Coming up this Sunday the 29th: The biannual Antique and Collectibles Fair in Old Town Clovis, CA. More than 80 dealers will bring their finest finds for your selection. Wanda Leon, for instance, has just gotten back from an exhaustive summer-long buying trip along the World's Longest Yard Sale and who knows what she's brought home. Also, you can bring something for a free appraisal by Kathy Osterberg. Admission and parking are free.

Photo: oldtownclovis.org

Old Town Clovis is one of those lovingly restored downtown districts that take you back, so that a stroll through the streets feels like you've been transported in time. They've set a wonderful example for any American community looking to revive their heritage.

You can check out ongoing events in town on a blog, and there's a virtual tour you can take on the Old Town Clovis website. Antique Fairs are held in March and September, sponsored by Business Organization of Old Town.

If you go to Clovis, meander through the many antique shops in Old Town. You can refer to a map of shops in Cochran's Guide, just select Contents and then click on Clovis.

Take Hubby Shopping for Mantiques

Men have been deeply involved in antiques since the first caveman started collecting old bones, but still when a lot of guys think of antiques they picture spindly gilded furniture and pretty dishes, not really their cup of tea (hope that remark doesn't sound sexist). They get that glassy-eyed look when you want them to go with you shopping in antique stores. But now there are stores that boldly offer "mantiques," "architectural," "industrial" items that definitely spark a man's interest.

One we just came across this morning is called Acme Garage, in Medford, Oregon. They describe their store as follows: "At over 6600 sq ft, our co-op is packed with high-octane vintage items." When you go there, you might want to bring a truck!

Guys! Imagine this "settee" in your man cave!

Check out their Facebook page for a preview. It's a guy kinda thing, from the banner featuring four pin-up girls reminiscent of mechanics' calendars, on down...a miner's carbide lamp, advertising signs for once-popular petroleum products, metal lockers like you had in high school, stuff from dismantled post offices and bowling alleys, giant sign letters, 1950s billboards, neon signs, repurposed furniture and all the elements a fella needs to do some repurposing on his own...Well, you get the idea. Lots of photos for inspiration.

 They've got a sign out front that says "Drop him off at Acme Garage...Free Mansitting." So next time you're in Medford stop at 2784 West Main St, bring the hubby and don't be surprised if he has the time of his life.

Paradise, California is a town named for a pun, according to local lore: someone came up with "Pair-O-Dice" and it evolved into Paradise. The main drag through Paradise is Skyway Blvd. where you'll see a string of antique and vintage stores, definitely worth the detour off Highway 99 to spend an afternoon exploring. And thanks to the wonders of the Internet, you can do a preview visit to these two stores: Skyway Antique Mall, and Bainbridge Antiques.

Skyway Antique Mall has its own website, a simple straightforward collection of lots of photos. You get an impression of a very large store, with a big selection that includes fine wood furniture.

Bainbridge Antiques has a page on Facebook, where they post excellent photos of the store and newly-arrived items. Here's a homey display of colorful kitchen pottery and glassware, like Fiestaware, Fire King, Russell Wright and Hull plus old crocks, etc. You can also find items from Bainbridge Antiques on eBay.

Paradise is off Hwy. 5 east of Chico. Other stores you'll see along the highway are Jeannie's Consignment, Skyway Blue and Aunt Mabel's General Store. On the way you'll pass veggie stands featuring the area's trademark olives and other locally-grown produce, and amazing red buttes that reminded me of a miniature Grand Canyon. Beautiful country!

Even the stars like old stuff and bargains

You never know what famous faces you might see at an RG Canning Attractions antique and vintage show. Apparently celebrities can be making millions and still enjoy escaping for a little funky retail therapy at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, the Ventura Flea Market, the San Bernardino Market Place,  the Beaumont Outdoor Market or the Beaumont Garage Sale. Wear your dark sunglasses so you can ogle while remaining cool!

Designer Michael Ostrow takes actress Heidi Klum on a tour of the Canning Rose Bowl Flea Market

San Bernardino's next event is Sunday, Sept. 1. This show has been going for over 40 years and attracts 8,000-10,000 browsers to their 800 booths every Sunday. Parking and admission is free.

If you can't make it Sunday, there's still the giant Beaumont Garage Sale Sept. 6, or the Rose Bowl Sept. 8, or the Ventura Flea Market Sept. 29.

And watch on ABC-TV for the new pilot, The Great Big American Auction which will feature Canning events. It's enough to make you want to make a road trip!

An inspiration to us all

We often make the commitment to put something on our Facebook page every day, aware that daily posting increases following. But speaking for myself, I usually miss a day, then three days, then a month...blame it on those real world distractions.

But at Snohomish Antique Gallery Mall in Snohomish, WA, new owner Bruce Toscono is promising to post daily, complete with photos, and so far he's doing great. An inspiration to us all.

Today's post included this photo of a c. 1942 German soldier's helmet, an item that "redefines the word soldier," Bruce commented. It's one of their collection of militaria. You'll see something interesting, cool, curious, spooky or irresistible every day on their Facebook page, so go check it out! Everything you see there can be found in the store...unless someone else gets it first! They're at 117 Glen Ave, Snohomish, phone number (360) 568-7644.

P.S. they'll have a new website up soon, and we'll let you know when it's ready for prime time.

Hot August Night!

Antique Warehouse in Salida (just north of Modesto) is having their first Saturday of the month Parking Lot Sale today, and also their annual Hot August Nights vintage car show. Wow! do they have some choice vehicles on display! It's their biggest event of the year, and there'll be giveaways, live music and surprises. Well worth the trip if you live anywhere in California's Central Valley! Start by visiting their website. The Parking Lot Sale ends at 3pm, but the store will be open for their regular hours.

Saturday Night in Miniature

For those who love dollhouses and miniatures, this unique automaton case with miniature figures is something very special. Richard Wilson, who was known in the Sacramento, CA area as the Master of Miniatures, created this saloon scene called "Saturday Night", possibly in the 1980s, and it has now become an acquisition of Ron Curtis at Antique and Collectibles Marketplace. Ron sent us this description:

The "wood shadow box" is 33 inches wide, 25 inches height and 20 inches deep with a lift up glass front.  Towards the back left corner is an enclosure for the motor, a tape recorder and speaker outlet that measures 13 x 5 inches. 

You plug it in and throw the switch. It will initially play saloon type dancing music from a tape player with 30 minutes of music.  Push another button and the three dancers on the stage begin doing the Can-Can, the piano player begins playing the piano, and the bartender begins raising a bottle. Five wall lights interspersed, along with five lights over the dancers on stage light up the case.

Buried on the second floor balcony to the left of the lady in the green dress is a lighted bathroom with wash basin, mirror and dry sink. At the tables you see a "show girl" on a man's lap, a poker game in progress and four men surrounding the bar.  I believe the Madame is guarding the lower level door to the right. Also, of note is the exquisite balcony and railing to the second floor as well as wood doors.   And, finally added to the attractions is the reclining nude print behind the bartender.

You are probably looking at a one of a kind "house" with miniature dolls and mechanical features by a gentlemen who has since passed away. He was truly a "master."