THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE PAGE, the lights shine bright on memory lane in Carpinteria. Vintage vignettes catch the fancy and imagination of treasure hunters in Whimsy’s Town and Garden store.
PREVIOUS PAGE, a small corner of Whimsy’s Town and Country store tells some big stories from the past. Glamorous photographs, folk art peace signs, and dishes from a long ago dinner party stay safe under the keen eyes of a collectible dog.
“Business brings business,” says Homestead Antiques owner Mary Beth Radley. The shopper strolling Linden Avenue will encounter four antique stores, their
display windows spilling over with colorful collectibles. Three more shops lie within walking distance on Carpinteria Avenue. The city is home to a vibrant antiques community. Most of the businesses operate as collectives, with wares from many dealers filling shelves, tables and nooks—providing a multiplicity of choices for the buyer. Carpinteria benefits from its dual history as an Early Californian and beach
town, and its antique stores provide merchandise that reflects both origins. Deco- rators from the tile roof set can find Californio items and memorabilia, historic photos and el rancho items. Owners looking to furnish their beach-side homes and condos search for paintings of ocean scenes and decorative nautical items such as anchors, life rings and floats. While people buy antiques and collectibles for a variety of reasons, store owners report that nostalgia is a primary driver. “Nostalgia makes the busi- ness,” says the owner of Magpie, Bonnie Pearson. “People have fond memories of things and will buy it whether they need it or not.” It’s an experience that’s repeated throughout the antique-sales community. A customer is delighted to
58 CARPINTERIAMAGAZINE
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