A Connecticut Picker in Mark Twains backyard

You know I do love me a good story. Some of the best come from the Flea Market vendors as to where they get their treasures. About 2 weeks ago and was ambling through the flea when some really cool items caught my eye.



Yes, this is what they called a cottage

According to the vendor,  all these items (plus a few others) came from the same spot. Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) built a very lovely Gothic American cottage in Hartford in the 1870's for himself and family. I myself have been lucky enough to tour the inside of his gorgeous, grand home with my children on school field trips. It is so worth the trip if you find yourself in the Hartford, CT area.  Anyway, I digress (surprise there) Apparently, there sat a cottage on the outskirts of his property that somehow got lost and separated over the years.  No one knew it was part of Mark Twains estate. It had been sitting derelict for a good many years until just recently after a winter storm finally did it in, it was torn down and removed. What the vendor told me was that the cottage had been rented out to a French Nun. She lived there on The Clemens family property for many years until her death ~ all of  her belongings were still in the cottage. Unfortunately, by the time he got there, most of the large items were taken and it was being roped off to trespassers because it was in danger of completely caving in on someone. But, he did manage to run in and purchase a few boxes from the estate before the wrecking ball was to hit and he had to leave. I, in turn, bought those boxes and these are some the items they contained.

The vendor didn't think he scored any great items ~ I seriously beg to differ. I hope to get to the rest of the contents soon ~ these lovely items have been hiding in boxes for too long.


Linking to the French Cupboard for Vintage Inspiration Thursday ~ 
Debra @ the Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday ~ 


Links @ sidebar


Dee XO