25 years shopping thrift stores, estate, garage, rummage, flea markets and tag sales. 10 years in interior design. Current DIY projects have been renovating two turn-of-the century brownstones and commercial/residential property development. 
(4.33 out of 5)Thrift Stores: Where The Present Meets The Past
February 26th, 2007 by markdownmomThi
ft stores are not only places to find deals on a whole potpourri of items, but if you take the time, is a wonderful environment to explore items of the past.
Recently MDM was visiting one of her favorite thrift stores when she came across this unusual piece of machinery. Although gilded, it was made of cast iron, and a cursory look at it suggested some items were missing, however, the metal brand label did not fully identify what it was.
Several gentlemen were seated near this object and MDM struck up a conversation with them and learned that this was a manual cream separator. The missing items were a sieve/filter and bowls to collect the cream and other by-products. The machine also had a chime system which was used to establish a certain speed and rythmn to the manual cranking action. This photo shows a gentleman giving MDM and others a lesson on how the separator operated. Machinery like this was used from the early 1900’s through the 1930’s on local dairy farms. The current price asked by the thrift store was $300.
This is an example of how thrift stores, antique and specialty stores can provide insight into a bygone era and a learning experience not only in the fine arts and antiques, but a peek into everyday life long ago. When shopping thrift stores, take the time to investigate items that are unusual or unfamiliar, you’ll be surprised how soon you can strike up a conversation with others and enrich your world from what you learn, but from the new friends you make who share your passion!
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