How does a nearly 120-year-old building become the center of a community, an arts center and a gathering place? Start with great architectural bones, a fascinating history and incredible financial support, and the result is the Port Gamble Theater. Let’s go back in time, way back to the days when the captains of Northwest industry […]
history
Posted inPeople & Places
The Future of Thrifting
That old Corningware dish that now sits outside as the dog’s water bowl — grab it up and dust it off, for it might be worth a couple of grand or more. Absurd? I also thought so, but am seeing many occurrences of outrageously priced vintage Corningware cookware. It got me thinking about future thrifting […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Olalla Bay Market
Most people know that Washington became formally recognized as a state in 1889 and members of the Puyallup, Skokomish and Suquamish tribes had thriving communities in and around the Kitsap Peninsula for thousands of years prior to immigrant settlement. Yet, how many people think about what places like Port Orchard, Poulsbo or Olalla were like […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Gem Hunting
Very trendy these days to buy used items online, but don’t call that “thrifting.” Thrifting is the actual walking into a thrift shop or rummage sale, looking for a small cooking pot, but then jumping up and down discovering three midcentury canisters like the ones grandmother had. It is the unexpected. Maybe you’re looking for […]
Posted inPeople & Places
History Exhibit at Olalla Bay Market & Landing
At Olalla Bay Market & Landing, the I Love Olalla Group presented a new historical exhibit titled Beautiful Downtown Olalla and stories showcasing the history of the property — from its early days as a general store and post office to its current role as a café, artisan shop and community gathering space.
Posted inHome
The Legacy of Grandma’s Dishes
Being a thrifting expert has its responsibilities and notable conclusions. Over the years, I have interviewed and asked a zillion questions. You know what most people said? “The kids don’t want it.” Everyone has heard that statement. My favorite is, “The sales tag is still on the dress and someday I will be able to […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Mason County Historical Museum
On this day, husband Earl and I were headed to the Mason County Historical Museum in Shelton. Earl grew up in the Tahuya, North Mason area, where kids were always finding old arrowheads and carving implements on the beaches. He had four of the indigenous arrowheads that had been stored away for some 60 years, […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Minder Meats
Minder Meats, a meat market in Bremerton, was first opened in Kitsap County in 1943 during World War II. It has gone through four generations of family management, with James Minder Carlson as the current owner. He explains that it was his Swiss great-grandfather who founded their family business. After immigrating to the United […]
Posted inHome
A Little Pyrex History
Twenty years ago, it was commonplace to see Pyrex as the dog’s outside drinking bowl. A decade later, that same Pyrex bowl might have been on the auction block for hundreds. Today, it’s still collectible, but the Pyrex trend peak has diminished as contemporary thrifting has changed direction. Sets have been replaced with singles. Decorating […]