Thank Heaven for St. Matthew's

 

On Wednesday evenings, I say a little prayer for Thursday mornings. It's a prayer that goes something like this: Dear Lord, let me find good stuff at St. Matthew's and not get whacked 27 times with a shopping cart.

Because when you shop at St. Matthew's thrift shop, both outcomes are likely.

And actually, you endure the second occurrence (kamikaze shopping carts) because of the good stuff that's dirt-cheap.

 

This is St. Matthew's, a massive stone church in East Syracuse. The Second Time Around Store, which is in the basement of church, is open only on Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m and from 7 to 9 p.m. I've never shopped there in the evenings, mostly because the shelves are not restocked during the day, so to get the good stuff you have to be there early (lined up when the door opens).

And what is the good stuff? Well, how about?

 

Holiday items, which appear only seasonally. In addition to the occasional trinket for St. Pat's or Valentines, I found all kinds of items at Christmas, including these gift tags that were a dime each.

 

 
Lovely vintage linens. I don't think the calendar towel was ever used.

 

And vintage games.

 

Velvet millinery from a $1 hat.

 

And of course, religious items.

Of course not every week is a winner. Occasionally, I walk away with nothing or having spent only a quarter. And some weeks, there are several near misses with the aforementioned shopping carts that are "driven" by little old ladies who shouldn't be behind the wheels of a cart or a car. And, seriously, I have to question why there would even be shopping carts in a space that's pretty tight. And, finally, there was that one week that I was boxed in by a double--parked funeral procession. You can bet I was saying my prayers that day as well, seeing how the procession made me more than fashionably late to work.

But in these bleak days of winter, when my junkin' is limited to an occasional estate sale or a lucky find at the thrift, I really am thankful for my weekly stop at St. Matthew's.

Comments

[Janelle]

Oh my gosh, I don't know how I missed your Valentine projects below, but they are DIVINE!

We had a thrift store not unlike your St. Matthew's store back in Columbus, but it was in an old house and it benefited the alumni fund for the college nearby. No shopping carts, thank heavens, but it was still quite an adventure. Never found anything as good as you have, though!

[Cotty]

Oh, oh!!! I have been living in Syracuse for almost 6 years and I didn't know about this place, it's now on my list.

[Vintage Whimsy]

Here's hoping you have great luck today!! I love those gift tags, by the way! So cute!!

[ismoyo]

wow that a big and intimidating church! but with great finds inside! Watch out for those kamikaze shopping carts! lol