Sad to see them go, the last of a large group of shops in my

[yy4me]

town is closing. At a point when my husband and I had our shop, there were 22 shops in town. We had a town Antiques Shop Map so that customers coming into town could find us. The commercial areas of our little town are spread out and depending on which way you came into town, you could easily find everyone with the map.

In yesterday's local paper, there was a long article about the end of an era for our town. One of the remaining shops, been here for 30 years is closing and another relatively newcomer is closing to do only shows.

Yes, there remain 2 others but one is due to close any time because of the age and health of the proprietor, the other is one of those shops that hangs out the Antiques shingle but I have been told that it is filled with faux antiques from China and European distressed parts and pieces furniture, and just plain used stuff. I don't know how that shop pays the rent if that is true.

For all intents, we are all victims of the change in not only the economy but of the change in buying habits of the public. With families working 2 or more jobs, where will they find the time to go poking around? With large mortgages and car payments, daycare and all other expenses, there is probably little left over to spend in shops. If furniture is needed, they can go to a big box store, get what they need, no payments for a year etc.

I think there is little thought that their goods are just about worthless once they get them out the store door. I am not being critical because I understand but I still try and encourage buyers to buy well made, old or antique furniture. It will hold its value and be an asset if it becomes necessary to sell for one reason or another.

The world of collectibles must be suffering too. Even if the goods are reasonably priced, e-bay and the like have made a huge dent in that business. Time on the road looking is, in my mind, one of the greatest deterrents to shopping for "smalls".

I miss the business but, because I am now alone, I find solace in "junking" around the few remaining shops withing driving distance to me. I like to think we were part of the golden age of Antique shops. For everyone still in the business, I hope the economy changes and that you spend your 7 days a week poking around, searching, cleaning, refinishing, repairing and some day, finding the Faberge Egg, the Philadelphia Tea Table, or the Declaration if Independence. It is a 7 day a week vocation but is worth it if you are lucky and have the time and energy to keep up the search.

Spring will be here soon, I am planning a trip by myself to Vermont to spend a few days looking. I may find a goodie or two and make some new friends.

The fun is in the search and I hope you all hang in there.

[Vinca]

1. It seems to be happening everywhere, but . . .

as you know, once you're hooked you're hooked. I'll be going to tag sales, church bazaars and picking shops until my final breath. It's not just the treasure that traps you, it's the fun researching the items you find. I learn something new almost every day.