‘Working Girls’ Book Release and Lecture in Reading, PA; where it all began.

I want to share something fun I did a few weeks back. I bought a newspaper mainly because I wanted to comb the want ads for job listings.  There was a super article in the weekend supplement regarding a new book written about some 1890’s photos of brothel women discovered by a gentleman at a sale out west that he spent over a decade researching. He linked them to Reading PA as there were 2 shots of women reading the same paper I had bought!  Beings he had published prior books and had the means in which to get this story out, he was able to document these wonderful images he bought and pieced together some of the history.  My interest was piqued and the article announced his local book signing and lecture, the next day!  I asked my mother to accompany me and no surpise, she did not seem as interested in the story as I. Not really wanting to go alone, I resorted to asking my husband. Although he was not thrilled, he agreed.

The event was held at the Berks County History Center in Reading.  I never knew it existed! My husband had been there to fix their phone lines for work and was familiar with it.  We arrived in time to enjoy some snacks and walk around the museum which was excellent! If you are local, it is a great retrospect of the history in Berks with homestead, wartime and industry artifacts.  It was surprisingly large and had many carriages and other fun things to check out plus many audio exhibits telling stories. 

The author, Robert Flynn Johnson, arrived and the lecture started.  He explained how he came about recreating the story of the brothel, it’s owner and patrons....many of which are anonymous, just by researching what clues were available in the shots. The photographer was also revealed and was a known portrait photographer in the area. Amazing to spy on his personal work that he most likely never intended on sharing with the world.  He even appeared in a nude himself, a subject of his own work.  

We enjoyed the evening and I placed an order for the book as all copies available that night were already sold.  He did share many photos with us during the lecture but I really wanted to see more! My book was available to pick up today and I went back to the museum and am now starting to ingest it.  It was signed by the author since I ordered it during the event.  He traveled to NYC after the lecture to present at a exhibit opening and official release of the book there and signed copies for all who ordered and shipped back to Reading for us.  I am looking forward to reading the essays he included from notable experts on fashion and the trade during that era, which really round out the history.  

My copy, signed by the author. 

I really love that there are people in this world that think like I do.  They put the time in to search for the answers of what they find or as I like to say.....what found me. it is so easy for history to be lost and whether it is a manufacturer, person or product, preserving these stories for future generations is imperative. 

If you are interested in checking out the book,  https://www.amazon.com/Working-Girls-Robert-Flynn-Johnson/dp/1943876584

Just a taste of the pics. There are nudes. The women are mainly just posing or doing things like brushing their hair or other grooming tasks. It is just lovely and so well photographed. Notice the flokati style rug on the floor! It is in many shots!

Reading Eagle article on the book which sparked my interest:  http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/secret-photos-of-1892-reading-brothel-published

Reading Eagle article on the event we attended:

http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/brothel-book-signing-draws-a-crowd-to-berks-history-center

Exhibition of photographs can be viewed through Oct 13th in NYC HERE:

https://www.riccomaresca.com/

QUICK UPDATE!!!! ThIs weekend is Extravaganza.  I am offering 20% off a single item and 30% off multiple items at my space in the Fleetwood Antique Mall. My current selection is some amazing kitschy accessories and even a ready to use day bed at prices so low even a dealer can resell them.  Come on out to Berks County and Kutztown and save money!  I never find a lot of mid century at the Renningers event so if you leave disappointed, I am only minutes away!  OPEN 10-6 today through SUNDAY!!! 

Enjoy your week! 👌 

XO Malissa

On the road again.

Thanks everyone who was been keeping me busy!  I have had no luck with job applications so working this full time and that’s a good thing as I have 2 items waiting for shippers.  We are on the way to Pittsburgh for the weekend and hoping to hit some thrifts as I always find good stuff there!   Fingers crossed!  I will do my best to assist shoppers over the weekend as needed.  Last weekend I arranged a shipper while I was hanging at a music festival so I am good at multitasking. 

I just swapped out my booth space this week!  Most of my glass is gone bacause I had no room for a shelf with the day bed in there.  Stop by if you are local!  I am currently offering 20% off with a college ID for the month of August.  KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY students welcome!  I have great college dorm and apartment gear.  Daybed is priced at $150 (less discount with your ID) and it is ready to use.  Not perfect, but I put new foam in the cushion, washed the cover and sanitized the bolster.  Also included is an atomic cover you can toss over if you like.  Perfect for extra seating and doubles as a guest bed.  Priced to move!  Nothing in my space is priced over $80 right now!  I have some great wall art too!  Why buy new stuff when you can start your vintage collection young!? Here is a few shots of the revamped space!  Hours are 10-6 WED THROUGH SUN. Also note I deliver furniture!!! I would gladly deliver anything to the area colleges so if you have a child or grandchild going to school nearby and want to arrange a gift of furniture, reach out!  I can flex on my pricing if you buy direct.  

This mammoth mirror shadow box is mint and so cool! I left some items on the shelves so you can see how neat it is.  It is heavy so you’ll want to anchor into the studs. I think I priced it at $80.  It is worth much more!  

LINENS! I have a new rack and filled it with some great table cloths, placemats and scarves/table runners.  Also Indian Kantha quilt throw pillows.  Please leave the hangers on the rack for me and take the item and tag to the front.  *Indian Kantha placemats also available in my Etsy shop.

Dish towels.  Insanely snarky and nice large square size.  Primitives by Kathy is famous for their towels.  I have camping themed and retro themed complete with alcohol humor.  **I have all of these listed in my eBay shop for you out of towners!    

Pillow cases!!!! Camping themed.  New in package.  Buy here or in my eBay shop. 

Door mats!  I have a few Dorm Sweet Dorm mats, a striped one and some camping theme.  There are 2 TOASTED FRIENDS AND MARSHMALLOWS/HAPPY CAMPERS LIVE HERE mats out there.  I only have 4 total.  They are now discontinued I believe so chances of me restocking are slim.  I you have not picked one up, now I’d the time.  Also on eBay until they sell out.   

Here’s another look at the linens rack before I added the daybed and removed the shelf of glass. 

NEW ITEM

I have not listed this yet as I want see if I can replace the brass ferrules, many are missing.  It is a gorgeous 2 pc sectional in awesome cobalt vinyl.  Comfy and in really good condition.  You can arrange it in a corner or like a couch.  If interested reach out.  I will deal with the ferrules next week.  I found some but need to measure.  They seem to be $10 or so a piece and I will need 8.  I think it is worth investing in to bring it back to it’s glory.  Here is a peek.  

the Heywood corner table is in my project stash.  I can restore to order or sell AS IS to those looking for an easy project. I will get it listed soon but it is available if looking.  It is perfect for this set up!

Also picked up this amazing Austin Productions post modern sculpture by David Fisher, Russian American artist.  She is entitled the Stargazer and stands 2’ high.  If you are looking for a stunning sculpture she is in very good condition!  

She is awesome from every angle! 

Thanks for your support!  I have some exciting news to share! One of my restorations will be featured in the November issue of Berks County Living Magazine along with 4 other local Etsy sellers.  This is really great for me as my goal this year was to work with more regional clients.  Can’t wait to see what the writer does!  Have a great weekend! XO Malissa

Kykuit- Hudson valley on the horizon!

I finally got an answer on why I am getting people on my list that say they were never on my website! Apparently there are spambots hacking into the mailchimp and I can set up a captcha when people sign up.  I have not figured that out yet but plan on it.  If you got here from a spambot, I apologize but stick around if you love vintage goodies!  😉💕 

I am still working my way through my estate sale loot and most recently added some nice 70s-80s era point and shoot cameras.  They are all untested but I have no reason to believe they won’t work if you choose.  They make great props and displays.  I will be busy this weekend so don’t expect much there but I did get the dressers up on Etsy and chairish, minus one I need to retake photos for because the photo nazi’s don’t like my pics.  If you want to make your own set with these, I would gladly discount for multiples. Also, local cash deals get my bests price. 

4 drawer chest in gorgeous walnut veneer. 

Walnut night stand with plastic laminate top, single drawer and open shelf. 

They want me to hang the mirror. The mirror can actually be used separately or attached to the unit.  There are hooks for wall hanging. 

I also have a few danish pieces coming soon. Stay tuned to my social media! 

My trip to Kykuit is scheduled and I will be touring the estate with one of the public tours followed by a meeting with the assistant curator.  I cannot wait to share my research and materials on Marie Cuttoli and  the Fernand Leger rug in their collection, which happens to be in my inventory as well.  It is such a special piece and historic in more than one way.  To be in the room with a second is a dream.  I cannot wait to report back on my adventure and I have some work to do before I go.  I will be presenting my research and would like to get my notes in a logical format on paper to pass on.  This is what it is all about. Preserving these awesome artifacts and their stories!  More to come! 

XO Malissa

Adventures to come!

I have been keeping this secret since I have had other things to talk about but this week’s update will fill you in!  In my business life, many things happen that just seem to materialize and I just cannot explain why I was so lucky to be at the right place at the right time with the right instincts for everything to happen.  Finding the awesome Fernand Leger rug was one of those moments.  Although I am blessed to have it in my possession, I knew early on that it came with some issues I had to tend to like the cleaning (a $250 investment) and then there is the restoration work to replace the knots that were chewed by some hungry moths which is quoted but out of my budget without a buyer in the wings. I have spent a lot of time researching it and have purchased materials useful in my quest.  You see, the woman who is responsible for this awesome piece was responsible for bringing back the tapestry arts in the 1920’s in addition to being a patron of the fabulous artists she honored.  Her Paris fashion house, Maison Myrbor, also turned out haute couture clothing which is found in museums around the globe.  The tapestry arts were never a booming industry but she exhibited over the years and info can be found.  

Back to how I fit in here.  I was contacted by a woman who works for a prominent estate, now museum of the family’s collection and he has my rug in her collection along with another in the series.  They have no info on them and are hoping I will share my research  with them. Of course!  I will be taking time to write my notes out for her and will be visiting the estate when they open for the season this spring to meet with her.  I cannot wait and will be sharing my experience with you all when I get back. I have one local stone to unturn on this research as the traveling exhibit where the rugs in my series where sold in the 60s came to Allentown so the museum is on my list to contact to see if they have info or perhaps staff or volunteers I can reach out to.  This whole adventure will help me build provenance with the rug as well as myself.  Overall a fun adventure!  Such a special piece of art and textiles with only 20 or less ever made.  A super rare collectible!  

On another note I am running a sale on most furnishings in honor of my birthday month just in the Etsy shop.  If you are looking to add something to your home, reach out now to secure the price.  Many items leave me with little profit at that price but I need to move some big items so trying to entice the people with them in their carts to commit.  Subject to end at my whim.  I also have a set on hold that will be delivered next month to New Hampshire.  Reach out if you see something and are near or could meet me during that trip.  If it fits with the set I would meet for a fee way less than the cost of shipping. 

Don’t forget I have an album of new gift appropriate items pinned to the top of my Facebook.com/madformodmalissa page where you can claim items, fill a box and I will pack and ship to you.  These are all priced at wholesale! With spring holidays on the way, take a look and claim some goodies!  I will need your email and will send you a PayPal invoice. If you are local to me I can get your items delivered.​

Thanks for following! Lots more fun to come soon!  ​

​Xo Malissa 

A look at the many shapes of a Pearsall Jacks Table, plus new projects for spring!

I had an amazing weekend of deliveries!  The wave lounge is happy in it’s new home and the gold velvet tufted set is also loved and moved in.  I have the best clients! Love you guys!  

This piece is happy in it’s new home!  Love making furniture dreams come true! 

So what is next? I know you guys want to know!  First off I was so smitten by that Royale fabric, I just ordered 7 yards in blush.  It will be used on those great little Billy Baldwin style x benches I have. I have one ripped apart and ready for upholstery and will get to work on the second.  I have my pricing and these will be priced at $800 for the pair.  Super labor intensive project but worth the save!   I am thinking of adding a few buttons up top for interest.  I am a few months out from getting these to upholstery but at any time, feel free to claim them! They will be perfect at the foot of a bed! Very sturdy and well made.  They will be tailored and refined, much different than my typical mcm offerings.  

I am also going to collect more of the Craft Associates/Adrian Pearsall pieces that I am buying. I still have the jacks coffee table available which is priced under others in my markets.  There are replicas of this table out there so be careful.  What sets mine apart is that the end piece is not square.  That skew fits in the glass much better and adds more visual interest than the squared up version.  

The catalog page for the piece.  

Love that mine is not squared off but skewed! If you are spending money on this table, make sure you spend time comparing your options!  They are NOT all the same!

Variation. Possible knock off as not in Pearsall Catalog. The only way to confirm authenticity is by reaching out to the Pearsall family,  They will authenticate a piece for a small fee. 

This one is like mine! ☝️ 

Knock off-Reproduction-non authentic.  Whatever you call it, not the real deal.  Awkward looking too!

Not as sexy with this glass.  I suspect it may not be original.  Glass is super expensive to have cut and if you do not have the original shape traced to give the shop, you get this. 

I have no reason to believe mine is not authentic as it comes from a home with many more authentic pieces.  Speaking of that, I am ready to pick up more of these great pieces!  The upholstered goods all need restoration.  I will be taking them for quotes and yardage requirements as soon as I pick them up.  Then I will come up with as is pricing.  You will be able to purchase and arrange your own work.  You also can purchase and I can use my negotiated rates with my upholsterer (at his cost) plus I can help you with fabric selection using my wholesale and trade accounts (you save even more!).  

WANTED: SAVVY SHOPPERS WHO WANT VINTAGE FURNISHINGS CUSTOMIZED AND PERFECTED JUST FOR YOU! 

There is a pair of this model.  I will not be splitting them! You can customize them to match your decor and I can arrange all of the work! 

I also have this piece with the ottoman coming.  It is amazing and you might have to fight me for it.  

This piece will be restored by me for me!  Super excited to finish this for my own living room. I have been wanting the perfect couch to replace our 14 year old sectional which my husband loves too much!  This 10’+ piece fits that bill! I even bought the fabric!  What do you think? 

I am staring an 8 week class this Thursday with Kutztown University’s Small Business division.  Looking forward to seeing where I can take this business next.  I love working with people across the country but I also know that my only way to grow and succeed is to break out with more services locally.  I need to connect to local professionals who would use my services.  I am not at the point where I feel I can support loans for capital and being a bookkeeper for much of my working life with other small business owners has taught me that life is very volatile and honestly, my personal funds cannot support my business so I will be treading lightly through this but excited to knock heads with other like minded entrepreneurs and see what opportunities are out there.  I would love to eventually end up in a retail/work space but I am far from that and overhead is the kiss of death in small business.  I will do my best to keep my response times quick during this but I will be busy!  Our final project is pitching our business to a bank for a loan! My 13 year old told me she’d do my PowerPoint presentation. 😂😂😂😂😂 

I have a few folks considering the orange convertible couch but no commitments yet.  It is so cool that I would have kept it if my husband was not so comfy with our sectional.  I am willing to drive pretty far to deliver so mid Atlantic peeps, take a look.  I need a few days to get it cleaned for delivery but this weekend is wide open for me so reach out!  

Really sexy and comfy, very good original condition with only minor signs of wear, back folds down flat for snoozing/guests, under seat storage.  Very cool piece!  

Have a great week! XO Malissa