Shop of The Week – Passed By 6

I originally opened my Etsy shop as a way to supplement my mom’s income. She has been an antique dealer for over 30 years, and had many items that seemed to be a perfect fit for Etsy. The day after I opened PassedBy, my mom’s little red wind-up alarm clock sold and I was hooked!  I began to sell vintage items from my own collections and never looked back. I retired from my full-time job in teaching/education this past summer, but continue to work part-time as a teacher trainer. Going from full-time work to part-time work has meant my husband and I have more time to take road trips with our little teardrop trailer. We love to explore large and small towns/ cities and are always hunting for new treasures for our shop. My husband, Dan, is my behind-the-scenes partner doing all of the shipping and repairs. He has been known to do everything from answering convos to ironing aprons!  

I am a big fan of the 50s, probably because the 50s bring me back to my childhood. For me, the toys from that era have never lost their appeal.  I love everything from metal trucks,  colorful tops and robots,  to wooden stacking and pull toys. My husband and I enjoy finding school related items from the 50s… red plaid lunch boxes, grade school readers, scissors with painted handles, globes, class photographs, and wood rulers with a name carved on the back. Whenever I come across clothes from the 1950s, such as a plaid skirt or mohair sweater, I am reminded of  the Saturdays I spent with my sisters at the Millbridge Roller Rink. The best skirt for skating was one that that “twirled” well!  I also am drawn to items that were used in most kitchens during the 1950s, they have an ageless charm… everything from pyrex mixing bowls to printed and embroidered tea towels, tablecloths, and aprons.  Vintage items created in the 1950’s post depression/war era embodied a spirit of innocence, fun, and optimism. When I sell finds from the 50s, I feel as if I am sharing some of that same 1950s spirit. 

A 1930s tabletop pinball game. The lithograph deco design and colors on this piece are really fun. I had another similar game in the shop a few month ago and displayed it on my mantel until it sold. I was lucky enough to find another to take its place.