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

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.

Florence City Officials Don't Want Gitmo Detainees At Supermax

The CBS Channel 4 (Denver) cameras were in Florence today. And tonight a news story was run on that channel. It can be viewed at: http://denver.cbslocal.com/2016/02/24/florence-guantanamo-bay-detainees-supermax/

I would not have known that the Supermax/Gitmo controversy was being covered again, except that I was working in a ye olde antique store and spotted a man outside. He was walking literally in the road, seemingly talking to himself, complete with hand gestures.

Even though Florence is a great and friendly burg--I've seen this type of activity before. My first thought was--poor guy. My second thought was: It's a news reporter. But I saw no news camera or cameraman initially. So I stepped outside to see what was happening. It turns out the camera was at ground level at first.

I got a glimpse of his jacket and saw it was Channel 4 in Denver--but later checked our more local Colorado Springs stations and didn't see any Gitmo coverage around Florence. Then I went online and viewed the Channel 4 story. It seems the city officials interviewed, mayor Keith Ore, and city manager, Mike Patterson, are both opposed. As were local residents that were interviewed.

I recall we had local (and not-so-local) cameras in Florence last Oct. on the Gitmo subject. In fact, I mentioned it on this blog. One of our local antique dealers, who is a colorful character and owner of Florence Antiques, Larry Nelson, was featured on the Denver FOX channel. Nelson gave his opinion on Gitmo, but also used the opportunity to promote not only his shop--but Florence, as the antiques capital of Colorado.

You can read my blog post, Who Says GITMO & Antiques Can't Be Funny? here: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2015/10/florence-colorado-who-says-gitmo.html

No, I don't think GITMO is a funny subject. I just found it amusing that Nelson turned it into a promotional opportunity for this fair burg and that a Denver FOX station did a good job of balancing the town's quaint antiques reputation with a serious subject. And I occasionally run blog posts with a theme of: Who Says Antiques Can't Be Fun?

                                                     Florence, Colorado's Main St.
                                                   
Today's Channel 4 story just stuck to the GITMO angle. We did see a glimpse of Wood Grain On Main and Barn & Barrel--two antiques stores-- and a few shots of the main street showing the general atmosphere of our shops and eateries.

Last October, right after the GITMO stories ran, not just in Denver, but in the Colorado Springs area--I noticed an increase in people coming through town. Of course, local people are delighted to welcome visitors here. We are the antiques capital of Colorado. Officially. We also have art galleries and other unique businesses.

I'd prefer to see the town know for that, more than the semi-looming threat of housing more terrorists at Supermax. But that's just me. What do you think?

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.

Confessions Of An Antiques Store Worker: Religion & Politics

Everyone knows it's not polite to talk about religion and politics. I rarely do, unless someone else brings it up. And it's not because I don't have an opinion or two (or two thousand) it's because I feel those are subjects for family and trusted friends.

And it's a definite taboo in a retail situation. I always feel I need to be a neutral worker when representing someone else's business--whether that business is an antiques store or several publications I have written for.

I know it's tough to be neutral and objective in this world--but it's how I was trained and part of my nature.

But that doesn't mean that numerous customers don't bring up politics.

I do believe pollsters should be paying me for the information I have collected, just by being neutral and listening to people who bring up politics.

And here's even the demographics. Colorado is a purple state.

My demographics are mainly men who bring up politics. OK, one woman brought it up out of 100 or more men. I don't interpret the facts, I just get amazed over those uneven demographics inwardly.

I'll give you a sample of one conversation that happened today. But it is representative of dozens of them over the months.

HIM: I don't want no socialist for a president.

ME: Oh, my!

HIM: Darn socialist.

ME: Then who would you want as president?

HIM: TRUMP!

Here's my unofficial poll, so far, taken in an antiques store--without me EVER starting the conversation.

TRUMP--100 plus
RUBIO--0
CRUZ--0
CARSON-0
CLINTON-0
SOCIALIST GUY-0

OK, you get the point.

So, am I to conclude that in a purple state, ALL antique shoppers and browsers are for Trump?

I won't reveal who I am for.

Wait! Is that a picture of my beloved terrier mix that I combed some of his hair and then plopped it on his head to make him look a little like Trump--and called his new hair-do: Trump Your Poochie in a previous blog post?

 No, I'd never do anything like that. OK, I would. And I haven't looked in my own blog archives, but I believe back in July or August, I already called the race. Not on personal or unofficial polls of antique store goers--but based on bad hair. I predicted that Trump and Saunders might be battling it out late in the race, because the spoils might go to the folks with the worst hair.

OK, I think antiques are funny. I think politics are funny. Wait, I think just about everything that isn't truly serious can be funny. And here's what I find funny--but eye-opening.

I live in a purple state, sort of in middle America. And in a rural area. And dozens and dozens of people come up to me and confide they are for Trump. It's sort of like a confessional without having to go visit a priest. They'll probably not run into me again--and if they do, I'll never reveal what they told me.

I have no problem with that. They all do acknowledge he is rough and maybe needs to keep his trap shut a little more. BUT, they usually give me a smile that says: I secretly love it!

I am far removed from the East Coast. But it is where my roots are. Even though I have been gone since kindergarten, I understand the differences in politics, humor, culture, jokes, etc. on the East Coast versus other parts of the country. I have lived in most parts of the country--and what flies in the way of humor in the East, might be frowned on in the South.

See, what former presidential candidate Rick Perry is doing would be considered perhaps OK in the South, but not in the East. Wait, I really looked closely at this picture--what he is doing would not be considered OK anywhere.

Turn your attention back to that Trump photo. I chose it for a reason. Not to put the Donald in a bad light. It just reminds me a bit of how my grandmother (East Coast through and through) used to look (minus the combover) and express her emotions. Unless you've been around it or raised around it--it can be a bit off-putting. For those who know a little about some portions of the East (and some Italians) Trump reminded me of granny when she used to do (and say) the Fangul. This is a family-friendly blog, so if you really want to know the history of the Fangul--Google it.

So, just saying. I'm a little surprised that folks here are coming out in droves and talking about Trump. And that's the confessions of an antiques store worker for today.

Confessions Of An Antiques Store Worker: There's No Place Like Florence, Colorado

True story. Oh, wait that's the name of this blog. But true story. I was in Pueblo this weekend, browsing in the antiques district on Union.

Wait, before you call me a traitor to Florence the antiques capital of Colorado--where I live and work--let me explain.

This is only the second time  I've been to the antiques district in Pueblo in my entire life. The last time, I only had time to visit one store--and this time, browsed three of them. I was suitably impressed and even bought a few things. But deep in my heart, I was thinking I liked Florence, and not just because I work there and know a few antiques dealers.

I had a $5 vintage nut chopper in my mitts and was in the basement section of one of the antiques malls in Pueblo and getting ready to go upstairs and checkout, when I heard a voice.

"Ma'am? Are there any other places in southern Colorado like this?"

I turned around to see a middle-aged man with a sincere face. "I just love antiques and historical buildings. Are there more places like this? I am new to the area."

I was just ready to open my mouth and say," Well, let me tell you about this little town about 30 miles up the road called Florence."

But he continued," I know about Florence. I was just there. And wow--that town is, well... Just filled with historic buildings and antiques."

"Hmm," I replied," I just happen to live there and work in an antiques mall there. You do know Florence is the antiques capital of Colorado?"

He did not know that. But what he told me was the he had just relocated to Pueblo a few months ago from Washington State, where is HIS opinion there was no culture. At least in the section of the state he came from. He was wowed, delighted and enchanted by Pueblo's district and the beauty and uniqueness of Florence.

He said of Florence," Why it's so amazing. I've never seen so many antiques stores. You can stroll there and then just walk a few feet and be eating at Quincy's."

For those who don't know--Quincy's is a semi-new addition to Florence's Main St. It is almost always packed--and that is no wonder. The food is great and the prices are fantastic. And it's located in a historic building and decorated to warm the hearts of anyone who loves history and antiques.

This recent Pueblo transplant almost felt like he had dropped into an alternate universe filled with culture, historic buildings, beauty and antiques everywhere. He was eager to explore southern Colorado further.

I told him that Walsenburg was a fairly good bet with an antiques mall and few good funky shops and historic buildings. But I told him he already had really hit the goldmine with Pueblo's antiques district and discovering Florence. He agreed. He walked off thanking me profusely and with rather with a dazed and happy look on his face.

I guess us locals are rather used to all the culture and history and beauty in southern Colorado. It was fascinating to run into a stranger and newcomer who reminded me just how special southern Colorado is.