By Jennifer Morrisey
Minimalism has never been my style. I find joy in being surrounded by items that carry stories and echoes of history. In my home, every corner holds a touch of the past, some pieces handed down through generations, others discovered during my treasure hunts at local shops. From the worn vintage kitchen utensils to the hand-stitched quilts draped over the back of my sofa, each item adds a sense of connection to the past. There’s nothing I enjoy more than spending a weekend exploring thrift stores, antique shops and boutiques in search of my next find.
There’s magic in imagining the hands that crafted a piece, the homes it once graced and the stories it could tell if it could speak.
As much as I love antiques, I have a soft spot for collectibles with ties to the Finger Lakes Region. I am always scouting out a piece of the past I can hold in my hands.
After countless hours sifting through dusty boxes and browsing thrift store shelves, I’ve come to see the Finger Lakes area as a treasure trove for vintage and antique finds. What makes this region exceptional in terms of shopping is the number of stores with items that have a story waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re a history buff, collector or someone looking for a unique home accent, you’re bound to find something meaningful.
Each town has its own charm and variety of shops just waiting to be explored. I think some of the best towns to scout for hidden treasures include Canandaigua – where I recommend visiting The Restore and Goodwill – and just outside town in Farmington, the massive Ontario Mall Antiques. Along Route 5 & 20 in Geneva, you’ll find a fantastic stretch of vintage and antique shops, such as Penny Lane Antique Mall and the Geneva Antique Co-op. The picturesque village of Skaneateles, with its lakeside charm and beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, offers an idyllic backdrop for exploring upscale antique shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques.
Collectibles with a story
Over the years, I’ve uncovered countless treasures that tell the stories of the Finger Lakes. These are a few of my favorites to find and collect.
Made in Corning, Pyrex mixing bowls are cheery, iconic kitchen staples that have become highly sought after for their vibrant patterns and nostalgic vibe. I don’t pick up nearly as many as I used to because demand has definitely affected the price, but I still love finding them.
Established in 1871, Syracuse china dinnerware became a staple in train dining cars and restaurants. Restaurantware Syracuse china is durable enough to use daily, while the fine china is perfect for displaying or special occasions.
Stoneware Crocks are timeless pieces that are often used for traditional food preservation. They were typically used to make fermented foods; in our area, many were most likely used for sauerkraut. I love how crocks feel perfectly at home in my old farmhouse and are just as usable now as they were decades ago. They are great to use as a utensil holder, a planter or even as a storage piece for rolled-up towels in a bathroom.
Originally based in Newark, Sarah Coventry jewelry reached its peak in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, and was known for its stylish, affordable pieces and home party sales model. I’m especially drawn to their bold vintage brooches. Shopping for Sarah Coventry pieces is an adventure in itself, it usually involves sifting through trays of costume jewelry at antique shops or estate sales, where a hidden gem might be waiting to be discovered.
Items like postcards, maps and old photos often fall into the category of ephemera, and are usually everyday paper goods not originally meant to become collectible. While browsing an antique shop years ago, my husband discovered a postcard of the newly built Erie Canal running through his grandmother’s backyard, marked “Maxwell’s Grove.” What was once a simple souvenir is now a treasured piece of his family’s history.
Curating your collection
Once you’ve caught the collecting bug, curating your treasures becomes a hobby of its own. Here are a few tips to help you build and showcase your collection thoughtfully.
Focus on what you love. Rather than pursuing the latest trends, seek out items that speak to you. This could be kitchenware that reminds you of your grandmother’s kitchen, postcards from favorite destinations or old farm tools. Notice which items you are drawn to or that evoke memories, and let them guide your collection.
Start small. I am a firm believer that a single, cherished item can be more impactful than a sprawling collection. Begin with a few pieces and let your collection grow and change organically over time. As your interests and tastes evolve, so should your collection.
Do your research. Learning the backstory of your finds can really increase your appreciation of them. Even just picking up a few fun facts about each piece can add a whole new layer of appreciation of your items.
Set a budget. It’s easy to get carried away while shopping, so set a spending limit before you shop. Many vendors are open to negotiating prices. Don’t hesitate to inquire about price flexibility, it’s often less intimidating than you might think.
Think about display. Showcasing your collection is part of the fun. Get creative with how you integrate these items into your decor. I love mixing antiques with vintage pieces from different eras to create a lived-in layered look that tells a story.
Every piece I’ve collected – from a Lyons-marked salt-glazed crock to a postcard of my husband’s grandmother’s farm – is more than just an object. They are a window to the past and carry stories of their history. I hope I’ve inspired you to explore local thrift and antique shops and experience the joy of bringing pieces of the past into your home.
