Warm up with hot deals at Paramount
Antique Malls

by Patti Klinge | Feb 9, 2023 | Vintage

February 2023 …

Warm up with hot deals at Paramount Antique Malls

It may be chilly outside, but you can pop into one of Paramount Antique Mall’s three locations in Augusta and Wichita and get warm with some great bargains in January and February.

Paramount’s “Baby, It’s Cold Outside Sale” takes place Jan. 20-22 at all three locations, where shoppers can take 10% off on their purchase. And in February, be sure to stop by for the malls’ President’s Day Weekend Mega Sale, when you can save 10-50% at all locations (excluding items already discounted or on sale). Browse the inventory of glassware, advertising, textiles, coins, jewelry, pottery, china, furniture, primitives, industrial, paper ephemera, and home décor.

For more information, visit www.paramountantiquemall.com.

Antique Spectacular Vintage Market

Brighten up any room with art, furniture, and other items from the Antique Spectacular Vintage Market, March 3-5 at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, IL. (Image courtesy of Facebook)

Shop trains next generation of piano techs

by Patti Klinge | Feb 9, 2023 | Vintage

February 2023 …

Shop trains next generation of piano techs

Tucked among the number of antique shops within Kansas City’s Historic West Bottoms is All Keyed Up Piano Shop, a place to shop for your ideal vintage piano, or to get yours serviced by professionals who can give it a second life.

Owned by Steve Waters, All Keyed Up has been in business for nearly five years, with an impressive inventory of spinnets, grands, uprights, organs and more. Waters, who has more than 30 years of experience in the field, says he draws the instruments from a variety of sources, including donations, consignment, estate sales, and pieces he’s purchased himself. Many of the pianos have been produced during the Golden Age of Pianos, usually between the years of 1875 and 1932; the era is defined as a time when pianos were built not simply as instruments to be played but as works of art, constructed with care and superior craftsmanship.

“The craftsmen who were caring for these pianos had a lot of pride and love for what they did,” Waters explains. “It wasn’t just for profit; their motivation was creating a great product. … You don’t cut corners to help the bottom line; you make superior instruments.”
What sets All Keyed Up apart from other piano sales and repair shops is Waters’ mentorship program, in which those interested in vintage piano repair and restoration may work directly with Waters and his team in order to learn the trade. The shop has drawn apprentices from a variety of backgrounds and ages, from Vietnam veterans to teenagers (his youngest apprentice, a 17-year-old named Ethan, is intelligent, hard-working and “has a bright future ahead of him,” Waters says).

He says he has two primary reasons for staying in this type of business for so long.

“Making people happy is a big motivator, and so is preserving history,” Waters says. “I’m able to save a lot of pianos that may not see the light of day again.”

For more information, call All Keyed Up at 816-699-6332 or visit www.allkeyeduppiano.com.

C.C. Briggs Upright Style piano

This restored 1888 C.C. Briggs Upright Style piano features “beautiful Rosewood & Mahogony woods with elaborate carvings throughout, including the front panel inlays,” according to the business’ Facebook page. In addition to selling and repairing pianos of all kinds, shop owner Steve Waters also takes on students who work directly with him and learn how to keep such pieces in good condition. (Image courtesy of Facebook)

Welcome the spring with Vintage Market Days

by Patti Klinge | Feb 8, 2023 | Vintage

March 2023 …

Welcome the spring with Vintage Market Days

A new season means fabulous new finds at the upcoming spring Vintage Market Days event, March 24-26 in Kansas City.
Shoppers will enjoy browsing original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, home décor, consumable yummies and outdoor furnishings, according to Vintage Market Days’ website.

“Each Vintage Market Days event is a unique opportunity for vendors to display their talents and passions in creative venues,” the site adds. “We have a uniquely curated selection of local, regional and national vendors you can’t find anywhere else.”
The spring market will take place at Village West, 10500 Parallel Parkway. The early buying event ($15) will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 24, with $10 general admission on the 25th (10-5) and 26th (10-4). Tickets available at the gate.

For more information on this and other upcoming Vintage Market Days events around the region, visit www.vintagemarketdays.com.

Vintage Market Days

Vintage Market Days isn’t just a place for antiques, vintage and vintage-inspired items – you also can stock up on clothing, accessories, and even handmade jewelry to complete your new spring look. The next event will be March 24-26 in Kansas City, KS. (Image courtesy of Facebook)

Bob’s Powerhouse opens in Phillipsburg

by Patti Klinge | Nov 29, 2022 | Mid-American

December 2022 …

Bob’s Powerhouse opens in Phillipsburg

For high-quality antiques as well as repairs, look no further than Bob’s Powerhouse Antiques Refinishing and Restoration, which recently opened for business in Phillipsburg.

Owner Bob Lefever will host a grand opening of the new location on Dec. 1.

Bob’s Powerhouse specializes in dental and doctor cabinets, country oak, general store items and primitives, just to name a few. Besides offering refinishing and restoration services, the business boasts more than 4,200 square feet in retail and wholesale space.
The Phillipsburg location can be found at exit 118 when taking Interstate 44 eastbound; when going westbound on I-44, take the County Road exit.

Bob’s Powerhouse Antiques Refinishing and Restoration can be found at bobs-powerhouse-antiques.business.site or call Lefever at 417-669-0379.

Restored Oak Secretary

This beautifully restored oak secretary is one of the many fine pieces in Bob Lefever’s inventory. (Image courtesy of Bob Lefever)

NOTO’s Celebration of Winter will make the season bright

by Patti Klinge | Nov 29, 2022 | Mid-American

December 2022 …

NOTO’s Celebration of Winter will make the season bright

No one does Christmas fun like Topeka’s NOTO Arts and Entertainment District, and its Celebration of Christmas events are back this year to add some twinkle and a bit of magic to your holiday.

Now that the tree has been lit in Veterans Park, be sure to catch a visit from Santa – he’ll be visiting the district on Dec. 3 at Round Table Book Store, Dec. 10 at Phoenix Finds NOTO, and Dec. 17 at Compass Point.

If you still have a few names to cross off your holiday shopping list, head out to NOTO’s Holiday Market, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 and 17 in Redbud Park Pavilion. The market is back again this year, offering arts, crafts and gifts from local merchants. Be sure to stop by and buy a unique gift or two you won’t find anywhere else.

For more information about this and other events in the district, visit www.explorenoto.org.

NOTO’s Celebration of Winter

NOTO’s Celebration of Winter will make the season bright

Summit Country Antique Show will be back in January

by Patti Klinge | Nov 29, 2022 | Mid-American

December 2022 …

Summit Country Antique Show will be back in January

The popular Summit Country Antique Show is scheduled to kick off the new year with fine antiques, primitives, and handmade items on Jan. 28 at the Greenwood Vintage Market in Greenwood. Check Facebook for updates.

Contact promoter Richard Brown for vendor information at hectordog1@gmail.com.

Beautiful primitive pieces

Beautiful primitive pieces are some of the treasures to be found at the Summit Country Antique Show. (Image courtesy of Facebook)

Leavenworth’s Main Street celebrating Christmas in style

by Patti Klinge | Nov 29, 2022 | Mid-American

December 2022 …

Leavenworth’s Main Street celebrating Christmas in style

The city of Leavenworth will welcome the Christmas holiday with two events designed to encourage the support of small businesses in town.

The first – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – is already well underway, having begun in early November. Going through Dec. 22, shoppers and diners at Main Street businesses and restaurants can win Main Street Bucks in weekly drawings. The more shopping you do at those merchants, the more opportunities you’ll earn to win those coveted bucks, which can be used at those same businesses. Other grand prize drawings will take place throughout until Dec. 22, too.

Another holiday tradition in town this year will be the Reindeer Romp, during which you can pick up maps that will lead you to fun holiday-themed activities, treats, and gifts. Live music, food, and, of course, lots of shopping will be on hand so you can create your own special holiday memories. Reindeer Romp will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 3. Go to 416 S. Cherokee for a map of participating businesses; the event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 913-682-3924 or visit www.leavenworthmainstreet.com.

And to get a glimpse at local history, be sure to take in the town’s Vintage Homes Tour from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 11. Sponsored by the Leavenworth County Historical Society and the Carroll Mansion, this year is the 30th anniversary of the event.

Antique Alley Arkansas Antique Show glassware

Carroll Mansion in Leavenworth

The Carroll Mansion in Leavenworth will be just one home visitors will tour on Dec. 11 during the 30th Vintage Homes Tour, sponsored by the Leavenworth County Historical Society. (Image courtesy of travelks.com)

Participants will tour the mansion, as well as four other historic homes and a downtown loft. For a donation of only $5, you can receive homemade pumpkin bread and gingerbread. The homes tour will benefit the operations of the Carroll Mansion; tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door), and may be purchased at www.leavenworthhistory.org.

Call 913-682-7759 for more information.

Antique Alley has beautiful finds around every corner

by Patti Klinge | Nov 29, 2022 | Mid-American

December 2022 …

Antique Alley has beautiful finds around every corner

Now entering its 12th year, the Antique Alley Arkansas Antique Show will ring in the new year once again, Jan. 6-8 at the Conway Expo Center.

Shoppers will marvel at more than 200 booths of antiques and vintage items for sale. In addition, you can help out a good cause by visiting a booth sponsored by the Conway Women’s Shelter, which will be selling pendants made of broken vintage china.

Admission to the event is $10 on Friday, Jan. 6, which is also the show’s early buying day. Regular admission is $5 on Saturday, Jan. 7, and Sunday, Jan. 8. The show will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Parking for the event is free.

For more information, visit www.AntiqueAlleyAR.com.

Antique Alley Arkansas Antique Show

Whether it’s something as small as glassware or as large as furniture, the Antique Alley Arkansas Antique Show will be stocked full of finds that are just right for your budget. Image courtesy of Facebook

Jesse James Red Tag Sale kicks off on Dec. 26

by Patti Klinge | Nov 29, 2022 | Mid-American

December 2022 …

Jesse James Red Tag Sale kicks off on Dec. 26

..Jesse James Antique Mall and Furniture Gallery and The Rusty Chandelier in St. Joseph will host an end-of-year Red Tag Sale on Dec. 26. In addition to the stores’ already low prices on quality antiques and vintage items, specially marked items will signal even deeper discounts, allowing visitors to save big on home décor and unique gifts.

It’s all done to celebrate another year of serving shoppers’ needs and thanking them for their loyalty to a local small business.

Coming in February – the big St. Joseph Antique Show, Feb. 18 and 19 at the St. Joseph Civic Arena. Dealers or anyone interested may call 816-387-7502; watch the next issue of Discover Vintage America for more details.

To contact the stores, call 816-232-0799 and 816-676-0662 or visit www.jessejamesantiquemall.com and www.rustychandelier.com.

Adorable Cookie Jar

Great finds such as this adorable cookie jar can be found at Jesse James Antique Mall in St. Joseph. (Image courtesy of Facebook)

Bella Rustina is your one-stop holiday shopping event

by Patti Klinge | Oct 27, 2022 | Mid-American

November 2022 …

Bella Rustina is your one-stop holiday shopping event

Exhibitors are readying their wares for the next Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market, Nov. 18-20 at the Conway Expo Center in Conway.

According to the event’s Facebook page, the holiday version of the market will feature blow molds, ceramic trees, old ornaments, silver trees, upcycled vintage Christmas wreaths and décor, and vintage toys, as well as a few more surprises. More than 325 booths and six food trucks will be on site.

Bella Rustina is presented by Ashley’s Finds LLC; admission to the market’s early buying hours is $10 on Friday, while Saturday and Sunday is $5 for adults, and children 18 and younger are free. For more information, visit www.bellarustina.com.

Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market’s

Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market’s Nov. 18-20 event is sure to have every gift you need for Christmas this year. (image courtesy of Bella Rustina)