A thrifter’s dream come true: You drop into the ReStore to take a quick spin, and are standing right there when the first piece of a big donation comes onto the floor. It’s your sister’s dream kitchen — a set of turquoise steel kitchen cabinets complete with a Frigidaire Flair range with hide-away range and a dishwasher. Oh, and all this on the eve of an anniversary that was going to be rough.
Jason wrote to me the day after his epic find:
I’ll warn you that this story is a bit of a tear jerker.
Generally I think people know that if I can do something for my sister I probably will. And if you know my sister you know she loves vintage stuff, particularly kitchens. Today would have been our mother’s 71st birthday — she passed away a little more than a year ago. It’s been a day full of tears, but not all sad ones.
I found this kitchen yesterday while on a random stop at a local Habitat for Humanity. I had just finished my workout and was walking around the ReStore because it is in the same neighborhood as my workout of choice. I happened by the first piece as they brought it onto the floor; the set was unassembled and nothing had a price on it yet.
To say it’s my sister’s dream kitchen is probably an understatement. I’ve occasionally read on design blogs about how someone randomly walking around a vintage store finds some incredible item right as they were putting it on display. They always catch it for some ridiculously cheap price on some momentous occasion, just to add to the lack of believability.
I found this set on the day before mom’s birthday, and I got it all back to my house on her birthday. Nobody knows for sure, but I’d like to think mom helped with that.
Thanks!
In our email exchange Jason added, “Eventually we will build my sister’s dream kitchen. It’s a few years off, but she’s absolutely blown away that we found her dream set.”
My sympathies on your mother’s passing, Jason. What a lovely gift to your sister. Thank you for sharing your story!
Gerry says
Great story. Really like the turquoise color and that flip open oven is super cool. Love all the knobs and dials looks real space-age !
Good luck with your kitchen look forward to seeing the progress.
Adam says
Any one in Cleveland? There’s a similar range at the Restore in Lake county. https://www.facebook.com/GCReStore/photos/pcb.1779697568715929/1779697198715966/?type=3&theater
Amy in Sacramento says
Yes, great find, Jason. And may I add KUDOS to the person(s) who decided these were worth saving and donating, rather than trashing them. (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve yelled at the tv as I’ve seen perfectly good items smashed/trashed as part of a remodel on a home improvement show.)
Karin says
Jason what a beautiful story and what a find. Sometimes something happens that is so…so… beyond coincidence and serendipity that you can`t help but think it was meant to be. Great post, it made my day.
Rick G says
I love this story !!!! great score & I can’t wait to see it put in where it belongs !!!
Cindy says
I found a squeaky clean Flair stove, complete with owner’s manual, for $25 at a yard sale. Sold it for $350. Now my 1949 Wedgewood is starting to show it’s age and am looking for her replacement.
MidCentury Martha says
What a beautiful story and beautiful find!!! Happy New Year to you all!
Linda says
Congratulations to you and your sister! Your Mother raised you right, young man!!What a testimony to her wonderful and loving training!
DJ says
What a sweet brother, and what a fabulous find! I may have to start stalking our rehab center- wish it were closer! I can’t wait to see the “after” pics!
Lyndasewsalot says
What a fantastic story. Thanks for sharing it. Your a great brother. I am blessed with a great brother too. I can’t wait to see it installed.