Old City Hall Shoppes

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:11:00 +0000

Sometimes people ask where we get our ideas for decorating the shop. Sometimes the ideas come from the oddest places....this year we were inspired by a crazy cover photo from Oprah's Magazine (http://static.oprah.com/images/200912/omag/cover-poll/200912-omag-cover-lights-poll-large.jpg) to go back to those big lights from our childhood. They're so cheerful...we just mixed them up with the little white lights for some sparkle. Even the chandelier (below) got the treatment!

Do you have lots of old pictures of long gone ancestors? Tuck them in your tree and add some old fashioned popcorn or yo-yo garland. No pics of ancestors of your own? Come on in...you can have instant ancestors from the shoppes collection!

The vintage kitchen cupboard in red and white will instantly add cheer to your kitchen.

Happy Little Customer

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:28:00 +0000

This is the sweet little granddaughter of one of our dealers. She found a dolly to keep her company while she was here....and of course Grandma bought it so she could take it home.

Summer Bash...Murals and More Coming to Pontiac

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:57:00 +0000

Pontiac is hosting The Walldogs this summer! The Walldogs are a group of sign painters and muralists from around the world. Each summer they converge in one town to create wonderful murals. 160 artists will visit Pontiac to create 17 murals around the downtown area. This design will be painted on the side of Old City Hall Shoppes! Come to Pontiac June 25, 26, 27 and 28. In addition watching the murals being painted, you can attend Heritage days on the square and the Hang Loose Car Show in Riverside Park. You can view more of the mural designs here.

Rearranging...

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:27:00 +0000

We are bring in some vintage treasures fresh from the auction...so we're doing a lot of rearranging. Come on in visit!

The Team

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:36:00 +0000

I just thought I'd share this photo with you....when you come to Old City Hall Shoppes, chances are you will be greeted by someone in this photo. This is me, Jan and Bob (my mom and dad) and Hawkeye. This photo was taken by Chuck Dunning, one of the veterans who volunteers at the Livingston County War Museum. The Liv. Co. War Museum and the Rt. 66 Hall of Fame Museum share the building with us....you'll want to visit them while you are here.

Shake it up.

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:17:00 +0000

Sometimes you just have to shake things up to make room for new stuff. I did a little rearranging today. Marianne is renting the other half of this room for a while and I can't wait to see what she brings in. What I did in here has a little bit of a shabby cottage look.

Jolly Trolly Holiday Open Houses

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:11:00 +0000

This weekend, Nov. 7,8, and 9th we will be holding our open houses in Pontiac. You can shop the square, visit the museums, and ride the trolly to tour Pontiac and visit two of our historic homes.

Be sure to stop at Old City Hall Shoppes to visit us.

We've got some cookies and banana bread waiting for you.

Decorate for Halloween with Antiques

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:41:00 +0000

Halloween decorating and antiques are natural partners. If you add some flickering candles or lamplight....some of the things automatically seem right out of a scary movie. The chandelier above is beautiful anytime, but when you add flicker bulbs it fits Halloween perfectly. Mirrors are great too...for reflecting the candlelight and adding a little spooky movement as people move about.

And old barnwood potting table makes a good display piece. We dressed it up with fall flowers, pumpkins and gourds and old lamps.

I still have to get this just right....I put a purple light inside the piano ...hoping for a spooky look. But I need a stronger light to get the affect of a haunted piano.

Every year we get out the pumpkins and crows and add them to other things that can have a spooky feel. This year we used orange pottery, globes and bird cages.

This cupboard had a nice harvest color inside already...we just added all the amber and carnival glass we could find.

Old shoes seem more like a witches' shoes this time of year. Rusty keys, oil lamps and candlesticks are great mood makers too.

Old photos are one of my favorite things to decorate with. Our carved gourds are made by a local couple. They do a great job...each one has it's own personality. They also provide us with wonderful dyed gourds...they look like squash in a display, but you don't have to worry about them rotting...they stay perfect from year to year.

Come on in and visit us.

We promise we aren't too scary ;)

Walking Rt. 66

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:58:00 +0000

Hawkeye greets Cherylynn

One of the things I like best about running OCHS is the people I get to meet. Today I met Cherylynn Delfino. She's a spunky young lady from New Jersy and she is walking across the country! She just started the Route 66 portion yesterday. Good Luck Cherylynn!

Welcome Sherri of Simply Country

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:46:00 +0000

Old City Hall Shoppes welcomes new dealer Sherri Mackinson. Sherri recently closed her popular shop, Simply Country, but she decided to still offer some of her merchandise here at Old City Hall Shoppes. She carries Yankee and McCall candles, Park Designs table linens, and country accents.

Sherri is not new to Old City Hall Shoppes. Like me, she was one of the original dealers at Old City Hall Shoppes....it must have been about 14 years ago when OCHS opened. Quite a few of us went on to open our own shops.

Welcome Sherri...we're glad you're here!

Heritage Day 2008

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 05:00:00 +0000

We had lovely weather for Heritage day. Here's a little bit of what went on on the square today.
Many folks took a carriage ride around town.
The sheep shearing demonstration was very popular. This man sheers them quickly and the sheep certainly don't seem to mind. There were all kinds of old time skills and crafts demonstrated...basket making, spinning, quilting, lampwork, blacksmithing, stained glass... there was even a pie contest. Yum!
We set up a booth on the square to bring a little bit of the shop outside....here's our fancy sign!
And a view into the booth about midway through the day....we had sold quite a bit by this time.
A shopper finds a treasure.

Heritage Day

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:00:00 +0000

August 2 is Heritage Day in Pontiac. There will be lots to do on Pontiac's square. There will be demonstrations of old time crafts and skills, entertainment and food. For a look at last year check out this post.

We will be set up in a tent on the square to give folks a glimpse of Old City Hall Shoppes... and if you visit the booth you can pick up a coupon to receive 10% off your purchases if you visit the shop that day.

New Treasures

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:47:00 +0000

I went to an auction today and got some great vintage pieces for the shop. I'm working on cleaning it all up and pricing and hopefully will get it in the shop tonight.
Remember we are open from 12-4 on Sunday, so if you'd like to see what's new come on in!

Busy Weekend...

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:53:00 +0000

We had a busy weekend and sold a lot out of this display, so I just keep tweaking it and adding different things. The red and white table and chairs are still here. We are now open until 7 on Friday nights all through the summer.

Along the way...The Antique Shoppe, Fairbury, IL

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:28:00 +0000

Occasionally I will feature some of my favorite nearby shops that you can visit on your way to see us at Old City Hall Shoppes. Today, I'm taking you to one of my favorite shops: The Antique Shoppe in Fairbury, IL. It's on Route 24 as you go through Fairbury.

There are plenty of goodies on the outside as well as inside.

As you step inside, you are greeted by a porch full of vintage treasures.

This is at the other end of the porch. One of these days I'm going to break down and buy that Gross Landing sign. That would be hilarious hanging on our back landing at home...very descriptive!

Inside you are greeted by Kathy Kupferschmid. She and her husband Daton own this sweet shop. Let's not focus on me, lets focus on how cute Kathy looks in her vintage apron!

Sorry about the flash photos...I just don't hold steady enough to do without it. The kitchen is full of antique kitchenware and yummy dips and gourmet sauces.

Here's one of the rooms decked out for the 4th of July....which is when they hold a big sale at Kathy's shop. So now you know where to go antiquing when everyone else is closed on the 4th!

As we head up stairs we see some Jessie Steele aprons....so cute and so well made. Kathy carries many neat items that you've admired on the web.

Kathy carries antiques with a few carefully chosen new home accents and jewelry. Love that giant clock!

The shop is full on both floors. Her displays will give you plenty of ideas. You can visit Kathy's new shop blog here.

There are plenty of shops on your way to Pontiac to make for a fun antiquing trip. This one is about 20 minutes from us. While you are in Fairbury, Kathy can tell you how to find the other antique shops in her town. As you continue on, you will find the Redbird Antique Mall in Chenoa on Rt 24. Then take either old Rt 66 or the new 55 up to Pontiac and see us!

Meet Hawkeye

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:05:00 +0000

It just occurred to me that I've never introduced Hawkeye on the blog. He is my standard poodle and he comes to work with me every day. Most of the time when people are here he is napping in the office, but he keeps an eye on everything.
He is named after the character on M.A.S.H., which is kind of cool, as we have the war museum on the second floor of our building. If you are a dog lover, be sure to say Hi to him!

New Finds!

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:01:00 +0000

I went to an auction and brought home a load...make that 2 loads of new treasures! Come on in and see what we have. I am loving this little red and white kitchen table and chairs (there are 4 chairs, just 3 are shown). It would be perfect on a porch.

Remember, the greenest thing you can do is use things again.......and that's what antiquing is all about!

Home Again Antiques at Old City Hall Shoppes

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:45:00 +0000

New line of dinnerware...Feed on the Word, mixes well with vintage glassware and china!

As some of you know, I used to have a storefront on the square...lately, I've had a few folks asking if I'm still in the business. Well, Home Again Antiques is still alive and well and living at Old City Hall Shoppes. I'm here almost every day...unless I'm out finding new treasures to fill the shop. If I'm not here, Bob or Jan will be here to help you.

Stop in and see us!
Joyce

Globes, plant stands, railroad oil can, oil painting, and as always...old books

Old light fixture, which could be used for a light fixture, but also makes a great candle holder! Old book with charming cover.

This little bird has been making his nest with paper from old books right in the flowerpots!

Hand painted tea set, vintage teacups and saucers, and old portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Valentine

I used to think I didn't like orange or amber...but now I love it!

New Summer Hours-Open Sundays!

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Thu, 22 May 2008 05:15:00 +0000

Old City Hall Shoppes will have new summer hours starting June 1st.
Monday: Closed
Tues.-Friday: 10-5
Saturday: 10-4
Sunday: 12-4

Going Up! The elevator is coming!

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:04:00 +0000

We are getting an elevator to make our building more accessible. The city owns the Old City Hall building and the attached firehouse. Recently they decided to put in an elevator to make the museums and shops easier for all to use. Thanks also goes to the Humiston Trust for their large donation.
The two buildings are connected on the upper level, but an open drive is between the two ...the elevator will go in this space.
I'm so excited about this project. Many times I have seen WWII vets come and not be able to see the war museum because they could not climb the stairs. Other times I have seen these men, some on oxygen, slowly climbing the steps and taking breaks to see the exhibits. If you haven't seen the museum, you really should visit. It's a very moving experience.

The elevator will also make our shoppes accessible as well as the upper level of the Route 66 Museum and the Campanelli photography exhibit in the old jail cells.

Lavender Sachets

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:18:00 +0000

Handmade by yours truly from vintage linens and recycled buttons. The toile came from some beautifully made but faded vintage drapes from a Tennessee home. It has a wonderful mellow look. The sachets are filled with lavender buds and are very fragrant. If the scent starts to fade over time, simply gently squeeze the sachet to release a fresh burst of scent. Perfect for tucking in a drawer, closet, or car. Makes a nice little gift too.

Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross Visit OCHS

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

It's not every day we have a visit from Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross in our shop! Today Mr. Franklin and Mrs. Ross were visiting to do some programs in the area. They are history interpreters Ralph Archbold and Linda Wilde from (where else?) Philadelphia. When I googled them I found that they are also engaged to be married. Congratulations to the happy couple.

All Natural Handcrafted Soaps

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:09:00 +0000

Home Again Antiques at Old City Hall Shoppes has just stocked 12 wonderful scents of all natural handcrafted soaps. We are proud to offer these high quality soaps. They contain no synthetic fragrances, colors or preservatives. They also retain all the glycerin produced in the soap making process....so they are non-drying and leave your skin feeling wonderful.
These soaps are made in the USA.
We even have a men's scent packaged up just for the Route 66 fans! All soaps are $4.95 per bar.

Welcome Diana Rich-new dealer at OCHS

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:22:00 +0000

We are happy to welcome Diana Rich as a new dealer at Old City Hall Shoppes. Diana has been collecting antiques for years and this is her first time to try her hand at being a dealer. Diana has a wide variety of vintage and new items in her room. Everything from vintage farm tools to dishes to handcrafted jewelry. Come on in and check it out!

Think Spring...

noreply@blogger.com (theshopkeeper) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:59:00 +0000

We have some little mama birds in their nests waiting to go home with you and bring a little spring to your nest.

It's almost Easter! We have some vintage and some new Easter items that might make the perfect centerpiece for your Easter table. After the holiday, they are wonderful spring accents.