‘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

A couch saved and sold, new acquisitions.

What an amazing week and a half!  I have shipped many items and have been working hard!  I am happy to announce that in the last week I was able to complete the restoration on the beautiful sectional and it has been scheduled for pick up with the shipper.  My upholsterer had the cushions ready for me in 24 hours after I left them.  So great to see this couch with perky and soft seat cushions!   

No doubt about it, this is one sexy sectional! 

She is headed to South Carolina to be the star of am 1800's built home!  I know she will fill the role with grace! 

I have arranged shipping with a great company with limited delivery areas in the south (based in Atlanta) and also has service in the mid Atlantic (based in NJ).  They were able to save my buyer $200 off the chairish quote with plycon!   

My lights have been going out the door as fast as I can go over them!  The gorgeous 4 light pendant fixture is on the bus headed to Nebraska.  I will be working on the tension poles next.  I also picked this beauty up yesterday!  What a fun piece for a retro kitchen nook!  

Love those daisy accents!  

I also picked up a great bookcase!  It features sliding glass doors and a fixed shelf.  

I picked up a great little bookcase that features sliding glass doors and a fixed shelf.  It is in great condition.  I will be adding it to the etsy store and although I could bus ship, I'd prefer a local meet because of the glass,  I may work it into my booth as well.   

Size is 36" by 12" by 35-1/2" tall

i also scored a pair of chrome Bertoia chair knock offs in a great counter height. Front of seat is 23-1/2", top of back 40" from floor.  Knowing how most folks want the look without dropping up to $1000 a chair and honestly, the bar and counter height chairs are not as common to find in the secondary market, I picked these up.  They look new as there is tag residue on them.  Seem sturdy and will add some class to a kitchen counter or bar.  I will be pricing them at $150 for the pair and taking them to the mall space for cash/carry local peeps.  Only a Knoll aficionado will recognize that they are not the real deal so your secret is safe with me! 😂✌️

Chrome finish.  Super great pair! 

These will be great in a modern kitchen! 

Choice of 2 Herman Miller Eames Shells, better than ever!  Reimagined with reproduction rocker base from Modern Conscience. I will be holding on to one of them so when one sells, I will be pulling the other listing! 

I have both rockers in my possession and adore them both!  I will say the tan (Greige) shell is more of a collector piece since it is very early.  Dates 1951-1953 and is the first modification on the original Zenith production shells.  It's a harder, and in my opinion, more fragile fiberglass than the Summit Plastics black shell.  From my research, I would date that one as late 50's or early 60's. It has the S circle Summit logo and the double triangle logo plus the Herman Miller logo stamped into the fiberglass.  The upholstery is in good shape with only one puncture tear and some marks/discoloration on the vinyl.  Very minor issues.  Both of these chairs are iconic pieces of MCM design and recognizable by even the most novice of fans.  Such a cool piece to add to your home and definitely will not depreciate in value.  I have taken great care to restore them so they are in ready to use condition.  Perfect for parents to be!  The chairs really do not take up a large footprint either, so you can slide into a tighter space.  Locals can see them both in person to decide!  

Both listings are live in my etsy shop.  Stop by to check them out! 

Looking for restored items?  I still have a few super pieces looking for homes, fully restored with new fabric and all issues tended to.  Pop by and see if you can accommodate one! Bus shipping available!

Gorgeous daybed with all new cushions on metal hairpin frame.  Features Bentley Indigo fabric from Joybird. 

A gorgeous pair of Heywood Wakefield pull up chairs in Vibe Aquatic fabric from Joybird. (Buy one or both) 

Heywood Wakefield pull up chair in Vibe Sunkist by Joybird. 

Thank for popping in to hear about my adventures and thank you for supporting my small business! XO Malissa