: Start Spreading The News

Let's face reality. Most small towns in Colorado (or anywhere for that matter) don't have big advertising budgets.

Florence is the official antiques capital of Colorado. True. But how many people really know that?

What I do know is that visitors to Florence are often the ones who attempt to spread the news far and wide about what exactly is in Florence.

Today a regular visitor to Florence stopped by ye olde antiques shop and told me she took a nice pile of brochures to her hometown of Colorado Springs. Now I won't mention if she took it to the Chamber of Commerce or the Visitor's Bureau or a similar organization. I know. But around here we don't kiss and tell. We just kiss.

All this lady hoped to do was spread the word about Florence. She has no connections to Florence other than she loves to visit regularly from her home in the Springs, about half an hour's drive away.

She was told that unless she was a member of the organization, she would be unable to leave any brochures.

This enthusiastic Florence booster was undeterred and told two volunteers at unnamed organization that she'd leave them some brochures for their own use. She then asked them if they knew what was in Florence. No, neither of them knew.

Of course, my jaw dropped. I lived in the Springs for over 20 years and knew about Florence many moons ago by virtue of hopping in my car and exploring--without reading an ad or brochure or word of mouth.

                        DON'T TELL ME YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF FLORENCE, COLORADO!

So, thanks to the customer today, who told me her story about spreading the news of Florence, Colorado.

And don't you dare tell me you haven't heard of Florence, Colorado. Either read the rest of the blog for just a glimpse into the town. Or go to the Florence Chamber of Commerce page. Or Google Florence. You'll be surprised that a town of under 4,000 has so much going on.


Thursday, July 21, 2016

Confessions Of An Antiques Store Worker: Florence, Colorado

It's time to get out the figurative checkers and pickle barrel and feel the pulse of the town by working in ye olde antiques store in Florence, Colorado.


For those who don't know, Florence is the official antiques capital of Colorado and a burg of about 4,000 souls. We are off the beaten track, close to Highway 50, but not on it. We are accessible by Highways 67 and 115 and are over 20 miles from I-25. But people from all over the country and world, sometimes, manage to find the town. They don't come in droves usually, but at fast-enough clip to keep life and business interesting.

We moved here just a few years ago. We noticed real estate prices were way cheaper than Denver or Colorado Springs, where we owned homes. But that was to be expected since we are semi-isolated and the job market in Fremont County is decent, but nothing like the major metro areas along the Front Range.

We've had friends move here from a bigger Colorado city semi-recently and in helping them search online we noticed the real estate prices moving up.  We could not figure out why though. There have been no new major employers in the county. The economy here is decent with the rebuilding of the Royal Gorge Park (about 20 miles from Florence) but the economy is not exactly robust in Florence. Decent, but not robust.

We have friends who know a top real estate agent who sells in El Paso and Fremont counties and the agent reported the inventory is low in Fremont County and prices are rising.

Why? There was even a minor newspaper story about it, quoting local real estate agents noticing this and an influx of people, but the agents couldn't nail down exactly why  in order to establish a definitive pattern.

Well, all you have to do is hang out in ye olde antiques store to find out a reasonable theory.

A person came in the shop and knows a real estate agent who has been flooded with people moving in from a certain section of Colorado. I won't mention which section, since it's not my intent to give any area a bad rap.

I asked why people were flooding into Florence and buying houses when the job market here is what one would expect in a small town with few chain stores and very little industry except the prisons and small agricultural and related businesses.

The person replied that the area they are escaping from has went to pot--literally no pun intended. The illegal part of it. Illegal grows. And generally not from local people. The person said Cubans are often the ones bringing the illegal marijuana grows in.

I generally don't believe everything I hear. But this is the third time I have heard that. I heard it from an electrician. I had never thought of it before, but electricians and plumbers, etc. are generally all over, doing jobs and seeing what it happening in the real world.

And this area, folks are apparently escaping to Florence from, also has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the country.

And I know drugs (not marijuana only) are a problem in that Colorado town. I was in the town in question, actually buying antiques and saw it for myself. A friend had remembered from years back that she knew a neighborhood that had several antiques and junk stores all in a row. I was not familiar with the town much or the area. But we could only find one store that she vaguely remembered from years back.

I asked the store worker where all the other stores where, my friend remembered. She said that was years ago and the drugs were so bad that all the shop owners became scared and moved or went out of business.

I asked the obvious question: Where are the police?

"What police? There aren't enough police in this town," she replied.

As we left the store with our purchases, we were approached by a person who looked like a drug addict who insisted on helping us load our vehicle despite our saying, no thanks. He insisted and I gave him the few dollars I knew he wanted and so he would leave us alone, which he did.

Not a horrible experience, since the guy was respectful. But not a fun shopping experience that would draw most people to a town or neighborhood. And my and my friend are small town at heart, but perhaps are a bit more streetwise than some people since we've lived in some challenging areas all across the country.

I was told by the person who came into the shop I work in Florence, that people are coming in droves from this certain town, overtaken in part by drugs and also another town in Colorado that isn't quite as drug conflicted, but getting there.

At least now we know why real estate prices are rising in Florence and why we do run into so many transplants. And I understand. We all want small town America. We all want those conveniences and culture of the bigger cities, but we also want that small town security where we know our neighbors and can live relatively crime-free because the town is small enough so we can see what is going on.

Not that long ago, as we were moving here, and I was noticing the ridiculously low prices on nice homes in Fremont County, I asked our real estate agent why it was so. I was almost like a kid in a candy shop, finally able to afford a house I could never dream of in most other Colorado towns.

He told me that most people (usually employed by the prisons) chose to commute to Florence and Fremont County from larger towns, so there were plenty of houses available here. I asked why.

"They want the "lifestyle" in those larger towns and they don't want the lifestyle here," he said.

And now a few short years later, many people don't want the lifestyle in those same cities and are driving up the prices to get the lifestyle here.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Selling Your Antiques & Collectibles In Florence, The Antiques Capital of Colorado

I occasionally work in an antiques mall in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado and most every day someone comes in off the streets to sell antiques or collectibles.

This post is a long overdue response to a blog buddy who emailed me awhile back asking about the best way to go about selling antiques or collectibles in Florence.

While I am not an expert on the subject, I'm happy to pass on a few tips on how it generally works.



One of the most asked questions is if the shop I work in (or others in town) take items on consignment. The answer is generally no. There are several antiques malls in Florence. And Florence is no different from most other towns when it comes to antiques malls. Most malls have individual dealers that rent a space--generally by the square foot and then pay the antiques mall a  commission (usually 10 percent) on each sale. Individual dealers, such as myself, generally have small spaces and don't have room for large items --unless the item is very unique and a good seller. Even a good seller can sit in an antiques booth for months and take up a fairly large amount of rent, cutting into the bottom line.

There are a few shops in Florence  owned by single owners that have the floor space to take items on consignment. I won't mention those shops by name, since most shop owners welcome folks off the street, but don't want to be deluged with people coming in wanting to sell items, unless they get an advance phone call and possibly a potential seller sending them a picture. Sometimes the owners (or dealers working in the antiques malls) will purchase select items on the spot. Generally the mall owners, out of respect, get the first chance to purchase items from people dropping in or calling--and if they don't want to purchase, usually whoever is working in the shop has the option to purchase.

Most owners of shops  tend to more buy out estates or buy in bulk at auctions, etc. But most do welcome people off the streets and love to share their knowledge even if they aren't able to buy the item.


One of the most common things that happens is people attempting to sell items look it up on Ebay. That's fair. People want to have a general idea of what something might be worth. But as someone who sold on Ebay for over 15 years--Ebay's pricing isn't always accurate. For example, sometimes I'd list an item and it would not sell, even though I listed it lower than the last crop of identical items that sold. Then I'd wait a few weeks and relist it and it would sell for double. Or, sometimes it would sell for less than half of what the "going" price was.

I've spoken to over a dozen people attempting to sell items who tell me it sells for $50 on Ebay. I say,"OK, what would YOU like for your item?" The answer is almost ALWAYS,"Why, $50 of course!"

That happened recently when a gentleman attempting to sell a vintage pair of eyeglasses for $50, that he insisted went for $50 on Ebay. I know that eyeglasses generally sell in Florence for about $19 to $24. If the glass are Civil War era or come in a metal case--perhaps a bit more. His glasses were very common.

Usually people ask DOUBLE the price that most dealers can expect to get. And most people don't realize dealers have to pay rent, commission and price things and keep records.

One gentleman insisted mounted deer antlers were going for $140 in a neighboring Colorado county. They go for a fraction of that in Florence. Of course, I always suggest people go to the place, whether it is Ebay or a neighboring county to get those prices. But inevitably--they always mention that might be impractical when I gently press the issue.

This sound rather negative, but it's the norm. That's not to say that I have not told people EXACTLY what the real-life, realistic retail prices are for things--and some of them offer to sell their items for a reasonable amount that I could make a small profit.

Recently some folks came in were thrilled with what they were attempting to sell. A very OLD, but common chair. Single chairs (unless they are carved or very unique) simply do not sell well except as plant stands. And for usually under $20. These folks kept saying how OLD their items were. Stanley levels without the bubble are fairly useless, except as wall hangers. OLD does not equal valuable always.

A lady came in fresh from an auction in a neighboring county. She said she got a very good deal on Ball glass jars. She brought me another jar from a dealer's booth in the mall that was $6. She said her jars were better than the $6 one we had and wanted $5 each for her jars. She was a lovely lady--but  a $1 profit isn't a profit to us, because if we mark a jar $6, we have to pay the mall 60 cents commission and some rent. We'd actually go in the hole. AND Ball jars (unless they are a certain color or very old) simply do not sell well. I brought another dealer in to talk to the lady and she offered her $2 each jar. The lady acted a bit insulted. But the other dealer told me later that she was being polite, because 50 cents to $1 is more realistic since these jars are so common they sit on shelves for years sometimes, eating up space and rent.


There are always exceptions. So don't take what I observe as gospel. But here's what does not sell at all--or sells VERY slowly. China, unless it's really unique. Depression glass (unless it is rare). Doilies. Crocheted items, unless bedspreads that are exquisite. Tools that are bent or broken or missing pieces. Clear Ball or Mason jars, unless they are very old and in great shape. Most any type of clear glass. Single common chairs. Stuff made in China or India that looks old, but isn't.

These items do sell, but for low prices. Old or looks old does not equate valuable or fast sellers.

Here's what is fairly hot--at least in Florence. GOOD old tools. Draw knives. Levels with the bubbles. Files. Saws. Knives. But they must be in decent condition.

Generally any item that was a "man" item sells fairly well. the theory is that men were often hard on their tools and implements and a lot didn't survive in great shape, so they are at a premium. And many people are buying these items NOT to sit in a case or "collect" but actually use them.

"Women" collectibles and antiques do sell. But since items were generally in the house, and not in a barn or workshop, more survived, so they are more common. Of course, quilts in good condition sell well. In fact, almost the minute quilts arrive, they are sold and there are times when there are no quilts to be found. But those doilies and more common linens sell as low as $1 each. Vintage tablecloths and aprons in good condition are not fast sellers, but do sell. Pictures and prints (unless rare) are usually slow movers. Some old glass lamps and kerosene ones sell well--but generally lamps are not the fastest sellers.

Let's move on to furniture. Oak furniture and Victorian furniture has taken a fairly large nosedive in the past few years, pricewise. But good solid furniture sells well. Most people value solid wood furniture, especially when it is priced just a little higher that particle board or modern furniture that won't stand the test of time. Primitive cabinets, pie safes, butcher block-type islands, etc. are fast sellers.

Spool cabinets sell fast. Weathervanes. Most anything advertising. Matched sets of vintage license plates in good condition (Common license plates from the 1970s and newer usually sell for $5 each). Pyrex. Old glass coffee jars. Most anything that came out of an old general or hardware store.

Unusual items sell, even if they aren't that old. Chaps. Bull riding gear. Saddles, etc. Water drinking fountains. Older wheelbarrows. Just those rather useful items that aren't that easy to find in a retail store. Fishing equipment. Ammo boxes. Crates. Wire baskets--very hot.

And for a reason that defies my understanding--ladders sell like hotcakes. Newish ladders. Old ladders. Wooden stepladders fly out the door. Vintage kitchen step stools. Winners. Kitchen carts. Winners.

Industrial carts or items used as kitchen islands are big sellers. Any type of furniture that can be used in a cabin or vacation home that is rustic, usually sells quickly.

Pumps? YES! Small water pumps. Large ones. Doesn't matter. They are fairly hard to find. People tell me they are using them in vacation homes, cabins and even tiny homes they are building.

People come in looking for "survival" type items. Hatchets, axes, pumps, tools, etc. Some people are using these items to go totally off the grid or for weekend camping or weekend survival type expeditions.

Any type of antique or collectible that can be used and used a lot seems to be taking precedence over items that just sit on a shelf. But many people are looking to complete a collection or "collect" an item just because it looks good to them.

Hardware sells. Knobs. Keys. Handles. Little odd bodkins that people can use to repair or compliment their existing antiques--or use to make artwork or garden art.

Stained glass. Garden items. Iron gates--they all sell, but it takes awhile.



Many people tell me they are returning to their roots and want to brew moonshine, practice survival skills or build some artwork out of a jumble of antiques. They buy a headboard and grow some veggies or vines on it. They remove glass from old windows and use them as picture frames or as a frame to hang kitchen utensils. Don't undervalue old windows, doors and screen doors. And barn doors are fairly good sellers.

And customers will come in an inform us of trends we are not totally familiar with. Glamping is in. That's glamorous camping and some customers want vintage things for their campers or auto-related items to do their glamping in style.

Steampunk? Florence has more steampunk items per square foot than most towns. It's a fairly fast seller. We have shops with steampunk widgets to make your own art and lots of corsets and other steampunk fashions.

When people used to question me about what sold on Ebay, I'd always say,"What you think is worth a lot is usually not. And what you think is worthless and are embarrassed to put on Ebay often sells for a lot." That was true in the late 90s and most of the early 2000s. I don't sell much on Ebay anymore because certain markets tanked as competition became more fierce. Examples of what I was embarrassed to put on Ebay or thought was virtually worthless. A vintage Playtex rubber girdle that sold for $200. A cracked cup with no saucer that was ugly and I started the bid at $3.99. I sold for over $300 because it was a Civil War-era cup that was used on a railroad that was only in business for a few years, unbeknownst to me. Vintage ladies panties! Yes, that was embarrassing. They often sold for $60 an up, per pair.

I don't claim to be an antiques and collectibles expert. But one story I have and that I am sticking to is: What you think is worth a lot--usually not. What you don't--might be. Always ask someone or look it up online. And IF you can't find it online--chances are it's fairly rare and someone in Florence might be able to either buy it or help you find the person who specializes in it, even if they are out of the area.

And sometimes selling a speciality item might be best done on Ebay. Most shoppers to brick and mortar antiques stores would giggle over vintage panties and rubber girdles from the 1950s. And it might take a long time for the customer to show up in Florence to know that cracked Civil War cup was almost beyond rare.

And even though I've been a part-time antiques and collectibles dealer for many years--many times I don't know what's valuable. More often than not, I know what's NOT valuable. But most people in Florence, who either own shops or work in them--can help you get the information you need. And don't ever be shy about asking and then asking even more people in town how to find out what you have.

Even sellers will not know at times what they have. Semi-recently we bought this crappy-looking vase covered with wallpaper scraps for $3.99 from a dealer in Colorado Springs. It turns out its a Van Briggle--but it's so odd that we can't locate the era from the mark. And the vase is so glaze-flawed it looks like it might be a test piece from the 1920s. Van Briggle and other potteries can be very ugly (in my opinion) and one might pass them by. One time we bought an UGLY piece at a yard sale for $1. We knew it was Van Briggle, but thought it was worthless because we couldn't tell what it was and it was UGLY. Turns out it was so rare that not many people knew what it was. It was a candleholder that was made to be converted to electricity right as electricity was becoming popular. And I  only found out because a few experts on Ebay were kind enough to email me and tell me what I had. Sometimes if a local dealer (including me) doesn't have a clue--it's worth it to put it on Ebay just for the worldwide exposure, since it's never failed that niche experts will email and share their vast knowledge. See, when you think it's SO UGLY and you can't even tell what it is--it might be a winner.

Of course, no one can give a definitive list of what sells and what doesn't. The minute one thinks one has it figured out--someone will come in an scoop up tons of doilies and other things that usually don't sell at a fast clip.

Jewelry, especially vintage Native American pieces always hold their own.

I've covered a few items that sell quickly and a few that don't move too quickly. It's not to be discouraging--it's just to give people an idea why dealers might not jump on common clear glass jars, a box of doilies or broken tools and single common chairs.

I don't know every antiques dealer in Florence. There are probably over a hundred from the area and even out of state that rent booth space. But I do know quite a few of them that own their own shops--and they are all honest people. I know many of the dealers that do rent space and they also are honest.

If an item will retail for $100, they will usually tell you. They won't attempt to give you $5 for a $100 item. I can't speak for every dealer--so I will speak for myself. If you have a good idea an item will sell for $100, I will usually offer about $50 for the item. That sounds like I will double my money. Let's say the item is a small vintage book shelf and measures about two by three feet. That's five square feet. Booth rents vary in Florence and in Pueblo and Colorado Springs. It depends on the location in the shops. But generally rent is $1.50 per square foot.

 It will cost me $7.50 rent per month for my book shelf. Say it takes three months to sell. Sometimes even good items take a year or more to sell. But let's say three months. I've spent $22.50 on rent. Assuming the customer doesn't ask for a price reduction, I get my $100 and 10 percent goes to the antiques mall. So I get $90. Subtract the $50 I paid. I get $40. Most malls charge the dealer three percent if a credit card is used. Customers use credit cards about 60 percent of the time in my experience. Subtract $3 for the credit card fees. So now I get $37. Now subtract the $22.50 I spent on rent and my profit is $14.50. And that is assuming I did not have to clean the item, spend money on a furniture oil or make a minor repair. So, in my example, I made about 14 percent profit. Better than the stock market at times--but not the riches most people might expect.

Now it's a little easier to understand why some dealers would hope to go to an estate or auction and get that book shelf for $20.

That is one reason antiques dealers (especially the dealers who do it part-time and rent booths) are very careful about what they buy since space is at a premium and profit margins are sometimes low.

Most booth rental dealers find it more profitable to buy bulk in auctions and estates. And if you go to an antiques mall, you can usually see placards inviting you to call a dealer who will come to your home or property to buy in bulk.

Owners who own the shops, of course have overhead, but in my opinion have more leeway and space to buy items off the street than the "part-time" dealers.

There are a few shops (not the antiques malls) in Florence that do accept consignments, but not usually smaller items. They usually accept select pieces of furniture or higher-priced items for the obvious reasons that it isn't worth their efforts on less expensive items.

This is NOT to discourage people from dropping into the stores without notice to try and sell items. I've sent people to other stores to sell their items (when I was unable or didn't have room) and people have come back to thank me for sending them to an honest dealer who gave them a good price and bought the item on the spot. But I generally know what stores semi-specialize in what items.

Get to know what stores specialize in certain items. There are single-owner stores that specialize in the more high-end items and those in the mid-range. Some stores specialize in primitives and others in the more "man" collectibles such as tools.

And yes, some dealers actually buy items off the street that go directly to their own homes for their own enjoyment. I usually spend a little more on those items since I don't have to worry about overhead. Go into the shops (or look in the windows) and you can generally tell what shops' themes are.

Florence also has two excellent pawn shops that carry a large variety of antiques. Those are also an option for folks wanting to sell outright and get some quick cash and a fair deal. I usually recommend that option to folks that have just one or two mid-price items to sell. And here's a little trade secret: Pawns shops, at least in Florence, have some very good prices on some very unique items. I've spoken to customers, tourist customers and other dealers that have frequented Florence pawn shops and found fantastic deals.

If you are attempting to clear out a large amount of smaller-sized items with no particular theme--I also recommend people rent their own booth spaces. Several antiques malls and shops offer "starter" spaces for very nominal fees. Those spaces might just be a baker's rack, cupboard or shelf--and can be as low as $20 per month rent.

It all boils down to the decisions on what is best for what you are selling. One or two good quality items: Find a single-owner shop that specializes in those items for the best price. One or two mid-range items: The pawn shops are usually the best bet. A few items with no theme: Also try the shops. And sometimes a dealer who rents space in a mall will be working in the mall and want to purchase or can direct you to a dealer's placard with contact information. Have a lot of items? The best option might be renting space IF you are willing to be in it for awhile and be willing to pay the overheard and wait for sales. But the overall profit could be higher if you have a knack for cleaning, pricing, arranging and being patient.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Florence,Colorado: Hardly A Tweet or Twitter

Oh my! Florence, Colorado is a beautiful little town, not far from the Arkansas River. It's the antiques capital of Colorado AND it is also home to many artists, craftsmen, authors, agricultural folks and many all-around talented people.

I've been operating on the theory that we have a multitude of talented people hiding out in Fremont County--the Royal Gorge Region, and particularly in Florence. In Florence, we have lots of public artwork. Great architecture. Great shops. Fantastic restaurants. And mostly friendly people.

And I'm not the only one who thinks this--and says it. And writes about it. OK, not that many people write about Florence. I occasionally work in an antiques mall--and I've heard hundreds of people from near and far--make the same comments I do.

Why just the other day a woman from Colorado Springs literally ran up to me and smiled and yelled,"I love Florence! Florence is my HAPPY place!"

Yes, Florence is MY happy place too. I was just talking to a friend who moved here from Colorado Springs last year. I moved here from the Springs (and Denver) a few years ago. We were talking about how when we moved here we thought we'd be in our beloved Colorado Springs and Manitou every week mourning the loss of culture, shopping, food and the bustle.



Not so, we both agreed. We still go to the big city every month or so--and love it. BUT we are happier in Florence than we ever thought. My friend said it's so quiet here. So peaceful. And I commented (as we were enjoying a world-class lunch at Ito's Japanese Restaurant on Main Street) that we had good restaurants and didn't need to run to Pueblo or the Springs that often to chow down.

OK, so Florence is great. All my friends here are transplants and we all talk about how cool it is is here. I speak to dozens of customers weekly about how they LOVE Florence--even if they are from Canon City or Westcliffe.

So, why when I go to Twitter--do I see less than 50 Tweets in the past six years about Florence?

Shocking!

We have our own hashtag. #FlorenceColorado

It turns out that I am the primary tweeter of Florence, Colorado. And I didn't plan it that way. So, come of everyone. Share the news about Florence on Twitter--or wherever. We shouldn't be hiding our lights under a bushel.

Sunday, March 27, 2016

If You Like Florence & Canon City: WATCH THIS

If you like Florence (the antiques capital of Colorado) and Canon City, then you might want to watch this: http://movingpostcard.com/canon-city-florence/

The moving postcard is exactly what it sounds like--and is edited by Luci Westphal, a German New Yorker currently exploring Colorado and the Wild West.

                                        Picture From Luci Westphal's website of Canon City

The moving postcards show Fremont County in a beautiful light. Hats off to Luci for visiting the "Wild West" and producing this visual treat.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

What I Found In Florence--The Antiques Capital Of Colorado

Here's a weekly roundup of fun and funky and unique items I found in some of the many shops in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.


Yes, it's a butter churn. But I think of it as a vintage exercise machine. Notice that the churn has a foot pedal AND a handle for churning--for a total aerobic workout. DISCOVERED AT: Iron Gate Antique Mall, 109 W. Main St.


Handcrafted right in Florence--delicious organic vanilla. Here's a secret about Florence: There are a lot of home based artisans making small batches of edibles, soaps, crafts and other items, one batch at a time--the old fashioned way. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main, 114 W. Main St.


Delicious honey. As it reads on the label: As straight from the hive as you can get.

It's unfiltered, raw and unpasteurized. I purchased some and can attest to the quality and taste. Florence resident, Shellie Busetti is responsible for the honey and the vanilla. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main, 114 W. Main St.


Shellie is also a photographer, along with her husband, Bill. She recently showed the new note cards she is producing from her original photos--as well as Colorado postcards. Yes, scenes from Florence, are in the works! The Busettis' photos and artwork are also available matted and framed. They have a website at : http://www.busettiphoto.com/  DISCOVERED AT: Iron Gate Antique Mall, 109 W. Main St.


Handcrafted letters made painstakingly from beer bottle tops, by a local artisan. Each letter is sold individually, so one can just get one's initial or make an entire sign or statement. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main, 114 W. Main St.


If you are missing an iron gate for your estate--no worries! You'll find it in Florence. And it's no accident or IRONy this treasure was discovered at The Iron Gate Antique Mall, 109 W. Main St., which always pays homage to its namesake with a good selection of vintage gates and fencing.



Beautiful Hoosier cabinet, spotted at the Iron Gate,which also carries separate Hoosier jars and glass.



Handcrafted, handpainted wood signs--made by a local artisan. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main.


Scruffy, the antique dog. Not for sale--but he wanted to get on the blog. DISCOVERED: At my house.


Monday, March 7, 2016

What Are You Doing In Florence, The Antiques Capital of Colorado? OLIVER LOTT

 I am curious to know what people are doing in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado. Florence is a burg of about 3,900. So I am always interested how people found the town, what they are doing when they get here--and most importantly, the significance of the treasures they find here.

Today we found out what Oliver Lott was doing in Florence. Oliver is from Bath, United Kingdom.

Being the observant person I am, I noticed he had a big camera, so I correctly guessed he is a photographer. He currently lives in New York City and attends the School of Visual Arts there.

Oliver is graduating soon and needed some more photos for a school project. He was in Cripple Creek taking photos and absorbing the local history, gold mining facts and scenery--when someone suggested he take the semi-short drive to Florence to view all the antiques.

The first place Oliver stopped was The Iron Gate Antiques Mall, 109 W. Main St. where he was able to find postcards and a vintage photo that caught his attention due to his love of American history. And of course, a camera.

                                                  OLIVER LOTT IN FLORENCE, CO

It's amazing and wonderful to me that so many people with so many different talents and interests can usually always find something to feed their souls in Florence.

Oliver is a gifted photographer and has quite a presence on the internet. Just one place , his work can be viewed is: oliverlott.tumblr.com




Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Who Says Antiques Can't Be Fun? ITO'S Japanese Restaurant

Who says antiques can't be fun? Hardly anyone I've ever known. Rather, working in an antiques mall can be fun.

This week--Confessions Of An Antiques Store Worker--is about a fun encounter I had recently.

A gentleman and his wife came into ye olde antique shop and announced they were from Woodland Park and come to Florence every six months or so, to find out what treasures there are.

But they hadn't been to Florence in over a year. It was a Monday and most every restaurant was closed. He said they were faint from hunger and could I recommend a place that was good--and, um, open.

Why yes I could! Ito's Japanese Steak House at 106 W. Main St. For those True Story Club readers that missed my review on Ito's, you may read it at: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2015/04/eating-our-way-across-colorado-ito.html

                                      BENTO BOX AT ITO'S JAPANESE IN FLORENCE

The man found a book on an obscure subject in ye olde antiques mall that he thought he would never find in Florence, or most anywhere for that matter and then they went to Ito's.

The couple returned to ye olde antiques mall over an hour later and told me they came back just to tell me that Ito's was--FANTASTIC! And to thank me for the recommendation. My pleasure.

It turns out the lady had been a Japanese foreign exchange student many years ago--and was very familiar with authentic Japanese food. How did Ito's stack up? The miso soup--just like Japan!

She told me the owners of Ito's are actually Indonesian and they chatted about authentic Indonesian cuisine, and the lady from Woodland Park hopes they will add an Indonesian dish or two to the menu.

This couple, were world travelers. So I asked how this restaurant, tucked in a tiny, semi-isolated location stacked up. For those blog readers who missed my post--I asked one of my friends, also a world traveler, how Ito's stacked up. Here's that previous post: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2015/05/what-first-time-visitor-thinks-of.html

The Woodland Park couple said they would be dragging every friend they knew to Ito's--it was that good. Actually the man said, "no dragging" would be involved after their friends ate at Ito's.



They marveled that such a world-class restaurant was in Florence. I didn't take offense. I knew exactly what he meant. Florence is a burg of about 3,900. But there is a lot of talent in this town, that is totally unexpected. NOT that we don't expect to find talent in small towns--we just don't expect such talent-based enterprises to get the attention (and revenue) they deserve due to a lower population base, and/or being located off a major thoroughfare.

This couple brought me a menu to thank me for helping them discover a jewel that not only was great in its own right--but also reminded them of their times in foreign countries.

I thanked them for the menu--and for reminding me about Ito's. It's been at least a month since I've been there--and that has to be remedied.

But here's something I did learn recently from another antiques dealer, who is a huge Ito's fan--Ito's makes a wicked green tea latte. My friend brought me one from Ito's--and yes, it was delicious!

Colorado Life Magazine

True Story Club blog is about many things--but its main focus is celebrating a sense of community, adventure and wonder of all the things tucked away in Colorado, especially small-town southern Colorado.

Probably no magazine embodies that spirit of digging into what makes Coloradans tick, better than Colorado Life magazine.

I've been a fan (and subscriber) of Colorado Life, almost since its inception. One of the most echoed themes in the magazine's Letters To The Editor section is that even people who have lived in Colorado most or all of their lives, still learn so many new places to explore, after reading the magazine.


I wholeheartedly agree. I've lived in Colorado, going on three decades--and every time I pick up Colorado Life, I learn something new about the state I love. Even about places I thought I knew most all there was to know.

This magazine has world-class photography and writing. But it goes behind the scenes and often delves into why communities tick--through the present and history.

Check out the Colorado Life website: http://www.coloradolifemagazine.com/

I encourage all who live this state to subscribe. And no, I don't make a penny off recommending this fine publication, or have any connection to Colorado Life, other than being an admiring reader. I just know a good thing when I see it, and love to share all that is good in our state.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Rialto Theater In Florence, Colorado: Watch The Production of a Kickstarter Film

The Rialto Theater was built in 1923 as an opera house on Florence, Colorado's Main St. This Sunday, anyone can be part of watching a professional team film a promotion video that will be used to raise money on Kickstarter to restore the town's treasure.

A portion of Main St. will be closed Sunday, Feb. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. as a crew films. People from Fremont County or anywhere for that matter have been invited, via a series of radio ads, to view the filming.

The Rialto is currently under restoration and it is hoped the theater will be open within a few years, or sooner if the money is raised.

I know I'll be there watching the filming. I've heard a few people are planning on being in period costumes--but it isn't a requirement to watch the filming.


For those wanting more information on some of the history of this cultural treasure and current efforts to revive the Rialto to her former glory, there was an excellent article in the Pueblo Chieftain last year. Go to: http://www.chieftain.com/news/region/3820238-120/rialto-theater-auction-downtown

Remember, Feb. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. is a fun and free way to see a little bit of Rialto history being made. See you there! Or should I say: twenty-three skidoo! Or should I really say: 1923 skidoo.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Sunset In Florence, The Antiques Capital Of Colorado


How did the sun set in your neck of the woods? This how it set in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado.


It painted the sky in layers. And it was the perfect end to a balmy spring evening. Wait, it's still winter in Colorado!

I don't tell many people this--but we live in the Banana Belt of Colorado. It was in the 60s today and is still balmy out.

This is our secret, but often when it snowing inches down the road about 32 miles in Colorado Springs, we might have a stray flake or nothing. Since we moved here, our snow shovel has seen little use.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Sandy Dale & The Gnarlies Holiday Open House In Florence, Colorado

'Tis the season for a magical time. And what better time to journey into the magical world of Florence artist, Sandy Dale and The Gnarlies, as they invite one and all to a holiday open house at their studio, Friday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 8.m.


Sandy Dale's (and The Gnarlies') studio is located at 220-A W. Main St. in Florence. Yes, Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado.


Everyone is invited. There will be punch, cookies and perhaps a new addition or two of The Gnarlies.


This is a picture we took last spring at Sandy Dale's studio, right before Florence's first steampunk festival. But there will be new creations at the studio for the holiday open house.

Besides being able to visit with Sandy Dale and The Gnarlies, there will be a sneak peak at Dale's latest artistic adventure--Rat-A-Tat Bindery And Book Repair.

More information about artist Sandy Dale and The Gnarlies is available at their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheGnarlies-148314498558258/timeline

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

If You Enjoy Southern Colorado--You'll Enjoy This Blog

 I love all of Colorado, but my heart is really in southern Colorado. And if you left your heart in southern Colorado also, then you'll enjoy this blog at: www.southernrockiesnatureblog.com

Chas Clifton, writer of the southern Rockies nature blog, left a few comments on my blog. I could tell from his comments that he knew way more about history, ghost towns and southern Colorado than I or most people do. And that intrigued me, since I am always in awe and appreciate when people come along that I can learn a thing or two about my favorite subjects.

It took me a little time to check out Mr. Clifton's blog, and it turns out that I was correct. This gentleman has a lot of knowledge and unique perspective about southern Colorado.


Mr. Clifton describes his blog as: Where Nature Meets Culture--Plus Wildfire, Dogs, Environmental News, And Writing With A Southern Colorado Perspective.

We need more of that--writing with a southern Colorado perspective. Check out Mr. Clifton's blog. And if you have any links or information to blogs and other writings that explore southern Colorado--let me know and I'll happily give a mention on this blog.