Shopping in Owosso, MI

As promised in yesterday's post, today I'm sharing what I purchased at Abiding in the Vine tearoom, as well as several other downtown Owosso stores.

If you've read my blog for any length of time you know I love all things associated with Detroit's iconic [now defunct] J.L. Hudson department store - particularly items pertaining to their eateries.

The tearoom gift shop had a Little Bo Peep milk pitcher that Hudson's used to bring to the table when children's milk, hot chocolate or soft drinks were ordered. I already have two, but I couldn't pass up a third for just $7.50.

The backs of the pitchers depict different animals.  This pitcher has a lamb on it.  A spot of the pink edging is worn away with age, but I wanted it anyway.   My hubby calls it 'patena.'  ;-)

It was made by Hall China Co. in East Liverpool, Ohio.

If you're a Hudson's lover and happen to see one of these in an antique shop, now you'll know it came from Hudson's restaurants even though it doesn't have the store's backstamp.

The young gal at the cash register had never heard of J.L. Hudson's, but said her dad used to work in Detroit, so she was going to ask him if he remembered the store.  The younger generation doesn't know what they missed!

As a side note about Hudson's... Dan Gilbert's development company is set to break ground tomorrow at the site of the former Hudson's downtown store for his two-building redevelopment project that will house offices, apartments and retail space.  One of the buildings will become Detroit's tallest skyscraper, exceeding the RenCen.  I hope he gives recognition to J.L. Hudson's somewhere in the project.

Back to Abiding in the Vine gift shop...

Linda purchased a 3-pc. Wedgwood children's set by Beatrix Potter as an early Christmas present for me.  I think I see a Beatrix Potter presentation looming on the horizon!

This set depicts the Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, the 6th in the book series written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter.  I had to do a little homework on Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle.  She's a hedgehog washerwoman who lives in a tiny cottage in the Lake District. A child, Lucie, happens upon the cottage and stays for tea.  Lucie was a real-life childhood friend of Beatrix Potter, as well as the vicar's daughter.  Thanks, Linda!

From the tearoom, we set out on foot to see what shops of interest we could find.  The first one to grab my attention was a .5 and .10 store.  I didn't know they existed anymore!   The most common ones that I remember were Kresge's, Woolworth's, and Ben Franklin's, but this is a Springrove.  Have you heard of them before?  The sales clerk said there are five left in the state - all in small cities where they haven't been over taken by Dollar Stores.  

This dime store was so much fun to browse.  It actually felt like stepping back in time, minus the squeaky wooden floors, ceiling fans, and soda fountain. Look at the old-fashioned enclosed candy counter with individual bins, where a sales clerk has to weigh the candy on scales. 

I used to always buy my two oldest children Brach's Bridge Mix and Maplenut Goodies from candy counters, so both of these candies are nostalgic for them, particularly my son, Steve.  He's trying to lose weight, but I couldn't resist buying him a pound of Bridge mix!  He texted me this morning saying he was enjoying it last night until his wife took it away and said he'd had enough for one day!  ;-)

My set of Old Maid cards are bent and worn from the five older grandchildren.  They dog-eared the Old Maid card to prevent unexpectedly pulling it. When I saw a box of Old Maid cards in the dime store, with the Old Maid having tea, I knew they had to come home with me!  A new set for the three youngest grands and one great-grand to enjoy!

I saw a cute mug for my hubby that came home with me too.  It suits him to a tea tee!

From the dime store we crossed the street and went into Owosso Floral & Gifts.  I didn't make any purchases there [Linda made up for me ;-)], but it was definitely fun to browse.  One of my favorite blogs is Between Naps on the Porch.  The November 20th post was all about vintage cars and trucks bringing home the Christmas tree, plaid wrapping paper and more.  You'll have to go to the blog and read it for yourself, but it seemed as though this shop was in perfect sync with the blog. I was graciously granted permission to take photos to share.

They had a tea display which I HAD to photograph.  The owner said they had an upcoming women's shopping event where a 'for Tea's sake' rep would be present and serve the tea.  I had never heard of this company before so had to research it when I got home. They're based in Toronto, Canada, and their business was launched in July 2015.

From the florist we went to Apple Tree Lane - a gourmet food and gift shop.  I didn't need a hat, but for some reason I couldn't pass this one up.  It a winter packable hat [which means it springs back into shape even when squished in a suitcase] made of wool.  It's a Victoria Leland design, reasonably priced at $24.99.

The last shop on our Owosso excursion was The Vintage Barrel, located on W. Exchange St.  It's a brand new antiques, vintage and crafts store that will have its official Grand Opening this Saturday. The owner told us her deceased uncle was a bachelor and loved collecting vintage dishware.  She had boxes she hadn't even sorted through yet.  His possessions and her acquisition of them was the impetus for her new business. 

I could have gone wild in this store, but I used restraint.  The first thing that caught my eye were two Elvis Presley Russell Stover candy tins.  My youngest son was born two years after Elvis died, but he's a huge fan of his.  Go figure! ;-)  When I saw the tins I knew they'd make a cute 'bonus' Christmas gift.  I can put a pair of socks in one, and maybe pencils, pens, paper clips, etc. in the other one for his desk drawer at work.  [He doesn't usually read my blog, so I should be safe sharing it here.]  Her prices were very reasonable.  These tins were $3 each.

Most of you know I love blue dishware, and collect Hazel-Atlas Moderntone-Cobalt blue Depression glass.  She had the largest collection of it I've ever seen - even at Depression glass shows.  I splurged and purchased eight double-handled soup bowls with underplates for $48.  If Owosso wasn't 82 miles away I might have waited until Saturday when she's giving up to 25% off, but they're still a bargain.

By now it was approaching 4:30 in the afternoon, so we decided to head for home.  As we drove out of town I took the photo below.   I love how you can see the sun setting off to the side in the distance [even though I'm not fond of losing daylight so early].  It was as if the sky was saying "the end of a perfect day!"