Love these letters showcased at Pond Road Antiques.
I DON’T RECALL exactly when I began to appreciate antique stores. It certainly was not in my 20s or 30s, nor probably even in my early 40s.
But now, closer to age 60 than to 50, I’ve developed a fondness for these shops that hold memories of my past. Nostalgia sells.
Not all antiques shops are created equal, though. Too much old stuff stuffed inside a dark, cramped and musty building overwhelms me. Artfully arranged merchandise in sufficient light draws me for a closer look.
Inside Pond Road Antiques.
Pond Road Antiques, just off Highway 169 at 111 Butterworth Street in Mankato, ranks as one of the most visually appealing antique shops I’ve shopped. While the exterior, a fancied-up new pole shed style building, doesn’t fit the merchandise inside, don’t judge a book by its cover. Inside you will find 38 dealers showcasing their wares in a visually pleasing way. Think designer display.
Here are a few photos of the merchandise (I failed to photograph the exterior) shot this past summer after a stop at nearby Hiniker Pond Park, where my poem, “The Thrill of Vertical,” is currently posted as part of the Mankato Poetry Walk and Ride. (Click here to learn about that poetry project.)
My poem, “The Thrill of Vertical,” located next to Hiniker Pond.
I’d suggest a jaunt to Mankato to check out that poetry, scattered throughout Mankato and North Mankato, and to peruse the appropriately-named Pond Road Antiques.
My husband, Randy, and I were thrilled to find this vintage straw cowboy hat. We reminisced for awhile about watching Westerns on TV and getting new cowboy hats each summer while growing up.
With my eldest now married to a Schmidt, I find myself drawn to Schmidt beer stuff.
I nearly flipped when I saw this toy accordion, just like one I had as a child. I loved my accordion. It is the only musical instrument I ever had the opportunity to play. I should have bought this although, if I recall correctly, the price was higher than I wanted to pay. But how I would love that toy accordion…
Unusual for sure and, well, I’ve always thought grasshoppers are interesting insects to watch. Grasshoppers were everywhere on my native prairie when I was growing up. I love how items like this are being repurposed as art.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE antique shop?
FYI: Pond Road Antiques is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday and from noon – 5 p.m. Sundays.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Ah – the days of Tom Mix, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, The Lone Ranger, Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy and stick horses we’d “ride” in the yard – what fun!
Stick horses, yes, stick horses. Rode them all the time growing up.
My dad made stick horses for my two girls and I still have them, stashed in a corner of the basement, for their children.
How fortunate to have real stick horses. We really rode sticks!
I guess we were lucky. What a great imagination to consider sticks to be horses.
That looks like a FABULOUS store. I spied a white and red enamel kitchen table and possible a red doored cupboard that I would love to have a closer look at. 🙂 Randy looked positively amazing in the straw cowboy hat (red, too) and the accordion was red. There seems to be a theme here and it is all my favorite color. Will have to check this out on a trip to Mankato when the weather clears—–if that ever happens.
You would not want to head north today, Beth Ann. Bad weather up here in Minnesota.
Of course, you would love all that red merchandise. I was so happy when Randy posed in that cowboy hat for me.
Oh it is horrid out here right now. I just saw the Alliant Energy dude checking meters and I certainly think this was the worst possible day to have that job!!!! Ugh.
You still have meter readers?
Yes, a horrible day to be outside. Snow has stopped here, but the wind is really picking up.
Yea–kind of freaks me out because they come up on the deck and I hear something and look out and there is a man! 🙂
Yes, I could understand that bit of fright.
The ’50’s table just begs one to come and sit a spell!!!! I love this shop and your “review”/photos are wonderfully enticing!!!!!!! Hugs…………….
It’s a fantastic shop. And I totally agree with you about that table.
Reminds me of the decor Vicki had at the Highland Store Cafe (which I sorely miss!!!!).
You are so right. Readers, check out this blog post I wrote about the Highland Store Cafe: https://mnprairieroots.com/2012/10/22/healthy-hearty-dining-at-the-retro-highland-cafe-in-southeastern-minnesota/
What’s the status of that building now, Doreen?
They are using it as their home totally, at the moment. Vicki hasn’t mentioned anything about a sale.
Thanks for the update.
@39 I am already seeing items from my youth in antique stores. A sign perhaps, that things are moving faster into the Nostalgic state of being. Cyn & I were in a thrift store in Princeton, Mn not long ago and it was interesting to see toys, book and other items from my childhood. Recycle, Refurbish, Re-purpose, Reuse – however you “Re” – it seems to becoming increasingly more popular. I am not sure at what point something goes from old to an antique. I suspect it is governed by the sayers of whatever the community may be – be it antiques, art or whatever. I think my favorite antique store thus far has been Bad Dog Antiques and Other Attractions in Gibbon, MN. They have quite a diverse collection and a lot of character.
Thanks for that reminder about Bad Dog Antiques.
When does something become an “antique?” That’s a good question. I have a few (many) years on you, so I see lots of items in antique stores from my youth.
I have a few favorite shops here in town that I like to explore and that brings back memories for me too:) When I moved off the farm I was too young to appreciate the antiques that were given away or sold and just saw junk – ha! Mason jars and kraut crocks and old, metal/wood kitchen gadgets. Great Post – loving your captures, especially the cowboy hat! Happy Thursday
I know exactly what you mean. Should have appreciated “that old junk” more when I was younger, too. Now I want all of “that old junk.”
Ha! Yes to that old junk because it lasted way longer than the new stuff.
You said it, sister.
Do I have to pick a favorite?!!!
No. Have you been to this antique shop?
Once, a few years ago…bought an amazing old workbench that’s in my garage! Need to go back!
And I didn’t even show you the outdoor shopping area, where I’m sure you would find lots of treasures for your garden.
I want that red table. It looks like the one I grew up with. Is there a name for that style? Now it’s going to haunt me.
Readers, can any of you answer Marilyn’s question about the red table?
The table is a red and white porcelain table that was common to the 1950’s I believe.
Here is one on the ‘bay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-White-w-Red-Trim-Enamel-Porcelain-Leaf-Kitchen-Table-w-Drawer-1940s-/321300665615?hash=item4acf03150f
I’ve got a photo of a Schmidt’s City Club sign. I think it was in Shakopee.
Thanks, Ryan.
Sweet hat, Randy. 🙂
Yes, and sweet to pose for the photo.
Indeed!