Today I have a fun post for you, showcasing some of the vintage collectibles I have from the state I was born, raised and have always lived (!) - Wisconsin. Some I have picked up along the way, others were gifts or family pieces.
First up, three Watt Apple yelloware pieces - I've had these for over thirty years and picked them up at what was the cutest little antique shop, called the Apple Basket. (Still mourn the closing of that shop, and it's been thirty years, lol!)
My antiques loving parents gave this to me one year for Christmas.
I just love these old bottles - especially the two turquoise ones! They were a gift from one of my husband's employees, many years ago. His wife's family owned an auction house and he snapped these up for me as a surprise. ("Give that guy a raise," I think is what I said!)
Another great gift from my parents, ages ago.
Fun find at an antique mall.
Another antique mall find.
I think this little spongeware pitcher is so cute.
This treasure also came from my folks. It was from an old grocery store near my hometown. The building became many things over the years, including an auto body shop. However, for the past thirty years it has been a cute little bank - lovingly renovated to look like an old time bank, complete with teller cages, wooden floors, etc. Love this piece - and I've had it forever!
Not the best picture, but nonetheless, this is probably my most favorite of all my Wisconsin things. It is the top of an old cranberry barrel. I picked it up in the mid 80's from a shop in Eagle River, WI called Arvilla's Antiques (don't try to find it, sadly, it is long gone!). Her shop and these barrel tops were featured in an issue of Country Living magazine. Happily, we had already planned a weekend retreat to Eagle River and I was lucky enough to buy the last barrel top she had left! I paid $75.00 - which was a boat load of money for me to spend on a small home decor item back in the day. But, it has remained a constant in our home and I can't ever imagine parting with it. Right now, it is living in our lower level family room/bar.
These few photos are from that same room. This wooden sign used to hang in front of the family resort my husband's family vacationed at in the 60's and early 70's - another one of my favorite treasures. Below the sign is our fun collection of foam sports fingers.
As you may know, Wisconsin is a big beer brewing state and beer collectibles are a hot commodity in these here parts. This Pabst beer clock also came from my husband's family. They received it from a friend who owned a bar just down from their house.
This gem was a gift from my parents and I love him. I wish I had more of these advertising figures, but they are pricy.
Mr. Bluebird loves his Hamm's Beer Bar calendar - also a gift from my parents. Honorable mention goes to our Blatz Beer bottle opener, Rhineland Shorty Beer bottle and our stuffed Bernie Brewer, lol!
My cousin's son and his wife are huge collectors of Milwaukee, WI memoriblia - especially old beer collectibles - and their basement, decorated with an amazing array of items, was featured on HGTV's Bang for Your Buck show several years ago. You can view that episode here. It is gorgeous!
There you have it - just a few of the vintage Wisconsin items I could find around our house. I am sure there are others, but I showed you most of my favorites.
How about you - do you collect anything from your home state? I'd love to hear about them.
Thanks for stopping by,
Jane
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