Unearthing Gresham’s hidden treasures

We are shedding a few figurative tears: Vintage stores in downtown Gresham are slowly becoming a thing of the past.

Rest in peace, Vintage Station and Victorian House Antiques; you will be missed. Luckily, we were still able to venture inside a few remaining gems last week before they closed early in the evening to give you a taste of the vintage world in Gresham that could be facing extinction.

Foxtrot:

Ivy: Stepping into Foxtrot Vintage, it is easy to say this is a treasure-only store. The saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is thrown out the window.  From door to door, old book shelves create an ideal layout for the store. Depression glass of every color, rotary phones with permanent cords, and records for all the 14-year-olds trying to be cool line the walls. So many other antique knick-knacks lay hidden in the gold mine.

Emily: I was kind of bummed that the only typewriter they have is sixty bucks and electric. How clever they are to have a wishlist where I could put my name and number down so when they do receive a manual typewriter in the $20-30 price range, they will notify me! I’ll be crossing my fingers in hopes that Foxtrot doesn’t follow suit and close its doors.

Chase Me Again:

Emily: Chase Me Again seems like a typical renegade shop; they don’t fail to clearly notify when they are “Klozed.” From the window, it appears that they have all the typical used stuff, like a Goodwill or Salvation Army. There was a really cool black-and-white striped flat-bill hat that I wanted. They could have had an extra $4 or something if they were open just a half an hour longer.

Ivy: A “10 a.m. – 4” lies in front of every door. For all of those who walk up at 4:01, the sign said “klozed.” The sign really got me. Jack Black once said, “Look between the lines,” in the movie “School of Rock.” Well, this store can look between its lines. Though it may have beautiful clothing from the ‘70s, its hours and spelling truly bite the big one.

Junkyard Deals:

Ivy: It may be junk, but it’s a steal, not a deal. Hidden in a small shopping area on Division and Main Avenue, Junkyard Deals proved to be one of my favorites. Whether it be the nice owner at the counter, or the cowhide, Dalmatian-spotted, red-accented Cruella De Vil shoes, this small thrift shop had spunk. I mean, they had Twilight Zone.

Emily: What I like most about Junkyard Deals is that it’s basically a wasteland of treasures. I mean that in the nicest way; things are cluttered, but it’s a nice effect. I have an affinity for messy secondhand stores. If I’m out to buy used things, I want to get my hands filthy with germs to the point where I have to later douse my hands with sanitizer. I like to rummage. It’s like I’m dumpster diving, but without catching a disease.

All Things Beautiful:

Emily: When we first walked into All Things Beautiful, it was like we just walked into Cupid’s bosom. It was sort of angelic, with all the white feathers, white furniture, creepy old wedding dresses and a lot of white ceramics. It is quite peaceful.  Not only was this shop a blast from the past, you could say it is less hipster/vintage and more Southern elegance. There are lace dresses, doilies, wooden chairs, quilts, pearls, sun hats and teacups.

Ivy: True, all things were beautiful at this antique store. Run by two older women, the store has a certain class about it. Though pieces come and go, the women at the counter always have it set up just so. From outside their window display, whispers fill your ears with the voice of Gollum saying, “Come in . . . come in,” and a lamp with a break dancing lady in a ball gown welcomes you in.