Another Estate Sale!

It's time for another "Thrifty Treasures" party hosted by Rhoda of Southern Hospitality. Go over and check out all the participants. Please be sure to make note of Rhoda's new address and become a subscriber.

I love a good estate sale! Recently I went to one of the more interesting ones I’ve encountered.

The personal property of a retired local judge was being sold. He was a widower, and had died at the age of 91. You might have heard of his nephew, Al Gore (yep, that Al Gore!). I’ve read that the former Vice-President visited the home frequently and that the judge had been a trusted advisor and confidant.

The house itself was unusual. Perched on a knoll at the end of a street of modest brick homes, its first incarnation had been as the clubhouse for the local golf and country club. It was built in the 1920’s and, when the club was moved to a larger property, the former course was subdivided and the clubhouse became a private residence.

The house probably hadn't had a renovation since the 70's. It was an interesting combination of frayed elegance, dated "improvements," and neglect due to age and infirmity.

Some of the pieces were definitely over-the-top!

The huge fireplace was evidence of the unusual origin of the residence. Note the mink stole on the piano. Remember stoles???

Mirrors like this one were sometimes used in furniture so ladies could check to make sure their petticoats weren't showing!

I've seen tables like this one, but never one with a lamp attached.

Don't you love the old fainting couch? I've also heard them referred to as "hussy couches!"

One of the more interesting bird cages I've seen.

It had been raining, so the workers had moved tables from the lawn up onto the wide wraparound porches. I really liked those porches!

A great old Victorian dresser ... one of the few pieces still unsold as the end of the sale approached.

This lamp had just had its second reduction. Hope it found a good home.

I should have bought this little rocking chair. It was reduced to $5. One of the arms was slightly loose, but a few drops of wood glue would have solved the problem.

I thought I had to have these Fostoria "Laurel" pieces. I already had quite a bit of "Laurel," and it's one of my favorite patterns. I bought these on the first day of the sale (I also went back the next day to check out price reductions). Normally prices are firm on the first day, but I offered less than the asking price. We agreed on a price just slightly more than I offered. I was elated ... it worked out to just over $1 per piece.

I used "Laurel" water glasses and a tall champagne for serving sliced lemons HERE. Remember my little "Romance" post? So many nice comments, and Fifi Flowers did a lovely painting based on one of the photos!


This Theodore Haviland "Apple Blossom" china was gorgeous! Check out the handled cream soup bowls! Estate sales are often the best place to get great prices on dishes in perfect or near-perfect condition!

The asking price on this stemware was only $1/piece. I don't know the pattern, but I thought they were attractive.

These 3 Heisey water glasses were priced at $2.50. It was the second day of the sale, so they were reduced to half price. I offered $1 (accepted). Not a bad deal for three elegant vintage stems!

The glasses sparkled after a bit of soap and water!


I used them in my "Breakfast Bar" post. If you missed it, you can see it HERE.



I hope you enjoyed tagging along and seeing another estate sale with me! If so, let me know and we'll do it again soon.

Bye for now,

Bill