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On April 1st, I Opened a Shop. It Wasn’t a Prank (I Think).

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On April Fool’s Day, 2012 , we opened the doors to Lamplight Antiques. We didn’t have retail experience. We didn’t have a staff. We barely had a plan. But we had a love for beautiful, meaningful, old things—and a slightly foolish streak that apparently pairs well with a dream and a key. We had no idea we’d still be doing this 13 years later. Since then, the shop has moved twice , changed shapes more times than we can count, and grown into something we’re truly proud of. We’ve been in our current building for 10 years —a space that feels like home. (Literally, we bought it. Still surprises us sometimes.) A lot has changed. We’ve slowed down the hours, added a booth, sold online, taken breaks from selling online, and found a rhythm that fits our life—which includes copyediting work, dogs, garden plans, and occasionally forgetting where we put the packing tape. But some things haven’t changed: We still love finding one-of-a-kind treasures. We still believe old things have stories worth ...
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Treasures at the Mall: Come Visit Our Booth!

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 If you love the thrill of the hunt, the charm of the old, and the joy of discovering something truly one-of-a-kind, you’ll want to stop by our booth at the antique mall! You might be wondering why we decided to open a booth when we already have our shop, and that’s a great question! The truth is, we wanted to reach even more people who share our love for vintage and antique finds. The mall brings in a whole new crowd—some who may never have wandered into the shop—and it’s the perfect way to share our passion with even more treasure hunters. Plus, it gives us a chance to experiment with a slightly different selection and see what catches people’s eye! We've been curating and collecting for years, and our booth is filled with a little bit of everything we love—from antique glassware and vintage books to quirky finds and homey touches. You’ll find items that tell stories, pieces with soul, and sweet surprises tucked into every corner. Whether you’re searching for that perfect addi...
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Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

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 It's that time of year... Christmas trees going up, pine garlands and bows on every light pole along South Main Street, lights strung on all the beautiful historical buildings... But wait a minute! It's not even Thanksgiving yet! We're used to retail stores putting out Christmas merchandise very early. Like August. Actually I think Walmart might already be displaying items for Valentine's Day. But for us small retailers, it's a struggle. We want to make sure we don't miss out on Halloween fun, autumn beauty, Thanksgiving gratitude. As far as I'm concerned, it's time for pumpkin pie and turkey. Cute little ceramic turkeys.  But our town, Springboro, Ohio, has Christmas in Springboro -- a huge street festival that takes place on South Main Street the weekend before Thanksgiving. That's right. Before Thanksgiving. And we're happy to be right in the middle of it. If you're in town, you can find us right beside all the kids' rides on the no...
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Why Do We Have Fireworks on the Fourth of July?

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 Ah, fireworks on the Fourth of July! It's a tradition that brings sparkle, color, and a whole lot of "oohs" and "aahs" to Independence Day celebrations across the United States. But why exactly do we shoot fireworks on the Fourth of July? Well, let's take a trip back in time and uncover the story behind this explosive spectacle. The Fourth of July commemorates the day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776, declaring the thirteen American colonies as a new nation, independent from British rule. This historic event marked the birth of the United States of America, and it's a day that holds great significance for Americans as a symbol of freedom, liberty, and national unity. So, why fireworks? Well, the tradition of using fireworks to celebrate important occasions dates back even further, to ancient times. Fireworks were used in various cultures to mark special events, ward off evil spirits, and create a sense...
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Vintage Sheet Music: Preserving Melodies of the Past

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By the Waters of Minnetonka 1914 Collecting vintage sheet music is a delightful pursuit that allows enthusiasts to delve into the  musical history of bygone eras. These tangible treasures offer a window into the cultural, artistic, and social contexts of different periods. From popular tunes to classical compositions, each piece of vintage sheet music carries its own story. Let's explore the enchanting world of collecting vintage sheet music and the joys it brings to collectors. The Beauty of Nostalgia Vintage sheet music evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting collectors to a time when music was shared through physical copies. It offers a glimpse into the musical tastes and trends of the past, reflecting the changing styles and genres of different decades. Whether it's the romantic melodies of the Victorian era or the jazz-infused tunes of the Roaring Twenties, vintage sheet music encapsulates the spirit of its time. Artistic and Historical Significance Beyond their musical ...
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What's Old Is New: Vintage Brooches

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  Attention, fashionistas and history buffs alike! Today, we're diving into the enchanting world of vintage brooches. These tiny pieces of wearable art have been adorning lapels and dresses for centuries, and they're making a fierce comeback in the 21st century. So, prepare for a playful journey through time and style. First things first, what exactly is a brooch? Think of it as a charming little accessory that adds a splash of personality to any outfit. They come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, from delicate floral patterns to quirky animals, and even abstract art-inspired pieces. Vintage brooches have an undeniable allure that's hard to resist Vintage Brooch Bow/Dangling Cross                                   Vintage Brooch Rhinestone/Sim Pearls                            Imagine rummaging through a treasure trove of brooch...
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Get Ready to Dig In: The Glorious Return of Victory Gardens!

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Hey there, green thumbs and soil enthusiasts! Have you ever dreamed of a lush garden, bursting with vegetables, that not only satisfies your taste buds but also gives you the satisfaction of victory? Well, dust off those gardening gloves and put on your thinking caps because Victory Gardens are making a triumphant comeback! Now, you might be wondering, "What on earth are Victory Gardens?" Let me take you on a journey back to yesteryears. During World War I and World War II, Victory Gardens were all the rage. They were planted by patriotic folks who wanted to contribute to the war effort by growing their own food. These gardens not only helped alleviate food shortages but also brought a sense of unity and victory to communities. Fast forward to the present day, and we find ourselves in a world where reconnecting with nature is more important than ever. Victory Gardens are making a comeback, not just as a way to combat food insecurity but also as a means of finding solace and j...
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