‘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

Wish list

Hello there!  Is anyone looking for something specific?  I would love to do some custom sourcing this summer!  Send me your wish lists and while I am shopping I will keep my eyes peeled.  In most cases, I will need to act fast to secure your piece and would love to shoot you pics and info before I purchase. You will get my full services of cleaning, touch ups and repairs as needed. If you have a budget, I can try to work with it.  The more general your requests, the quicker I can help you find the perfect piece.  You, in turn, can sit back and relax while I do the grunt work for you.  You can email me malissa@madmodworldvintage.com to get on the list.  Tell me specifically what items you are looking for, color or other details that are important to you, budget if you have one and  a cell number so I can text you photos.  When I think I found the right piece, I will contact you with pics, dimensions, condition report and my repair plan. If you are on board, the item will be purchased for you and will be ready for delivery as fast as I can. **I may require a deposit at time of purchase which will be determined by our working relationship.  

I am looking to work with individuals, small businesses and more! Your referrals will help me and are very much appreciated! I look forward to assisting you in making your decorating dreams come true! 

I will be taking a much needed camping break the next 2 weekends.  I will try not to delay any orders during those times.  Thanks for your continuing support! ✌️😘 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