I returned to the Royal Oak Flea Market today. I did not buy any fleas but I did buy from vendors who are also here on Saturday for the Royal Oak Farmer's Market.
I bought some local honey. I have been
buying local honey for years, but with the news about the problems
and concerns with commercial honey I am more committed to buying
local. I bought some loose tea with coconut in it! I am drinking it
now having used the floating tea bell I bought at The Rust Belt some
weeks ago.
And I brought home a loaf of Cinnamon bread and two spinach pies ($3.00!) from Vic the
Breadman.
Vic has been at the market for more
than a dozen years, both on Saturday and Sunday. He offers great
breads of all kinds, including frosted breakfast breads, whole grain
breads, rolls, Brioche, spinach pies, cornmeal pizza crust, and
foccacia.
Today Vic and I chatted. He grew up in
Detroit where in the mid 1950s his school had over 9,000 students so
they had to attend school in shifts. School started at 7:30 am and
ended at 5:30 pm.
I saw some sweetheart pillows,
souvenirs that soldiers sent home to their mothers, sisters, and
sweethearts during WWI and WWII. You can learn more about them in Pat
Cumming's book Sweetheart
and Mother Pillows.
Last year ago I bought some great barkcloth here. Today there were several offerings of vintage barkcloth and chintz drapes.
More Mid-Century Modern items are showing up at flea markets now.
Handmade soaps, lotions and other items are offered at Dirty Girl Farm. Other booths have spices, teas, honey, and baked goods.
Although today it was not even 20
degrees out, the market's outdoor booths were occupied again. In a
few weeks they will offer flowers and plants at the Saturday Farmer's
market.
