Memorial Day

...a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May, it commemorates men and women who died while in military service to the United States. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.




Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end. Here at the Jersey shore (no, not the Jersey Shore), the events celebrate the return of the tourists with all kinds of events...like in Ocean City, folks dressed well wade out into the ocean to unlock it...hope they did not toss away the key in case a hurricane comes, and they have to lock it up again. There are parades, traffic, barbecues, traffic, entertainment, traffic...well, you get the idea.

But, in a weekend where American flags fly proudly, I want to bring up supporting Americans as you think of these patriotic holidays. Soldiers serve and give their lives so that we can all be who we want to be. On that note, I want to feature a friend with a small shop in his garage. I know many people love the big co-ops or boxes...but it was the small shop that allowed the big ones to develop.
A small shop reflects the owner...sure, you can say a booth in a co-op represents the owner also...but you usually never see the person. In small shops, you are not just a "buy it, bag it, have a nice day" consumer. If you have been reading my weekly treatises, you know I love to feature special shops and made in America goods.

Today I want to introduce you to White Whale Antiques in Cape May Court House, NJ. George Carlson, the owner, is a surgical nurse, but he is an excellent treasure hunter...and the ultimate repurposer! ...Treasures are lined up just waiting to be adopted...and, the biggest selling point...everything is reasonable...not always the case in the big co-ops.
Behind the doors of the shop that has been created with all recycled parts...in a area that is probably smaller than some of the island houses' walk-in closets, more treasures.








The bay window features ironstone...In the smaller "back room" crystal sparkles...He shares my love of bowls...

He also finds great little pieces of furniture...check this small hutch...just a wonderful display piece...

There is the traditional collectible...Stangl...well known in the New Jersey area...check the label...scrabble tiles...he's clever also...he could have been my brother!He is also quirky...among the art hanging on the wallsare some wonderful paint by number masterpieces!



Imagine how proud the artist of that piece was to highlight the mountain scene with such a wonderful old frame.
















Then, there is Fiesta and other retro dishes as well as some Blue Willow...
Again, the advantage of the small shop...you never know what you will find! For many years, George had cornered the market on diner china. He still has some choice pieces.
Vintage jewelry sparkles in a glass display case.









This summer...or whenever...if you are in the area...stop in...27 East Pacific Avenue, Cape May Court House...


George has been a great friend since we moved here...and I value his friendship as I know many in the area do...even though he would not let me take his photo!

"This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in." ~Theodore Roosevelt

George makes it a good place!