Picker’s Report, No. 3 — Bowie

Vintage fans work double duty looking cool and keeping you cool at Bowie.

BOWIE, TX — It’s midway through Second Trade Days at Bowie, and the aroma of street tacos and hot kettle corn are wafting in the air.

If you’ve only been to Canton, you’re missing out on some of the lesser known Trade Days throughout Texas.

Gotta get here early for hard-to-find wooden boxes; spotted at Trade City, 414 Pelham St., Bowie.

I’m sitting in the shade at The Joy Store, where I’m eyeing a white buffalo squash blossom necklace I want and the one ring I can’t buy.

Fortunately, I have a fresh-squeezed lemonade in one hand and an aqua fresca in the other to stay cool.

This ruby-red martini set is lit; just look at those stems. 💋

Picker tip: Walk the outdoor open spaces first, then enjoy the shaded pavilions next. There’s a city-owned site at the rodeo arena, but most of my purchases are at Trade City across the street, and I equally spend my time outside and in. Big high-five for the chilly and clean bathrooms.

So, what are the pickers picking? Here’s a quick look:

Vintage Kitchenwares

Wooden ice boxes, crockery, old tools and even the occasional stove will show up, but it doesn’t sit for long.

Marshall Pottery

You didn’t know you wanted needed a Marshall Pottery butter churn until now. If the lid and paddle are missing, it makes a great umbrella holder too.

I grew up in East Texas, so sporting Marshall Pottery reminds me of happy childhood memories. Visiting the store and pottery in Marshall was a treat, especially if artists such as Master Potter Kenneth Wingo gave you the nod among allllll the other kids who sacrificed Saturday morning cartoons to help handle the lump of clay on the potter’s wheel.

Love the look but not sure where to start? First, look for the trademark double cobalt stripes on the creamy clay crocks, bowls, pitchers and urns. There are other brands and look-a-likes so inspect the piece for cracks and flaws before checking if it’s from Marshall or not. Then, turn it upside down and look for the Marshall Pottery label, stamp or handwriting. Bonus if Wingo or another artist signed it in pencil.

Personally I have a few old chippy bowls, a handpainted piggy bank and something that belonged to my Grandma. If you find a heavy mug, don’t pass it up, even if it’s personalized with someone else’s name. The insulating properties of those clay mugs will keep your sweet tea nice and icy.

Anywoo, I found these pieces in Bowie. My ride is full of quilts and vintage patterns and all kinds of picks so I passed this up. It’s all yours.

Furniture Of All Kinds

Somebody please adopt these chairs because painted or as-is, the potential is there.

But don’t buy this side table, pretty please. I’m hoping my mom can be persuaded to buy and carry this home for me tomorrow. She’s awesome like that. You should visit her and admire and buy her silver jewelry so she will buy me this, alright?

I’m not telling you where I found it because my car is full and I want it, mkay? I’m giving you all my other good leads.

The Wild, Wild West

IDK why I took this pony picture but he’s charming, right? I saw a few of these. Older cowboys can find saddles and tack.

Old Documents And Photos

When your kids complain about the quarantine, show this ration book. I wish I had asked my grandparents about their WWII experiences with rationing. I miss them, so if yours are still around, call them and write down their stories for future generations.

Here For Beer

I haven’t seen a can collection like this in a while. Also noticed beer signs from the 50s through the 2000s.

And A Random Impulse Purchase

If you’ve read any of my previous blogs, you’ll see that my whims run from Lipstick Ladies to what-did-I-just-do?

So, no surprise, for some reason this liquor sign joined my pick pile. I have some regrets so please HMU for this sign, stat.

Tomorrow I’ll share other picks and another am-I-crazy series.

— Elise ❤️

Follow my adventures on The Joy & Gladness on Facebook or follow this blog through the comments.