The Hope Chest is a Time Capsule!

I’m wondering if anyone under the age of 35 knows what a hope chest is? My mother has one and so do most women of her age. That’s where they collected the linens and other items – maybe a negligee or two - they would use to set up a home when they married.

Mom, who is in her seventies, received her hope chest from my father after becoming engaged to him. Other women received their chests from their own mothers before becoming engaged. I have been talking to women of all ages about their hope chests, and I’ve found that everyone seems to have a different story about how they received and used these attractive storage chests.

We just received the contents of a 90-year-old woman’s hope chest. It contained the story of her life! The embroidered and cutwork linen, tablecloths, antimacassars (anyone want to take a guess?) and pillowcases stitched with the couple’s initials. The wedding journal from the 1940s – she never wrote in it, but she kept it all those years; perhaps she couldn’t bring herself to part with a gift from her bridal shower. Did she wear that white lace boudoir jacket on her honeymoon?

We also got a glimpse into her married life. The aprons, neatly folded and unstained but soft from use, were handmade with Christmas themes and whimsical patterns typical of the 1950’s. Tablecloths the size of card tables were embroidered on each corner. China teacups recalled the countries where the couple had travelled. Gently worn, kid leather gloves, pocketbooks and piles of delicately embroidered handkerchiefs spoke of special occasions.

Today, vintage hope chests are not necessarily bought in anticipation of married life, but for the great storage they offer. If you happen to have inherited or have purchased a Lane hope chest from the 1920’s through 1987, you can call Lane at 1-888-856-8758 to receive a new childproof lock – see how things have changed? I can’t even imagine thinking my mother’s hope chest was the perfect place to hide when playing hide and go seek! But my big sister and I sure did like to peak into Mom’s hope chest – when she sent us there to retrieve something – and see the treasures inside.

We Accept Quality Furniture Consignments & Other Objects of Value!

WE INVITE YOU TO CONSIGN YOUR ANTIQUE AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNITURE WITH US!


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We have helped homeowners, professional restorers and antiques dealers to sell their antique & vintage furniture as well as other unique objects of value for the last 20 years. We have created a community of sellers & buyers that are interested in the quality of each other's experience during every transaction. The sellers are committed to offering for sale items that the buyers can purchase with confidence, take home and display with pride. The buyers, over the course of years of repeat purchases, have come to appreciate the effort and knowlege that goes into the supply, reconditioning and display offered by the sellers.

Mass Tax Free Holiday Weekend!

Hi Folks,
This weekend is it! MASS TAX FREE HOLIDAY WEEKEND is here, Saturday & Sunday August 16th & 17th! We are ramped up and ready with TRUCKLOADS of NEW ARRIVALS!
You may just want to pay the balance on a special order?

Sale Prices + Tax Holiday = MORE SAVINGS!

Items that arrived this week & Ready To Take Home:
Bedroom Sets
Desks
Bookcases
Mirrors
Lamps
Jewelry
Persian Rugs
Sippican Cottage Furniture
Old Wood Traditions Reproductions
ETC.

WE HAVE A GREAT SELECTION!
Come in and visit us and have your shot at "stiffing the state" while you save and have fun decorating your home.

We look forward to seeing you.

Reproductions Fit and Work...for YOU!

It's a great thing to be able to have something that fits into your home and decor. Tradition may sway your preference toward an original, but application, availability and even affordability can dictate another course of action. The custom reproduction is what we have found to be the answer!

The custom Early American Reproduction has been our standard bearer for many years. Warren Chair Works (WCW) has lead the way, for us, for over a decade. They are keen to maintaining the techniques of old while adjusting to the functionality of today. WCW offers a wide range of size, wood type and finishing options in all of their handcrafted tables and cupboards. Their Windsor chair line compliments the need for a variety of color and style schemes.

Old Wood Traditions (OWT) has evolved into something of a counter culture of customization. Although the line began as a painted piece with a featured old board, it has, of late, become all about making an alternative to what many cannot find or would prefer not to accept. The classic painted furniture forms easily found in the common box and franchise retail national brand stores is made of inferior materials and with "quick-zip" joinery. These newer versions are being discovered for what they are obviously not and OWT has expertly filled that ever growing void!