We went antique hunting last week in Putnam, CT at the recommendation of friends. Putnam is an old mill town established in 1855, current population around 10,000. It’s an antique lovers haven with many shops to browse. This photo is the river that runs through the center, just beautiful.
We also had lunch at an Italian restaurant, Bella’s Bistro, right on Main Street…. food for the Gods! We met the chef and owner, Allen Granberg, a colorful person (I’m talking INK) with a great personality and a real talent for authentic italian food with the freshest ingredients. We plan to go back with friends for dinner one night soon. Because I did not have my camera, I stole these photos from Google for this post.
These are the treasures I came home with….. Raggedy Ann and Andy from 1965, the year I was born! I used to have a Raggedy Ann just like her and I couldn’t leave her in the store. There was an eye roll from Mike, but we still brought them home. The story of Raggedy Ann and Andy is as follows: (also googled)
She began as a family rag doll; an old toy, faded and worn, tossed into an attic. And there, the legend goes, a little girl named Marcella found her one wet and rainy day.Her father Johnny Gruelle, saw infinite possibilities in that old plaything, so he repaired her and gave her a name. With her shoe-button eyes and winsome smile, Raggedy Ann soon became the beloved playmate of Gruelle’s young daughter, Marcella.
When Marcella Gruelle fell ill and died in her early teens, Johnny was devastated. But knowing how much his daughter had adored Raggedy Ann, he began writing the stories that were eventually published.Gruelle soon gave Raggedy Ann a brother named Raggedy Andy, and through the years the two floppy rag dolls acquired many other wonderful story book friends – all inhabitants of a very special world, where dolls come alive and enjoy magical adventures when no mortals are present.
This is one solid rolling pin… much sturdier than the one I currently use. I have no idea how old it might be but it will be useful in the kitchen.
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Aren't Day Trips just the most fun?? I love them! And yeah…usually I have to squeeze in just a little bit of retail therapy! Your treasures are great!!
I've never heard the story about Raggedy Ann, but have always loved both she & Andy.
Glad you had a fun day, and I love that rolling pin; it looks just like one my grandmother had-very heavy!
You were born the year after my daughter – GADS- I AM old!! lol
…i love to go antique shopping, browsing and in general drooling over the lovely works of history. what a beautiful river scene…looks like a great fishing spot! xo, mickey
I love love love antiquing. Love it love it.
Now you've made me miss my Raggedy Ann.
If my memory serves me, I had one of the giant ones, that you can hook on your feel and dance with. The neighbors daughter coveted it and my Dad gave it to her.
I ended up having to put you on my toolbar.
Where the heck IS Putnam anyway??? Lived here my whole life and it is alluding me!
I still have my Ann & a less worn Andy from when I was little. I totally love picking through those shops…since my family is one it is the closest thing to looking through my moms house! 😉