An overview of the Rice County Steam & Gas Engine Flea Market Saturday morning near Dundas.
FLEA MARKETS OFFER an eclectic mix of merchandise and people, the two ingredients which make shopping and photographing these venues especially entertaining and enlightening.
Mr. Socko, the sock guy, right, vends socks from Fox River Mills, which originated in Appleton, Wisconsin (home to the Fox River), before moving to Iowa.
For example, I met Mr. Socko of St. Paul peddling American made socks this past weekend at the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Flea Market in rural Dundas. Ben Suckow’s (his real name) been selling socks for seven years, driving down to Fox River Mills in Osage, Iowa, to pick up these quality socks to vend at flea markets.
Pigs crafts by Gerald Skluzacek.
At the same event, I spotted whimsical flying pigs (and other) garden art created by Northfielder Gerald Skluzacek, retired owner of a sandblasting company. He also makes jewelry.
Linda Stadler arrived with her mittens to sell in Gerald Skluzacek’s vendor trailer.
On this cold Saturday, his and wife Jane’s friend, Linda Stadler, arrives with mittens she crafted from recycled sweaters. And, yes, the weather was cold enough to warrant mittens. Linda would be minding the Garden Space while Gerald attended a party.
As a bonus, Linda asked if I was “that blogger,” yes, the one who writes about her ventures into small towns. That would be me. Always nice to meet a reader who appreciates your blogging.
Photogenic and personable Albert Remme.
I also had the honor of meeting and chatting with Albert Remme of Dennison, who was bundled in a warm coat, an ear flapper cap and gloves on this windy 50-something degree day as he waited on bleachers for his nephew.
After seeking permission to photograph him, I asked Albert if he was a retired farmer. He was a farmer and a soldier. Drafted between Korea and Vietnam, Albert was sent to Hawaii and thanks God he never saw combat. “I don’t know how you could kill anyone who’s done nothing to you,” he said.
Then I told him about my dad, a Korean War vet who fought on the front lines. “It was kill or be killed,” I shared. Not easy. And Albert just kind of nodded his head in silent agreement.
And that’s how these photo shoots go—I spot an interesting person or object or scene and I either shoot a few quick frames or I shoot, then pause to learn more.
Shopping the flea market…
Every time I attend this flea market, I look for a weird piece of merchandise. This year it would be these horns. Why, I ask, would anyone save these? Would you buy these horns or try to sell them?
Signs tell a story, too, like this on an auction wagon there for the live auction.
The auctioneer solicits bids from his movable auction wagon.
I set my camera on the grass to shoot this image of barbed wire that had been auctioned off as the auction continues.
FYI: Click here and here to read two previous posts from the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Flea Market. Check back for one final post in which I will show you my purchases.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I have attended this Flea Market in past years! It’s always a mix! , but usually warmer!
You just never know what you will find at a flea market. Junk to treasures.
There is always the potential to discover a bit of teasure; that’s what makes these types of event interesting to me. You usually meet some very interesting people also.
True on both counts.
Can’t wait to see what you bought!!! Maybe something for Caleb?????
Nope, nothing for Caleb. Guess I need to photograph those finds now, don’t I?
Oh, my gosh, those pigs!!
For $75, a pig can be yours.
I am such a sucker for anything pig like, especially piglets! Mr. Socko has the market on everything socks – love that:) Great Post – thanks for sharing! Happy Hump Day:)
If it hadn’t been so windy the day of the flea market, Mr. Socko tells me he would have had a big sock flying to attract buyers. I bet he could have told me a few interesting stories had I had more time to chat.
I would love to ask Mr. Socko what is up with toe socks – ha!
I’ve never worn toe socks and I don’t think I could stand them.
I get a little creeped out, especially with those toe shoes and would not wear them either. I love to be barefoot and fancy free most of the time:)
I’m barefoot in my office right now, writing poetry when I should be editing a book manuscript. Well, the poetry submission deadline is in four days. So maybe writing poetry is just fine.
I think such markets have replaced the auctions of old. Around here they are “on line” which is unfortunate. A cup of coffee, an auction number and some visiting…..seems that is something of the past. Farmer’s markets get very good attendance so maybe that is a type of replacement? Great post! Hugs, D
Interesting point, Doreen. There’s something to be said for those old-time live auctions. People just don’t have the time anymore, it seems. The farmers’ market here is also well-attended. Visiting is part of it, but so is the trend toward eating healthier and knowing from whence your food comes.
I do so agree.
How fun that they knew you were “the blogger”! That’s awesome!
Yup, we can’t hide behind our words, Gretchen.
You gotta love a good flea market, I really want to know why someone would want one of those horns????
I hope to attend a few flea markets this summer. Have you ever been to “Marigold days” in Mantorville? I’ve always loved going to that one, it’s always the 2nd weekend in September.
http://www.marigolddays.com/
Good questions on the horns? But I think I remember my brothers having cattle horns in the toybox in their bedroom. Why? Who knows?
I have not been to the Marigold Days flea market, but I remember you blogging about it. This September I will be a wee bit busy with the daughter’s wedding.
It’s really quite amazing what one can do with cow horns. To see some things that a kind man helped me do with them when I was a kid, see my blog post at http://whattoexpectwhen.wordpress.com.
Thanks for enlightening me. I had not even thought of horns as material for creating art. Readers, be sure to check out this referenced post. You will be impressed by the art made from cow horns.