Digging through Antique Stores...Gonzales, Texas Treasures

Settlers began arriving in the land we know as Texas in the early 1800s from Mexico and the United States, from Germany and Poland, and who knows how many other places. After fighting for their independence, Texas became a republic, and finally was admitted to the Union in 1845. Many cities and small towns in Texas were formed during this period, including the town of Gonzales, which is about 25 miles east of Seguin.

So, you can see that the families that live in most Texas towns have arrived within the last 150 years or so. They travelled with what they could pack in a covered wagon, or in later years, they freighted their treasures by rail. Texans don't have a lot of antiques much older than the towns they settled. Most antique shops in small towns are more like second-hand shops, filled with odds and ends that people have parted with over the years. 

If you have never had the chance to spend some time exploring the treasures and trash in a typical small town antique store, Texas style, let me show you some of the finds I came across  one morning while shopping with my mother in Gonzales, Texas.

 Here's a pair of ceramic Siamese Cats from the 1940s or 50s. Mom had a similar piece that sat on a table top in our living room when I was a little girl.

How about a emerald-green velvet gown, or a second-hand wedding dress? If that doesn't strike your fancy, I spy an old flag and remains of a fake Christmas tree in the background.

If you like old pressed glass, or 33 1/3 Long Playing vinyl records, this is for you.

 Kids don't have a clue when it comes to listening to music like we did when we were young....

Now, this shelf made out of deer legs would not go well in a modern apartment full of shiny gadgets and Ikea furniture, but it would look great in a hill country retreat or a hunting lodge.

Since Richard collects Coca Cola memorabilia, I had to include this old vending machine, sitting outside on the sidewalk. One of the tips to successful antique shopping is to look down low, under tables, and up high, because there is never enough room to display everything at eye level.

If I had not looked up, I would have missed Santa peeking out the window!