Are you getting ready for Halloween?

I love vintage pictures of Halloween! It's fun to see what they came up with for costumes and decorations without all the commercial items that are available today. Using what you have always makes it original and fun!

Getting Started

Pat (a co-worker and self-made carpenter) and I got started on the project today, but the rains really put a damper in the work. JD (another co-worker) showed up after lunch and helped out too. The 3 sides are cut and the windows are attached, but we couldn't go any further than that.

Gourds, Gourds, and More Gourds

Our local pumpkin patch was not planted this year -so I've decided to use only the gourds from my garden to decorate around the house. Here's some ideas I came up with!

Last Sale Date Today

Well, today's the last official sale date of the year (I may open if the weather's nice and I'm home to try and winterize items in the barn). I woke up tired so it's hard to really enjoy it. The weather doesn't look to good but I hope to have a few friends stop by so I'll be ready and waiting! I hope you all enjoyed the wonderful early fall weather we've had recently and will appreciate the rain we're going to get this week (I know I will because it forces me to relax). I do hope to work on my secret project this week, so I hope the weather will allow for that! Hope to see you soon!

Last Chance to Come to Ella Mae's Barn- Sunday 1-5

Another big day at Oakland for the trials and tribulations event, then my last scheduled barn opening of the year. That's always sad for me. I will be taking items in to Copper Eagle Antique Mall to redo my booth in the next week. The weather's been beautiful for the event. I hope that if you haven't decided to come - just do it- my husband couldn't sleep last nite because he couldn't stop thinking about the play and the whole event. It really is something exceptional for Oakland! If you did come last nite- I hope you enjoyed every minute of it!!! Here's a few more pictures of the gift shoppe and anyone can come in- it's free admission!

Trials and Tribulations Gift Shoppe Open Saturday 9-7

There's still a lot of great stuff at the shoppe- stop in and check it out! Tomorrow's the last day!

Opening the barn on Sunday:

Last Chance for some great deals on vintage items-

before the barn is closed up for the winter!

Trials and Tribulations Event This Weekend

Many hand-painted items by the talented Nova Hunt and Teresa Dennis.

Handmade soap by Mary K. McCaw- it smells wonderful!!!

Well, today's the day for the Trials and Tribulations event we've all been waiting for. I went to a dress rehearsal last nite and it was wonderful!!!!! All the interpreters and actors were right on the mark- I thought it was much better than my recent trip to the Amana colony. I hope that you can come and see for yourself. Remember the gift shop is open with free admission. Here are some more photos of the items for sale.

Off for a Two Day Trip

Well I'm off with my mom for a trip to the Amana Colonies- an old German Farmtowne. I'm so excited. I love history and it's a chance for my mom and I to spend some quality time together! I thought I'd post this picture as another idea to use a plant stand for a fun halloween twist. Hope your day is GREAT!

Second Phase of Project

Can you guess what I'm working on? The clue is in the background.

Vintage Plant Stands

These are great for displaying pumpkins or gourds or just about anything you collect!

Wonderful Vintage Clothing on Sale at the Meeting House

Randi Moore has some wonderful vintage clothing with great prices for sale the 18th and 19th of September across from the Rutherford House.

More Items for Sale at the Meeting House

Here are more uglies and signs for sale on Sept 18th and 19th!

Landmark's Gift Shoppe-Oakland, IL

Open September 18th and 19th-9:00-7:00 pm across from the Rutherford House

Antiques, Crafts, One-of-a-Kinds, Candles, Hand-painted Items, seasonal items

My latest find- a Large Coffin

I bought this homemade coffin off an antique dealer yesterday. Both doors open and it will fit a full size man inside. I think it will make a great prop. I plan to add a cross on the front and some handles on the sides.

The rest of the Rutherford House Pictures

This is inside the summer kitchen(the casket maker's shop) where you see baby casket's on a small table.

A body ready to be prepared- she's kinda stiff -don't you think!

This is the entrance to the summer kitchen- where the undertaker would measure you for your casket.

We had a fake indian(those ones in restaurants that really scare you!) placed so he would be behind you and when you turned around - there he was! We did a room on a young girl taken by indians and tortured and hot coals were put on her face- her face was scarred and she looked pretty bad!

This is a baby(doll) in a stroll with a rat- She doesn't look so good!

Dr. Hiram Rutherford Historical House in Oakland, IL

Here is a baby(doll) in a small casket. Remedies the doctor would be preparing for patients from his herb garden. This man died of consumption. He would have been laid out in the parlor of his home in the mid 1800's.

A few years ago I decorated the Rutherford House for an educational haunted house. It was a huge success. We discussed victorian death rituals along with remedias from the mid to late 1800's.

Garden Cart Halloween Display

Another halloween display with ceramic pumpkins! I have another one for sale !

Black base with wheels

Well, I've wanted something like this for my yard for a few years, but I didn't want the typical wagon you see in most people's yard. I wanted something different. Something that I could change with the seasons- so I've got a really great plan for the Halloween season- can you guess what I'm up to?

Tin Jack-o-Lanterns

They look great when they're all lit up!

Good evening...

so glad you could stop by...enter...

Well-it's started

My friend Teresa has got me inspired. Even though I've been thinking about Halloween since the middle of July, she beat me to the punch- putting up the Halloween decorations! Then she changed my header and background( which I love that she does!) and I'm off dragging out all the fun stuff. I started with my black kettle collection(which is where I put my watering cans in the spring/summer) and after carrying those heavy things- I was so tired. I'll be putting out more each day- part of the fun of displaying it all!

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spooktacular fun!

BOO!