I have to say, I’m sorta proud of myself for seeking out yard sales this winter. Usually, I sleep in and start back up when the weather warms up later in March. But it’s late February and I’ve got a few stops on my list and a Duncan tagging along.
My first stop is an estate sale. It started the day before—but I wanted to see if the cold weather had scared off the seasoned yard salers (aka retired antiquers with deeper pockets than mine). We were first in line and when the door opened, it was definitely picked over! I only found this one:
Go Go Gourmet by Beverly Ann Ault. I wonder if Rachel Ray knows about this? Published in 1973, this one promises 142 recipes in less than 30 minutes. The bio on the back cover tells us that Beverly is a Navy wife, mother of three, teacher, lecturer, Cub Scout leader, culinary award winner, choir director, horticulturalist, civic leader, world traveler, interior director, children’s literature consultant…no wonder she only has 30 minutes to prepare dinner. Holy Moly. I think the drive-thru window would be my 30 minute meal planner.
A later sale was closer to home, so we headed back that way. By the time we pulled up it was still a little early, but the garage door was up. On a table, I found another music/harp-themed cake stand. I found my other one at the estate sale with the hardback Betty Feezor. I used it mostly to cover up and hide my extraordinary find until check out. But this time, I like the idea of having two of them—a matching pair!
This sale had a lot of antiques—and I do mean antiques. Like boxes of music rolls for the player pianos. Yeah—but at unbelievably low prices….like a quarter. These people are definitely looking to clean house.
I ask the gentleman running the sale if there are any old cookbooks for sale. His face lights up. He says his wife is a “collector” but she’s still out putting up the garage sale signs in the neighborhood. No worries, I tell him…I’m happy to wait.
When Juanita returns, she’s glad to bring out some cookbooks for me. Then I notice a listing of the furniture for sale inside. She’s got a pie safe.
We pop inside and the house is so warm. I’d been standing outside so long that the warm house made my nose and fingertips begin to thaw. The pie safe is in the hallway and it has the punched tin design that is my favorite. Juanita grabs these cookbooks from inside:
Favorite Recipes of Coffee County is from Tennessee. I think Juanita said that they were getting packed up to move back to this area to be closer to their children. East 91st Street Christian Church Cookbook from Indianapolis, Indiana is actually from the church her family attended growing up. Tullahoma Downtown Lions Club Cookbook (Tullahoma, Tennessee) is from when she was actually part of that organization.
She and her husband are definite collectors. There’s an antique pipe organ in their front room and a gorgeous ornate table at the front door with a thick marble top. Fantastic stuff! But, they’re moving back to Tennessee and downsizing is now a must.
I pay for the cookbooks and give Juanita my phone number. She’ll call me if she finds more cookbooks or if the pie safe doesn’t sell (it probably will).
How many times have I given out my contact info? Do they ever call me?