There was antiquing, there was crafting, there were overpowering tiki drinks, and there was vintage Leonardo diCaprio on DVD. Yes, after nearly two years of working together, Kate and I finally met in person. We have some projects up our sleeves, so last week I flew from Massachusetts to Milwaukee to spend a few days with Katiedoodle at the Retro Ranch. Kate and her husband Jim were wonderful hosts. High on our have-some-fun-too agenda: A trip to check out the Antiques on Second antiques mall. The store was FABULOUS — 200 dealers on three floors covering 37,000 s.f. We closed the joint down.
Antiques on Second antiques mall, Milwaukee
Antiques on Second is quite the destination — well organized, well staffed, full of old stuff, including lots of 1950s, 60s and 70s, my favorites. Definitely a place to hit if you are in or near Milwaukee and in the mood for treasure hunting. Kate and I looked at everything — we were well matched as shopping partners — and it took us almost the entire day to go through this place, I am not kidding! The store opens at 10 a.m. We arrived around 10:30 a.m. We broke for lunch at 12:30, were back within an hour, and really, still were not quite through at 5 p.m., closing time.
Above: This set of vintage Ransburg kitchen canisters looked to be in amazing shape. I am pretty sure that there are many readers here who would love to acquire these beauties. I could design an entire kitchen around them!
Above: I really should have snapped up this little Raymor bull. I was not really in the buying mood — mostly because I did not want to schlep breakable stuff back home with me.
Above: I still have not shaken off my Kitschmas madness. There was a good stash of vintage Christmas decor, at reasonable prices, up on the third floor.
Above: There were a pair of these Miller Studios chalkware swans for $19 total. They were in great shape.
Above: A lovely little coffee table with Brasilia-esque lines. Overall, I thought the prices were good at Antiques on Second.
Above: Oh my goodness, look at those little sand owls. Or what do you actually call this craft? I am not sure. This piece of art was in terrific shape, too. Not dirty at all.
Oh, it came to me: Gravel art. There is a second, coordinating piece in the slide show below – wonderful!
Above: Antiques on Second has three stories of dealers. It is chock ablock with treasures. Your head will be spinning. You cannot even focus after a point. I looked up and saw this TV light — I love the piece of glass behind the deer — this piece must look interesting, lit up.
Above: Jewelled Christmas ornies. I should have bought these, drats!
Above: New Old Stock kitchen serving tools — complete with hanging rack and in original box. As I recall, this was $29.
Above: Falalalalala, papier mache angels.
…. And nuns. 🙂
Above: These are anodized aluminum ice tongs with advertising messages.
Above: Vintage Wisconsinia. Too sweet!
Above: Throughout the store, pairs of lamps could be had for $50-$100, singles, for less.
Above: Hoo wouldn’t love this place, that’s what I want to know.
Above: Small vintage planters in lovely colors.
What catches my eye? The sweet, the odd, but especially, the colorful, kitschy and outrageous!
Slide show of vintage finds from Antiques on Second
Tip to using slide show: Click on any image, it will enlarge, use arrows below image to move backward or forward; you can start at any image.
I know this story is a month old, but I’m curious if you got to go to At Random? Really cute bar, definite time capsule, I think it’s looked the same for at least the last 40 years, probably longer.
Thanks so much for shopping our antique mall. It’s a wonderful way to spread the news about Milwaukee’s best kept secret for antiquing. I am a vintage clothing and MCM dealer, yes, the Curley Tibetan Lamb coat is mine along with the unusual bolt of fabric. I love vintage patterns and fabric and have tons of it so if you are looking for something special like drapery or fabric to make pillows or reupholster something let me know. I’ll be more than happy to take some photos and ship it to you.
Thanks again for spreading the word! Love your blog and will keep on following you.
ooooooooooooooooooh, we loved your booth. I wanted the fabric, but really didn’t need it….
Hello, I love going to antique craft malls and was wondering if you know of any in michigan? They only one I know of is in sterling heights, MI. I know you do alot of research for us so could you let me know? I saw your milwaukee story but was wishing there was one closer to me. thank you in advance for your help.
WHAT???? I assumed you aregood friends and work together personally. It never occurred to me that Kate “telecommutes.”
Yup. We had never met in person until last week!
I haven’t read all the comments so forgive me if this repeats someone else’s suggestion, but you two MUST visit the Columbus Antique Mall in Columbus WI http://www.columbusantiquemall.com/ It can take two full days to really see it all.
Just to let every one that views these pics from out of town, anything you see on our facebbook page can be shipped anywhere in the US!! Just call the mall and will be happy to help you!!!