Saturday, August 30, 2008

Resale Row

It's been a long time since I've been to the Fair Street Fry's, I guess.

Because the last time I looked at this big guy, he was advertising real estate. In fact, he had advertised real estate for as long as I can remember -- 20 years or so. Suddenly, it's used books, words far more likely to get my attention. Of course, times have changed. Used books are no doubt a lot easier to sell than houses in the current market. According to the young lady in the shop, it has been operating as a bookstore for some five months! And I thought that my antennae were in good shape.

Outside, throw-away titles 10 for one buck. Inside, shelves of books occupied four rooms of the little cottage, including one room devoted to religion (primarily LDS -- I believe that there had been an LDS bookstore in this building previously.) Did you notice the neat ship models in the corner? Here they are close-up (below). 50 cents at a yard sale, I was told.

At this point, I decided that the groceries could wait. What is evolving on the south side of Fair Street and environs is a thrift shopping mecca; the St. Vincent de Paul store is right next to the bookstore...

...complete to a lovely shrub covered with showy lavender blossoms at the entrance...

...and a clutter of donations to the back of the parking lot.

However, the interior has been completely de-cluttered and reorganized. Looks a lot more appealing, but my impression is that upscaling always brings higher prices. Thrifts are no exception. What is it about resale shops and baskets, by the way -- this store and NOAH both feature an extensive collection.

The final element in this thrift/used goods center -- the Once Again consignment shop. Unfortunately, I was running out of time and did not pay a visit.

And speaking of used, how about this well used fence bear and his companion. I spotted them as I was walking along Fair to get a better shot of the consignment shop. I'd guess the fellow below has been resting for a long, long time. I hope he has enjoyed great dreams.

Muffler Men: That appears to be what the giant figures such as our Fair Street guy were in the beginning. They are spotted all over the country, apparently, and there is, of course, a site where sightings are listed. The history of the Prescott statue is told here; apparently he is one of many that were originally featured at Phillips 66 gas stations; he (and his fellows) each held a rifle in the outstretched arms.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

From homes to books. That is a big change. Wonder if it's the same owner.

Anonymous said...

GarannyJ, Thanks for the info links on the "Muffler Man". Would never have thought of a rifle, even in Arizon. Probably should have be referred to as "the RifleMan" but then that's a whole other post about childhood TV Westerns.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm, looks like my typing skills have not quite awoken yet this Sunday morning.

Jan said...

Granny J..I think our moving bill would have been smaller, had I been able to part with some of my books!

I don't know why, but it seems that I just can't get enough of them, and buy many of them at Goodwill, and Salvation Army.

That one bear looks like I did when I got back from a trip down home a few days ago...torrential rain, and hundreds of trucks..yikes!

Granny J said...

steve -- that thought occurred to me after I had gone on my way. As usual, too late!

Tony Nimble Fingers -- I'm just surprised that there wasn't another huge figure over at JB's, which used to be a Big Boy franchise.

jan -- moving is one of Those Things. I am sufficiently weighed down by Stuff that I don't believe I'll ever be able to move, even though I use very little of the Stuff at this point in my life.

Kim said...

The pretty lavender shrub is a Rose of Sharon....I love those!

Granny J said...

kimmus -- thank you for the ID. All I could think of was hibiscus or possibly a first cousin of the hollyhock. Maybe it is the latter, now that I think of it...

 
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