Old-Fashioned Things

  There’s a particular kind of thrill that comes with vintage—one that has nothing to do with trend, or profit, or even provenance. It’s the thrill of not knowing. Not fully, anyway. You hold an object in your hands—a hand-painted plate, a faded book, a piece of beadwork with the fringe slightly askew—and you wonder. Who made it? Where has it been? What stories does it carry, silent and stubborn, refusing to be fully told? You make guesses. You notice the details. You trust the weight of the thing, the craftsmanship, the way it feels right even if you can’t name why. You don’t always get the answers. But the guessing? That’s part of the magic. These days, we’re surrounded by tools that promise instant certainty. A scanned photo, a keyword search, a database of marks. Useful, yes. But sometimes the magic lies in the unknowing. In the moment before the facts arrive. In the wonder. Some pieces never reveal their secrets. That’s OK. They don’t need to. They’re still beautiful, ...

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 ...

 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...

 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...

 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...

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 ...