5
December 2021
GOOD NEWS
In Search of our Super-Powers A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series
Basement Treasure
Ellen: Growing up we weren’t a tv-centric family. Antiques Roadshow on PBS was one of the exceptions. With a bowl of popcorn in the middle we would all watch intently as the experts led the hopeful owners and audience through the charms or unfortunate damage on their item. Their gentle academic voices built the tension until it was revealed that *gasp* the table/china plate/clock/ painting/etc. was worth much more than anyone could have hoped.
I adored this concept of finding a diamond in the rough; the surprise of discovering that old spoon collection that grandma took such good care of was, in fact, worth enough to buy a car. Sure, the finds showcased on the program were rare but, the potential that that could happen to anyone who merely cleaned out their basement was such fun. As an adult, I still love exploring antique stores. I have none of the expertise and, so far, my luck hasn’t re-
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ally activated, but who knows, maybe someday I’ll find that treasure? Jane: Ellen and Michael are visiting us for a week and, while we are assembling a jigsaw puzzle, they mention that they need a replacement interior door for their house. This is not anything that I can help with so I keep looking for that yellow piece with the three arms. Ellen says, “We don’t want a new door because the house is mid-century and we kind of want it to match the other ones.” Dean says, “There’s a place downtown that has an entire basement full of interior doors—every era represented. It’s called The Heritage Company. They do architectural salvage.” I can sense that Ellen and Michael have lost interest in the puzzle; they are putting on their coats. Perhaps, here is where I should mention that I have zero interest in antiques. I know this will disappoint many people but I like drawers that don’t stick and paint that doesn’t flake. I pull on my coat and follow the family out to the car all the while hoping that we don’t come home with a musty door that creaks. We arrive at the salvage place and I whisper a “thank you” that the basement staircase has a handrail. We all troop down into a vast cavern of old doors, windows, pillars, and railings.
It’s like exploring all the houses of all my dead relatives. It kinda smells like that, too. Ellen is rubbing her bare hand over cracked varnish and Michael is measuring widths while Dean ducks into low-ceilinged storage rooms. I am watching where I place my feet. This basement and I do not love each other so I go back upstairs. The end of the story? Ellen and Michael find the perfect door to match their house. And, at the neighboring antique store, I spot two end tables--not too old, excellent condition--that will look lovely with their brand new sofa. Ellen Radke and Jane Knuth
New, Used & Rebuilt
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Authorized dealer of Bernina & Elna Sewing Machines Locally owned and family operated 3911 Gull Rd • 385-3100 • BerniesSewVac.com
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211 East Water Street, Suite 401 Kalamazoo 269.343.2106 dementandmarquardt.com