Inland Treasures

On my most recent sojourn to The Land of Steady Habits (that's my home state of Connecticut, in case you are in a state of wonder), I paid a visit to one of my favorite antiques centers in New Hartford, the Collinsville Antiques Company, on route 44. The defining characteristic of this group emporium is the old-school diner located to the right as you walk in (just after you pass an old TV set that's been repurposed as a fish aquarium!).

Design inspiration abounds here, especially if you like funky, unusual lighting. One booth in particular caught my eye, as it featured a wonderful assortment of mid-century treasures, including this fabulous dual-light desk lamp I brought home with me...

What really sold me on this — in addition to its swank fiberglass shades and wood stem — is the way it lights up. The switch is conveniently located on the base. On the first turn, the right light goes on; On the second turn, the left light goes on; On the third turn, both lights go on; And on the fourth turn, both lights go off!

Are we all lit?!

There are no maker's marks on this piece, but it's most likely from the late 1950s to early 1960's, judging by its styling. In comparison to similar light fixtures of the era, this lamp shows great restraint, as well as great versatility. The shades also swivel, so you can have them point to a sci-fi book you might be reading. Or, you can have them point up to the ceiling.

I also found some "Blue Spruce" dinnerware pieces in the same booth, to add to my collection...

I also found a soup bowl in this pattern, and I already have three dinner plates from a previous antiquing trip. I don't see this pattern all that often, though apparently it was sold at supermarkets across America in the late '50s and early '60s. It was manufactured by the Marcrest Stetson company. The bottom of the creamer says "Made in USA." I looked on Etsy, and found lots of other pieces for sale, including oval platters, cups and saucers, a gravy boat, and even ash trays! I like the simplicity of this pattern, and the soft blue and gray go perfectly with my blue and white kitchen. I use this pattern only during the winter months, right after Christmas.

Another fun purchase I made in New Hartford was two sets of HIS closet dividers...

These rather amusing plastic discs are the type of thing you still see on department store sales racks to separate different sizes. I opened one set and put them in my bedroom closet just for fun. I'm leaving this set in the package ... at least for now. The back of the package says, "Made in Hongkong for Aluminum Housewares Co., Inc. 1979, Maryland Heights, MO. 63043." Maybe if I get a husband someday, I'll let him open this set — Oh, behave!