S-Town Antiques

We had a lovely weekend away in Saskatoon. Although the weather wasn't exactly co-operative. We had clear skies for most of the drive, almost literally until we passed the "Welcome to Saskatoon" sign. Then the rain started falling. On our last day we did get some sun, which was nice.

Saskatoon is a town of 250,000 people, which really is a lot smaller than I thought it would be (but still makes it the largest city in Saskatchewan). It has the South Saskatchewan River flowing through it, with a total of 7 bridges (often known as the Bridge City). So it has a lovely river valley, similar to Edmonton's, but I will say Saskatoon's river valley seemed more accessible. In Edmonton if you want to go to to the River you often have to go to a park, park you car and walk down to the river. Whereas, we were able to park on one side of the river, walk across a bridge, go through a very historic area with old churches, cross another bridge, and walk through a residential area with old beautiful houses. So I found their river valley to be easily accessible.

A few random facts I have learned about Saskatoon. Its median age is 34.2 for males, and 37.4 for women. Rob would be right at home! Doesn't that mean the men like older women? Oo la la! Saskatoon also has the highest rate of violent crime in all of Canada, making it the most dangerous city. 1,606 violent crimes per 100,000 residents annually. We did not experience any such thing, and actually felt quite safe in the city. Saskatoon was originally settled in three different communities, Nutana (after which many shops were named), Riversdale & Saskatoon. All of which were eventually annexed into the City of Saskatoon. I'm fairly sure I read about a flood in 1912, but can't find anything about it online. But I noticed a number of the buildings were dated 1912, likely built to replace the buildings that were damaged in the flood.

I thought I would divide up some of my photos throughout the week. Today I thought could be antique day! We visited two antique shops. While most of the antiques were way beyond my pocketbook, I still appreciated them, and I think anyone who loves old things would feel at home in Saskatoon. It does have an old time charm to it.

The first antique shop. The colors actually did scream at me, it still had some neat items.

A filing cabinet. It had old records in the shelves, some dated June 1893.

Love this window. "Only" $399!
I LOVE bookcases like these. Especially with the leaded detail in the glass. Also $399.
Sweet little bassinet.
I quite enjoy this dresser. Nice lines.
I really like this china. Definitely not a subtle pattern, but the blue, gold and white is quite timeless.
The entire set. Lovely.
This bench could adorn my front entrance any day.
Speaking of bassinets. Kind of cool.
Another filing cabinet. Tres cool.
A wee little china cabinet. Again, I love the detail in the glass.
I have no idea what I would actually do with this. Its probably 8-10 feet tall. Perhaps put it in the giant wall in my stairwell (wouldn't Rob love me?). Regardless, its lovely. And "only" $799!
The second shop we visited was the "junkier" antique shop, which usually means, the better finds. The main problem was that it is also an antique repair shop, so the smell of varnish was intense. The other girls opted out (due to the smell). But I took a deep breath and entered. Definitely junky. The store owner told me the dust was free. Well, thank you! I persevered and found the backroom where everything was 50% off. I may have lost numerous brain cells in the process, but I did unearth these little gems.

Some blue glass insulators. So pretty. $1 each.
Rob says phallic. I say pretty.
Finally, my real find. This gorgeous little tea cup. Mint condition. $6.
I love the pattern. Has a subtle Asian feel to it. And I love the cup shape. While it would keep nothing warm (this girl likes her coffee and tea piping hot), its still so purdy! Definitely my fave Saskatoon treasure!

Tomorrow I think I will share some shots of the fab older homes and buildings of S-town.