On my way back from The Seasons of Aggieland Bazaar in College Station, I decided to do some flea-marketing (a favorite pastime). I made a list of all the places between there and Dallas, just relishing the possibilities. The first one didn't open until 9 AM, and I was there at 7:30, the second was only open the 2nd weekend, I was there on the last. At this point, I started calling the others on the list!. The third was out of business, the fourth I couldn't find, the fifth was long-gone. I was pretty bummed out! By now I was in Waxahachie and almost home when I got a call from Barbara at Bon Ton Vintage. She told me where they were in Forreston, TX and I turned around!
It turns out that they are in the same place as a flea market used to be, about 15 years ago, I wasn't looking for a building, but boy am I glad I found them!
This is John Kauffman, proprietor
I was immediately greeted by John and Barbara, who called me by name because she recognized my voice from the phone. I introduced myself and explained my art, then they started showing me around. I started a pile of treasures very shortly thereafter! I went upstairs where I met Suellen (pronounced Sue Ellen), a friend and regular (make sure you ask for her when you go - Barbara said she practically lives there!).
Upstairs is vintage clothing heaven, I made a quick mental list of all the friends that I would have tell! There were furs, shoes, handbags and hats. Day wear and formals from every decade. The display and ambiance was "top drawer" (inside joke!). And, oh - the vintage jewlery! I had a lot of fun digging through a tin of mismatches and brought home some lonely and broken things to [ReDeem].
Barbara and Kathy
Heading back downstairs I met Kathy, their daughter and Melissa, another friend and regular. It was about this time that I seriously considered calling and telling my husband I was moving to Forreston to be closer to my new friends! I spent 3 hours in this great shop!
Before I left I had heard all about John and Barbara's Jazz trio with their friend Jeff (back in the day) and even scored a CD with some of their best stuff! John mesmerized me with stories of the famous folks he had met and knew, his childhood and more. I couldn't resist snapping a few pics while we stood outside talking...
So - if you love vintage stuff, good conversation, an interesting history lesson, visiting small towns, or just about anything, I think that you would just adore Bon Ton Vintage!
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