‘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