GOOD MORNING. It’s 6 a.m. And, if you’re an avid garage saler and have the morning free, you likely already are preparing your route of must-hit sales.
An overview shot taken Tuesday evening in the Trinity gym with more items to be set out on Wednesday.
In Faribault, add the Cannon Valley Lutheran High School sale to your list. Doors to the sale site, the gym at Trinity Lutheran Church, 530 Fourth Street Northwest (Minnesota Highway 60 across from McDonalds) open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 25, and Friday, July 26. Saturday, July 27, hours are 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tuesday I got a sneak peek at this gym full of treasures. Yes, I adhere to the “One man’s (or woman’s) junk is another man’s (or woman’s) treasure.”
Frames and mirrors and merchandise reflected.
Except for clothing, of which there is none at this sale, you will find the usual assortment of merchandise ranging from household décor to kitchenware, books, furniture, toys, sporting equipment, some collectibles and more.
Sweet vintage thermoses.
A bit overwhelmed by the volume of offerings, I methodically worked my way through the gym, photographing items I found of particular interest. Note that I am drawn to vintage more than anything.
A kitschy vintage clock for the cat lover.
I collect vintage drinking glasses and tablecloths, but did not uncover any during my one-hour walk-through. That’s just as well. I already have more than I need.
A beautiful Pyrex casserole for the collector.
A large bowl for the Pyrex collector.
And two more beautiful Pyrex bowls.
I suggested to one of the organizers that the three Pyrex bowls and casserole I spotted ought to be marked at collector prices. “There will be collectors here,” I advised her.
“Puppy Love” and “Winter Solitude” by Rhody Yule, appraised and priced at $395 and $375.
If you’re an art collector, you will want to examine four paintings by my friend, Rhody Yule, a Faribault sign painter and prolific artist whose work was featured in a 2011 gallery exhibit at the Paradise Center for the Arts six months before his death at age 92. He was a remarkable man of deep faith and I was blessed to be gifted with one of his religious themed paintings. Now you, too, can own a piece of Rhody’s art.
Some wonderful wooden puzzles, newer and older.
If I had young kids or grandkids, I would have scooped up lots of books and toys, most in excellent condition. I did nab a homespun poetry book, The Old Hometown, by Faribault resident Marlene Hyatt Meehl, now deceased. I also found two blackboards to use at my daughter’s wedding reception.
Another view of that gym full of merchandise, to which more has been added since I took this photo.
I expect you will find something you “need.” How could you not in a gymnasium packed with treasures?
MORE FINDS:
There are plenty of hard-sided suitcases for sale and a few soft-sided also.
I have not seen curlers like this in 40 years, just like my mom used and occasionally poked into my head. The plastic pins for securing the rollers are included.
This vintage timer was made in one of my favorite Wisconsin towns, Two Rivers, along Lake Michigan. The box and the literature inside are as vintage cool as the timer.
A peek at some of the furniture.
Among the abundance of Christmas decor, I spotted these precious Nativity pieces.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Oooh……..what a great looking sale!!! But I have determined that I need to be getting rid of stuff rather than adding to my treasures so I will have to pass on this one but what a bunch of fabulous items! Love the Pyrex blue casserole dish—that one is awesome and it looked like it was in great shape.
I’m with you, Beth Ann, which is why I don’t go to garage sales like I once did. I just do not need any more “stuff.” I only picked up the two blackboards because the daughter wants to use them at her wedding reception. After that, I will have to donate those two boards to a charitable cause.
The blue casserole is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it. Some collector will be happy.
I thought of you when I photographed the cat clock.
You never know what you find if you don’t take a look. These sales are great; as you say, one persons junk is another treasure. Simply pitching things in the trash accomplishes nothing but filling landfills. I think garage sale interest is on the rise due to the Repurpose Recycled Reused Reclaimed Restored Movement that is somewhat quietly building steam.
I agree, Dan, about the growing interest in garage sales. I’ve shopped garage sales and thrift stores for years not only out of economic necessity, but because I value “old” items for nostalgic and other reasons. I’m proud to say that nearly every piece of art in my home, and even most of my furniture, is vintage second hand.
And I’m proud to say that my three adult children also are very much into thrift store shopping. I taught them well.
Nope, don’t ‘need’ anything!!! LOL! Houston “Hoedown” this weekend and the city park becomes on huge ‘flea market’!!! Great finds for those who are in the market!!!!! Not me!
A Hoedown. What fun. Right?
Yup!! Will be helping son/DIL at their convenience store (located smack dab in the middle of the happenings) and we’re looking forward to it!!!!
So how much were they asking for the large Pryrex bowl listed as a collector’s item? I ask because I have that bowl and two other size bowls that go together as a set received as a shower gift 46 years. Gosh to think they could be collector items at only 46 years.
I think $10 for the larger one. I know how you feel about the “collector’s” tag.
I miss good ol shopping treasure trips like this! Thanks for the great pictures, I want just about everything!
“Treasure trips” is a great tag for these shopping opportunities. There’s almost always something fun and interesting to be found at such sales, and typically at bargain prices.