Holidays are Coming

We've entered November and winter has made an appearance here in the past few days.  Flurries and freezing temperatures have taken the beautiful fall foliage of Central Pennsylvania and turned it a dreary brown.  It's time to nestle in and warm up your home for the holidays and family gatherings.

We're here to help you find the right gift for friend or family, the right accessory to accent your home or just help you with some ideas on how to arrange or manage your own collections.  Looking for a specific piece...we'll help you find either a traditional piece or perhaps something you can use for that "special" space that might be a little untraditional.  Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, you'll be glad you visited.

Spring is on it's way!!!

If we are to believe (and all Pennsylvanians do) Phil has predicted that spring is right around the corner.  We were all spoiled just a little bit last winter when the weather was so mild.  I'm sure everyone is relieved that a more favorable and higher temperature is on it's way to a location near them.

Things are warming up at the Olde Barn Centre as well.  We've cleared out the holiday decorations (except the ones for sale) and started to decorate with a flair for spring and summer entertaining.  It's never too early to start thinking about those warm nights on the porch or around the barbeque with family and friends.  A trend for decorating one's outdoor space has been gaining momentum in the past few years with everyone 'stay-cationing' at home.  Spell check claims I just made that word up but I've seen it written elsewhere so I'm using it. 

Whether it's wicker or wood, swings or rockers, terra cotta or pottery, old or really old...we probably have it at the Olde Barn Centre.  I'm pleased to report we have something to interest everyone at the Olde Barn Centre.  Even if you're not an outdoor enthusiast, I'm sure you'll find something you didn't know you really wanted.  Open everyday of the week from 10 am to 5 pm, please stop by and see us.  And if Punxsutawney Phil predicted wrong...check the local school listings for East Lycoming and Muncy.  If the schools are closed or on a delay for snow closings...please call to see if we are open 570-546-7493.  Now let's make way for the Sun!!!

Another Year Winding Down

As 2012 comes to a close, all of us at the Olde Barn Centre want to wish you and your family a joyous holiday season.  If you have visited us in the past...we hope you will stop in again in 2013.  If you have never been to the barn...we hope you'll find the time to stop in and see the treasures we have to offer.  This year we celebrated our 20th anniversary of being open and look forward to another treasure filled and prosperous year to come in 2013.

HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW...NOT EXACTLY

Like bell bottom jeans and wide ties in fashion, there are universal items we use in our lives that wax and wane with popularity.  Some antique professionals believe today's buying trends are based on the content of the current magazines and what people see on television.  I admit I think that's part of the reason.  I also think it has to do with need.

We set up housekeeping with the essentials we need and fill in the blanks as we go along.  Our parents and their parents before them did the same thing.  So I believe it's this cycle of "family" that spurns the need to have certain "remembered" possessions and if they aren't handed down then we set out looking for them.

Some find when they set up housekeeping with the new items they've purchased or been gifted, those items break or wear out in 2, 5 or 10 years.  Items grandma or grandpa used are still around so in essence we are able to recycle and reuse those tried and treasured items.  I use a little mixture of both the old and new in my daily life and I think I'm happier for it.  It's mostly positive reinforcement to me to use the "tried and treasured" items.

An article in the May, 2011 edition of Country Living magazine remarks "It used to be you could tell when a woman got married by the Pyrex in her kitchen."  Said quote was made by Barbara Mauzy, author of Pyrex: The Unauthorized Collector's Guide.  The Corning Company introduced Pyrex in 1915 and advertised  it as the first glass cookware able to withstand extreme temperature shifts stating "it could take a meatloaf straight from the freezer to a 350-degree oven."  Solid colors were introduced in 1947 with patterns to follow seven years later.

With the multiple antique dealers we have here at the Olde Barn Centre, you'll find various shapes, sizes and colors in the Pyrex line.  Pyrex and other items from the Corning family are items I would consider "tried and treasured".  And completely affordable to those just starting out on their adventure of collecting.

The Olde Barn Centre is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.  Now that the summer is winding down, if you haven't already maybe it's time to visit the Olde Barn Centre.

Preview of Summer

I am continually humbled by the people who can post on their blogs everyday.  Where do they find the time and inspiration???  I do think about topics or pictures I'd like to add ... and then more than a few days will pass and I will second guess the information or change my mind entirely.  I apologize if this prevents you from wanting to follow along.  I will try to stay more current with local happenings and pictures of what we have to offer at the Olde Barn Centre.

The weather has certainly improved.  Flowers are in bloom everywhere.  Some blooming earlier than they should since I saw a rose bush in bloom and it's only the first week of May.  For the spring and summer season we recently received a load of beautiful Adirondack gliders.  We've had so many compliments on them you just must try one when you visit us.  

We have many items such as furniture, decorator treasures and entertaining items all for your day-to-day or entertaining pleasure in your home for the summer.  Need a wagon or wheelbarrow to fill with flowers for your yard...we have it.  Need champagne flutes for the intended bride and groom...we have it.  Wicker furniture for your sunroom or porch...we have it.  We have the mixing bowls, serving bowls and deviled egg dishes for all your reunions and family picnics.  Stop by the Olde Barn Centre and see how we can help you make your summer magical and memorable.

Spring or Summer?

If you're a resident of central Pennsylvania, the last two weeks sure seemed like a prelude to summer.  Warm days, sunshine and dandelions cropping up everywhere.   Then we were awakened to the fact that it still is March and the weather has turned back to a colder, windier and noticeably wetter spring.

Spring also brings antique shows, auctions and increased traffic at antique shops and flea markets.  People are out and about looking to shake off the winter blues and stale indoor air.  Here at the barn, dealers are stocking their booths with merchandise to furnish, accessorize and decorate your home with that new fresh look.

Plus with the Easter holiday fast approaching, we have plenty of items you can use in entertaining your family during that holiday visit and meal.  Being a family owned and operated business, Easter Sunday is one of only the four major holidays we are closed.  From all of us here at the barn, we wish you and your family a joyous Easter holiday season.

Valentine's Day

We've been getting calls daily from people trying to find something specific for their sweetheart.  I can't stress enough that in this business, if your sweetheart saw it 3 months ago...it's probably long gone.  Unfortunately that's the nature of our business.  Well any business that deals in items that are rare and hard to come by usually don't have a back room full of the stuff.

There are highly collectible items you may find in every antique store you visit.  Depression glass comes to mind when I mentioned that last sentence.  Ironically certain items fall in and out of favor just like bell bottom jeans and wide ties.  Sometimes we'll have alot of something and sometimes not so much.  So if you see it and you like it but aren't sure ... take some time to decide if it's the right color, size or useful enough to bring home with you.  We have brochures at the desk and in our front lobby with our telephone number on it and you can call us to find out if it's still in the building.  Description is key, we need to know exactly what it is, the price and dealer code if you can remember it and where in the building you were when you saw it.  Sometimes items get moved around from booth to booth, upstairs to down or possibly if it hasn't been sold the dealer took it out to make room for new old merchandise.

The item pictured is a wonderfully built bar from reclaimed lumber.  It truly is a one of kind piece.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to stop by if you're in the area.  Open daily, seven days a week, yes that includes Sunday (we get asked that alot) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Wishing for warmer weather.