Antiquing and Daydreaming

So, this past Friday I was scouting on Google for antique stores in Sheboygan and stumbled upon three of them. One of them was convientently located near an atuo garage where my parents were getting their van worked on, so I tagged along so we could swing by Three Barns Full, an antique shop on State Highway 42.
This may come as surprising, but for all the years I've loved and obessed over historic houses and old furniture Three Barns Full was my first visit to an antique shop.
It took some manuerving to get there what with all of the haphazard construction going on, but I was determined to stop in and look around, even though we only had a half four before they closed. Believe me, a half hour wasn't nearly long enough to take in the labyrinth of stuff they had packed into...you guessed it, three barns! :). By the way, it took me a while to figure that out. Whenenver I get around antiques I revert inside my head and sort of wander around in a daze until something snaps me out of it.
Which just happened to be a fairly deep step I failed to notice while mesmerized by an old, dusty, floor length mirror in one corner. I've always wanted a mirror like that. What I hadn't wanted was to have the floor move away from me and land flat on my face. My Dad had warned me about the step but, naturally, I hadn't listened because I was lost in thought and ended up making a fool of myself. Luckily my parents and I were the only ones in the barn at the time. But still, it is was embarassing!
As it turns out, my absentmindedness turned out to be my greatest enemy that day. Walking up a flight of steps to explore an array of old chairs, loveseats and rocking chairs I failed to notice an old box fan attached to the wall and slammed my head into it. I also bumped into the very sharp corner of an old bureau.
So, you must be asking yourself by now, is this blog post about my first experience in an antique shop or is it a relay of my awkwardness and general lack of attentiveness? I guess it's both!
Well, the reason I went to Three Barns Full in the first place was to see if I could find some skeleton keys. Apparently, they are very popular now, and I can see why! I have always admired their shape and the resonance of a byone era they excude. Also, yes, because they pertain to old houses. Albeit, I didn't find any skeleton keys at the shop, I greated enjoyed my tour around the place. One barn was packed full with bedroom furniture and an old doll house. Another barn was packed with furniture as well, similar to the first. The third barn was where most of the antiques were. It had many levels and rooms, all of which I wished I'd had time to explore, but didn't on account of the store closing in half an hour.
My Mom was very helpful in pointing out some mystery pieces to me. All of the furniture pieces had dust on them, which only seemed to add to the allure of their age. I found some books dating back to 1915, all about baseball. Their were items big and small from wardrobes, vintage stoves and tables to figurines, bottles and antique plates and China. In my eyes, it was like getting caught up in the largest, most wonderful garage sale!
There was also a clock repair shop next to the barns. Everything from cocko to grandfather clocks were in there. That was very intriguing as well. The people there were very friendly and amiable. I will definitely return there to investigate some more and look for elusive skeleton keys, only this time I won't bump into furniture or take a spill down the steps!
To anyone who loves antiques, drop me a note! I was overwhelmed with all of the items Three Barns Full had. It is a great store with a jumble of antiques. You never know what you'll find!