Visiting Special Joys Antique Doll Shop And Bed And Breakfast In Coventry, CT

Joy Kelleher Treats Her Dolls At Special Joys Doll Shop As Family

It's a delightful experience to visit with an experienced doll collector who treats her dolls as family and has her contractor son build her an extension to her home so that her dolls can be showcased in a museum like setting.

Meet Joy Kelleher, Antique Doll Collector

The doll collector is Joy Kelleher who transformed her Cape Cod home into a Victorian Style Bed & Breakfast in Coventry, Connecticut.

Near Memory Lane
Countryside Antiques

For those of you who are not familiar with Connecticut, Coventry is not too far from The University of Connecticut in Storrs. I was introduced to "Special Joys Doll Shop" by the gal who owns one of my favorite shops, Memory Lane Countryside Antiques Center. Joy's Doll shop is nearby.

Special Joys Doll Shop Is Set Up Like A Museum

I arrived to the Doll shop which is located in a lovely residential area, and was tickled to find such a huge collection in a private home which doubles as a shop and B&B. Joy is very gracious and took me through a tour of her shop which is set up like a museum with large dioramas and glass showcases filled with vignettes of dolls, furnishings, costumes, clothing and accessories.

Large Collection Of Early & Fine Antique Dolls

You will find a complete selection of dolls including, Paper Mache, German and French Bisque, Wood, All Bisque, Comic characters. Joy also carries clothing, Tin and cast Iron toys and a fair amount of Steiff animals.

Doll Kitchens And More At Special Joys

While I am not a doll collector, I do like dolls and also doll kitchens. I was quite excited to see Joy's beautiful exhibits of older doll kitchens, all fully equipped and staged with gorgeous dolls. One European doll kitchen was valued at $3,400. Joy and her husband Bill, have traveled extensively and have acquired many unique and highly desired dolls and furnishings. They are constantly adding to their collection and serve as a resource to Doll collectors around the globe.

In addition to fine quality dolls and furnishings, you will also find some wonderful Modern and Pop Culture dolls and figurines. I also spotted a pretty selection of Victorian boxes and other charming collectibles which cater to all budgets from exquisitely expensive to delightfully affordable.

Special Joys Doll Shop And B&B
41 North River Rd.
Coventry. CT. 06001
860-742-6359

Call for hours.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Vintage Linen And Tablecloth Lovers Will Adore Memory Lane Countryside Antiques Center in Coventry, Connecticut

Vintage Linens And Tablecloths Featured At Memory Lane Countryside Antiques Center in Coventry, Connecticut

I love vintage linens, especially colorful 1940's and 1950's tablecloths but boy are they a challenge to keep neatly displayed. So I am always paying attention to how other dealers take care of and feature their linens.

Starting With Vintage Linens And Tablecloths In Excellent Condition

When I first started selling tablecloths, I always washed and ironed what I bought. But then I got lazy and only fuss over my linens occasionally. Don't get me wrong, I carry beautiful linens in my shop "Kitsch n Stuff ", but I acquire them in tip top condition. I rarely wash and press linens anymore. So my hat is off to the gals who do!

Oops...Be Carfeul About Washing Vintage Colorful Linens

Perhaps I have decided to leave the status quo as a result of having been traumatized after a brightly colored floral patterned tablecloth I washed.......faded badly. Oops...that hurt. I really did not see that coming. Oh yes I have tried a variety of washing recipes. I also have experimented with different ways to showcase my linens.

Elegant Displays At Memory Lane

Today I discovered a very beautiful linen and tablecloth booth at Memoray Lane Countryside Antiques Center . Her booth really inspired me and I thought I would share some photos of her lovely booth.

Using Attractive Floral Sweater Boxes To Organize Linens

This dealer takes exceptional care of her linens and you can really see the difference. It looks to me like she starches many of her linens. She also displays her vintage linens them quite elegantly. Her 1940's and 1950's everyday cloths hang, while her more formal linens, luncheon napkins, embroidered linens, doilies etc. are organized in very pretty floral sweater and storage boxes. She uses adorable hankies as shelf trim and adds lots of finishing touches to all her displays such as gorgeous floral arrangements and delicate china accessories.

I'd love to hear about your experiences, tips and linen secrets.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Antiquing in Coventry, Connecticut a Charming New England Day Trip

Coventry, Connecticut is Charming

The hunting bug hit me yesterday and I was off to Coventry, CT (home of Nathan Hale) for an afternoon out antiquing and lunching with a friend visiting from Bristol, England. We started our day at Memory Too Antique Center (Route 44) and Memory Lanes Countryside Antique Center (next door). I bought several wonderful prints, a doll size China Cupboard and kitchen textiles.

Lunching at The Bidwell Tavern and Cafe

Next stop was lunch....we drove down to the Village of Coventry and ate at The Bidwell Tavern and Cafe (built in 1822). The Bidwell is a popular evening and weekend hang out for nearby UCONN students who come for some good ale and wings. During the day you will find plenty of antique hunters like "moi" who come in from the cold for some good hot soup and sandwich. I had a delicious "French Dip" (Roast Beef on a roll). My antique hunting partner, Lynn had some mighty fine Chili. We took the table by the fireplace stove ...... so we could de-frost!

Next Stop The Coventry Country Store

After a hearty lunch it was down the road to the Coventry Country Store (1140 Main Street) originally named the W.L Wellwood General Store (built in 1787). Word has it that the General Store is one of the oldest of its kind in America. The Country Store under new ownership is now a combination multi-dealer antiques shop and good ole fashioned Country Store carrying penny candy, soda, handmade quilts, scarves,jams, jellies and more.

I took plenty of photos of the wonderful painted Victorian buildings. There are over 100 buildings registered as historic properties.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.