Mar 13, 2012

A Vintage Variety Store

by Susan Borgen (T-Party Antiques)

A couple of months ago, while poking around the village of Rhinebeck, New York, I found a most unusual shop. Called A.L. Stickle, this vintage variety store has been in the same family for over 60 years. It is truly a special place where time has stood still.


A.L. Stickle has retained its original fixtures and checkerboard tile floor. Chock full of new and old stock, you'll also find vintage toys and other relics displayed on a shelf just above arm's reach around the store. And in the back is the "Knitting Garage," a spot for crafty types to congregate. How wonderful that this store is still around after all these years. (You can view more photos of A.L. Stickle on my blog here.)


Like the 5-&-dime stores of the past, A.L. Stickle is stocked with a little bit of everything — kitchenware, notions, yarn, hardware, toiletries, school supplies, toys, and much more. It reminded me of the Woolworths in Cleveland where I grew up. As a kid, my friends and I would spend many a Saturday browsing around just such a place. Allowance in hand, there was nothing better than perusing the vast array of affordable wares.

A.L. Stickle is the perfect place for kids and grown-ups alike to while away a quiet weekend afternoon. So if you ever find yourself in lovely Rhinebeck, New York, be sure to stop by A.L. Stickle at 13 East Market Street.

Here is a sampling of vintage 5-&-dime-ish items offered in EVT members' shops.

Retro College Styles Pattern Book by GoodlookinVintage
45 Packages of Seam Binding by marybethhale
Large Woven Plaid Picnic Basket with Plates and Cups by tparty
Vintage Bromwell's Flour Sifter by MoonOverMarilyn
1950 Traum Mid Century Zipper Pull by RecycledWares
Lot of Seven Wooden Spools in Green by jinxxy

6 comments:

leah - moxiethrift on etsy said...

I would SO love to go to that store!

SImple and Serene Living said...

I love old variety stores like this.

Nachokitty.etsy.com said...

What a cool experience to run across such a store!! I really like the items you profiled. They all go together perfectly.

AddVintage said...

Wow....a shop like that is absolutely up my alley! Fun blog...thank you!

Lori said...

What a wonderful place ~ I've added it to my "places I hope to visit someday" list!

Fun vintage EVT finds, too!

Anonymous said...

Yay! Love this post! I remember the old Woolworth's in my home town had a wonderful soft serve ice cream counter and a wall full of Barbie clothes!!

Thanks for including my flour sifter!