Visiting the American Pickers' Nashville Shop - Antique Archaeology, Nashville, Tennessee | Landmark Landing

 

Antique Archaeology, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hi all, and welcome back or greetings if you're new! I got to check off one of the stops on my bucket list, and I wanted to share that experience with you. If you enjoy my content, there is a likelihood you are familiar with the History Channel TV show, "American Pickers". If not, a brief rundown; two guys in a van travel the United States and search for vintage and antique treasures. They specialize in searching in old barns and buildings filled to the ceiling with collectables that typically haven't been touched in twenty years. Bonus points if the owner of the collection is a grumpy older gentlemen who isn't interested in selling anything. I really enjoy the show and watching them hunt for these hidden gems across America. 

    I remember watching the show often on summer mornings with my step father, after he had gotten home after a long night shift. When school was out, him and I would watch TV together until it was time for him to go to bed for the rest of the day. American Pickers was in our main rotation, and to be completely honest, became a reminder of good times. Those of you who know me will know that I fight chronic illness, and tend to find myself in the hospital a few times a year. Those who are in a similar boat know just how important and soothing watching TV can be when cooped up in a hospital room for days on end. One channel that any hospital TV will have, is the History Channel. When poor health finds me and must be dealt with, you can find me in my room watching American Pickers. From my hospital bed, I can travel many miles without a hair of stress on the body. Myself and whoever is visiting at the time will chat about the pickers' finds and the history behind them. It's amazing what troubles can be made bearable by means of passion and community, something as small as discussing a common interest. 

    One thing I hold true to, is taking advantage of and being grateful for my days of better health. I get a lot of those these days, thanks to my amazing medical team, and our good Lord. I vow to use the better days to explore the world myself, the world that I have spent a lot of my time watching from a bed in a beige painted room. I have spent many good days in vain, out of fear, insecurity, and I lacked understanding of the magnitude of how small daily decisions can impact the general narrative of your life over time. I am more eager to say "yes" to the opportunities to enjoy life each day. Now, with my new mindset and this blog, I like to think I can be your eyes into the world during those times you can't see things for yourself. Everyone deserves to have access to that knowledge, and experience our world and people's vibrancy. 

    Anyway, I'm getting off track but I have decided to be more personal in my writing, to be a better friend to you. I hope you don't mind. With all of that being said,  a while back I had the opportunity to visit Antique Archaeology, the store that sells all of the treasures that the American Pickers find on their adventures. I went with my mom to the location in Marathon Village (a neat place as well) in Nashville, Tennessee. I'll admit, most of what was in the store was over my budget, but I wasn't going there with strict expectations to buy something. To me, it was like a museum. Looking at each piece and wondering where it had come from and what its story was, or maybe if I could even spot it in the show. Just knowing that it had likely traveled hundreds of miles and maybe even experienced a restoration to end up here. I ended up taking a photo of one piece that really stood out to me, and had I not been a broke teenager at the time of this trip, would've maybe purchased. 

Vintage neon sign, taken by Jennie Moore

    This old sign really caught my eye. I'm no sign collector, but I can appreciate some vintage neon. I tried to research this sign and get some information on it, but I have had no luck. Even a reverse image search yielded nothing. If you know anything about this sign, I would love to hear about it! Leave me a comment, message, or email. I find that it reminded me of an ancient figure, like an Egyptian Pharaoh or noble statue that knows something we don't. The sign in fairly large in size, as you can see it next to several full sized instruments. Even if I did have the money, I'm not sure my mom would appreciate me cramming this into the back of her Ford Escape. 

    I had a great time wandering throughout the store with my head in the clouds. I did get an iron on patch with the companies logo on it, to add to my patch collection that I will add to my denim jacket... eventually. Being able to do these things on my better days make the flare up days a well worth it payment, and a lesson that God teaches me more on everyday. I'm on a mission to appreciate the gifts of life in full, and be truly aware of the blessings we experience everyday. Thank you for coming on this journey with me, and as always, thank you for reading.

Bufordville, Missouri Antique Shop | Small Business Sunday

 

Antique Store in Burfordville, Missouri taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog. Today I want to share with you a neat shop that my father and I went to a few months ago. Many drive right past the small community of Bufordville, Missouri each day. Though history and nature lovers alike may know this village for it's historic Bollinger Mill and covered bridge (you can read my article on those by clicking here.) Just across the street from the landmark sits this quaint, colorful antique store. It had been closed during my previous visits to the mill, but this day was my lucky one.

"The Little Blue Free Library" on front porch taken by Jennie Moore

    

    The front porch alone boasts an array of interesting pieces, luring the curious minds inside. My favorite would have to be the "Little Blue Free Library". I love the concept of these libraries, as it is a way to encourage reading to any community with no cost needed, just the generosity of book donations. Upon entering, we were greeted by a warm hello from friendly gentlemen, and a soft spoken lady. I couldn't help but feel as if I had known this duo for years, although that surely wasn't the case.

"Antiques" Sign on side of building taken by Jennie Moore

    The building itself I would estimate dates from the mid to late 1800s, being covered in wooden siding accompanied by wavy glass in the windows. In the rear, the wooden floor boards bow where flood waters have repeatedly tested the structure's integrity. Though it still stands, telling the stories of years ago. I wonder how many people have walked in and out of the same doors, roaming the same routes that I myself would take through the winding antiques. 

Nuts from the neighboring covered bridge, taken by Jennie Moore

    While browsing, I came across these nuts on display that once were home to the Bufordville covered bridge, which itself dates to 1858. These were much larger than any I had seen before, definitely not something you will find at your local hardware store. I always enjoy learning about America's historical building methods, as the craftsmanship and talent required to make these engineering feats are nothing short of impressive in a time before power tools and electronics.  

Vintage vinyl section in store, taken by Jennie Moore

    As an avid vintage shopper, I always enjoy flipping through the albums in any store. I must say that this collection was the best I had ever seen in a secondhand shop. Perfectly curated from soft to psychedelic rock from the 1960s to 1980s, I could've taken them all home. The gentlemen at the counter came over, and we began to chat about music and our favorite artists. We had much in common in that department, and I could've spent the day listening to what he had to say about each album.

Front porch of store, taken by Jennie Moore

    If you are ever in the area, rather just passing by or paying a visit to the bridge and mill, I recommend taking the time to stop and look around. It is a little slice of heaven for a vintage collector and music lover, run by the kind of people that strike you like a breath of fresh air. I always treasure my conversations with strangers, especially those as kind as these. I see the beauty in humans among these people, a reminder we all need at times. If you stop in, let me know what you found! Thank you for reading, as always.

Lakeforest Mall - Gaithersburg, Maryland | Abandoned

Lakeforest Mall taken by Jennie Moore

     Today’s blog post is a bit different than usual, but exhibits an interest of mine that I have had for a long time. Abandoned retail is a niche but passionate community that I stumbled upon several years ago. Something about the fallen empires of the modern world is alluring, yet haunting. My favorite content on the subject is created by Jake Williams (Bright Sun Films) and Dan Bell (This is Dan Bell) on YouTube. I highly recommend you check them out. 

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     I visited Lakeforest Mall on my 8th grade field trip to Washington D.C. It was around that time that my eye for dated architecture began developing, giving me some new found inspiration for my photos. The photos I took, at age 14, are the ones you see in this post. Although they are far from professional, they are still some of my favorites in my portfolio solely because of the subject matter. 

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     Lakeforest Mall was built in 1978, at the height of the American mall boom. It was wildly successful, as most were at the time. People flocked from all over to the trendy stores and flashy food court. The facility became a local staple, continuing to grow throughout the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. This trend was steady, until the arrival of the 2010s, when the mall began to see a change. This change, is known as online shopping. The wide variety along with availability that could once only be found in a mall, had come to the people’s fingertips. 

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     In 2012, the mall was valued at $100 million dollars. This would ultimately be the last hoorah for Lakeforest. In the following years, all four anchor stores would leave the mall, along with their smaller counterparts. Lakeforest was sold for $19.1 million dollars in 2017, a minuscule amount compared to just five years earlier. I visited the mall in 2016, and I remember it’s quiet, echoey wings were far from active. 

Lakeforest Mall, taken by Jennie Moore

     Lakeforest Mall’s final day in business was March 31st, 2023. It was open 44 years. It is set to be demolished in 2024. I wanted to share my photos of Lakeforest, to forever capture it in time. They are my first photos in the genre, and ignited my interest in liminal spaces. I hope you find these interesting and inspiring like I have. 

Patti’s 1880s Settlement | Landmark Landing

     

     At the time I’m writing this post, my mother and I are traveling. We’re making our way through western Kentucky, bound for Tennessee. Our appetites were growing, and she had made a suggestion of where we should stop to eat. She recalled a place she had eaten once before, called Patti’s 1880s Settlement. Just from the name, of course I was interested. 

     This restaurant is completely 1880s themed, even down to the clothing of the employees. The entrance features a fair sized gift shop, full of decor, knickknacks, and souvenirs. We were seated after a short wait, (and after I had purchased a magnet for my already overcrowded refrigerator door) and greeted by the kindest staff. 

     Imagine my surprise when the waitress brought to the table a terracotta flower pot with fresh homemade bread flowing out of it. She placed a small cup on the table, filled with their specialty, strawberry butter. I’ll admit I was skeptical, but now I insist that you all try it. The sweet and savory combination is to die for. Both my mother and I both ordered seafood, and we both agree it was fabulous. 

     If you are ever near Grand Rivers, Kentucky, I highly recommend stopping by Patti’s 1880s Settlement. Not only a great eatery, but it is surrounded by a quaint, charming village. If you ever visit, let me know what you think! 

Rivermines IGA | When It Stood

 

Rivermines IGA, taken by Jennie Moore December 2018

        In small town America, places like your local grocery store are so much more than the items they sell. They became a place to socialize, hang out, or find your favorite treat. A great example of this is Rivermines IGA, in the once bustling town of Rivermines, now within the city limits of Park Hills, Missouri. My father, Gary Moore, recalls fond memories of visiting the IGA as a child.

        Gary, his mother, and his siblings were from North St. Louis, a place of hustle and bustle. They took a leap of faith and moved to what is now Park Hills, in 1967. This was a change of scenery for the bunch, and somewhat of a culture shock. My father expressed to me that he quickly fell in love with how small town folk took such pleasure in the most mundane of tasks. Grocery shopping was not a burden, but an opportunity leave the house, visit with friends, and try something new. What was once viewed as a drag, became a highlight of one's day.

        Although I was unable to find an exact build date, my father recalls riding bicycles with friends and siblings to Rivermines IGA from the time they moved to the area, and well into the 1970s. The ride from their home in Elvins was a treat, one enjoyed as often as possible. "Mom got her hair done at the beauty shop near the IGA, and we would go into the store while we waited on her." he said. He recalls the staff as being "very friendly", always wearing a smile on their faces. "You couldn't leave without seeing someone you knew." he continued.

1977 Rivermines IGA Advertisement, courtesy of The Daily Journal

        At the time, IGA ran a red, white, blue, and beige theme. Yellowed tile ran the floors, shelving filled the open space, and florescent lights hung from the ceiling. "What was your must have item that you always got at Rivermines IGA?" I asked my father. "Honestly..." he said, "plain ole bologna." he chuckled. You see, IGA stores were kind to lower class families like my father's. Prices on basics were competitively low, a blessing for those in a pinch. It was a place you could go, and know you would come out with something to put on the table, free of judgment. 

        Rivermines IGA did a good business until, my father guesses, the late 1980s. When big box stores came into the area, mom and pop grocery stores found it impossible to keep up. Like many others across the country, massive chains, would force Rivermines IGA to close their doors. Now on the lot, ironically, sits a Dollar General. I am thankful to have snapped the photo above, just months before the original building was razed. Not only was it a symbol of mid-century culture, but a remnant of the former town of Rivermines, as it read on the building's face. I encourage you to share your stories and memories in the comments, as they are so valuable.  I would also like to thank my dad, for sharing your memories with us. Now they will be preserved for those like me, who missed that time in history. Thank you all for taking this trip with us, and I hope you enjoyed.

Twelve Mile Creek Emporium | Small Business Sunday

Photo courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Hi everyone, and welcome back to the blog!  Today, I'm going to be sharing a location that holds a special place in my heart.  This is Twelve Mile Creek Emporium, Wine Cottage, and Bed and Breakfast in Caledonia, Missouri.  Twelve Mile Creek is a family owned business with something for everyone.  Not only do they offer the amenities in the title, but they also offer home decor, freshly made meals, baked goods, and locally made products of all kinds.   

     In addition to the wonderful business itself, Twelve Mile Creek resides in a historic landmark.  This building goes by names such as the Fisher/Fischer Home, Caledonia Wine Cottage, the Ramsey House, or simply The Big Yellow House.  Whatever you may call it, this is a location with history to the brim, and a big story to tell.

Walnut Staircase, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     The Big Yellow House was constructed in 1824 by Jacob Fischer, making it one of Caledonia's oldest standing structures.  Over time the building has served as many occupations, but was originally built as a stage coach stop and inn.  Coaches would pull to the front of the building, where passengers would exit onto the same stone walkway that serves Twelve Mile Creek customers today.  During this time, travelers and stage coach drivers would frequently lodge in the inn's twelve original rooms.  

     When built, the inn consisted of two separate structures.  The front, rectangular portion of the building was for lodgers,  and the structure behind served as slave quarters.  Tunnels ran from either side of the inn to the slave quarters, with a third tunnel extending to the creek.  These tunnels can still be seen from the basement. The two structures were joined together some time around 1860, to form the home we all recognize today.  Though this isn't the only unique feature of the home.  The Fischer House is home to a continuous, three-story walnut staircase, the only one of its kind in the Ozarks.  The property also houses the 2nd oldest persimmon tree in Missouri, which still drops persimmons seasonally!

Quarantine Room as of today, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     As one of the homes many purposes, it was overtaken by the Union Army in the American Civil War, and turned into a hospital.  The hospital treated both Union and Confederate soldiers from The Battle of Pilot Knob, saving many lives that day.  A room on the third floor of the home was converted to a quarantine room for contagious patients, with a hole being cut from the door to serve the patient's food through.  The lock and hole in the door still exist today.  Along with saving the lives of soldiers, the home also served as a stop on the underground railroad.  Slaves were led through the tunnels, northward to freedom. The Fischer House treated and freed many men, women, and children, who likely wouldn't have survived if it were not for the Big Yellow House and it's gracious owners.  

Product sold at Twelve Mile Creek, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Over time, the Fischer House served as a residence to several families, leaving many with fond memories of the home and its tenants.  Before it became the booming business we know now, the Fischer House had fallen in disrepair.  I had the pleasure of touring the home before the Allen's (the current owners) just prior to their purchase of the property.  I must say, it was heartbreaking to see this landmark in such condition.  Though we have Pamela, Roger and the rest of the Allen clan to thank for single-handedly saving this historic property.  This family has put blood, sweat, and tears into this home, bringing it back to life.  Myself, along with many others have so much admiration for what the Allen family has put into not only the Fischer House, but the Village of Caledonia.

 California Spaghetti Salad served at Twelve Mile Creek, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Though the best part of this national treasure, is that it's for sale.  After years of hard work, the Allen family is ready to retire.  Pamela says "The time has come for us to find the perfect caretaker for this historic beauty. Retirement beckons us and we would like to heed that call!  If you think you have what it takes, give us a look.  Possibilities are only as far as your imagination allows. Price is negotiable as to what you want it to be for you!"  If you are interested in making the Fischer House your own, you may call Twelve Mile Creek at 573-779-1238, or pay a visit at 128 S State Highway 21, Caledonia, Missouri 63631. 

Wine selection at Twelve Mile Creek, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Thank you all very much for reading, and I hope this landmark excites you as much as it does me.  Perhaps you will pay a visit, or even find your next home, or business.  I also want to thank Pamela Allen for allowing me to use her photos for this post, and always being so kind during my visits to Twelve Mile Creek.  I hope you tune in to the blog again soon!

Love,

Jennie

Hurricane Mills, Tennessee | Landmark Landing

Hurricane Mill (c. 1897), Hurricane Mills, Tennessee

     Hello everyone, and welcome to my first installment of the new series, "Landmark Landing"!  In this series I will be taking you along on my travels to America's landmarks.  I absolutely love to travel, and I know many of you do too.  I hope this series is helpful and sparks your inspiration! 

     This series is kicking off with Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.  I visited Hurricane Mills for the first time this past July, and it did not disappoint.  Truthfully, it was even better than I had anticipated.  As most of you know, Hurricane Mills is home to Loretta Lynn's Ranch.  This is what draws almost all of the tourism, but there is so much more than a celebrity home here.  Hurricane Mills is a beautiful small town, and I have immense respect for what the Lynn family has done to preserve it.  Although, many people are too starstruck to take in the history of the town, I want to do my best to showcase all of the things that Hurricane Mills has to see.

  

   Hurricane Mills is an unincorporated community in Humphreys County, Tennessee.  Hurricane Mills is a part of the Hurricane Mills Rural Historic District, which is 300 acres that was placed on the National Register Of Historic Places in 1999.  Although there isn't much to show it these days, there was settler activity in Hurricane Mills as early as the 1830's.  One of Hurricane Mills' earliest known builds is the dam on Hurricane Creek, which can be seen in the photo above.  The concrete face you see now was placed in 1912, but underneath is the original stone dam that was built c. 1839!  Going hand-in-hand with the dam is of course Hurricane Mill, where the community takes its name from.  As seen in the photo above, Hurricane Mill is a large, wood built grist mill that was built in stages from 1897 to 1910 by James T. Anderson.  The building was not only the mill, but a portion of the building housed the Hurricane Mills post office, now located down the street.  The Mill is now home to one of many Loretta Lynn's attractions, a quaint gift shop that I personally, really liked.    

     

     We also, of course, visited Loretta Lynn's home, the biggest attraction in Hurricane Mills.  This 19th century plantation style home is known as the Hillman-Anderson home, and sits on rolling acres of lush land.  As you can tell by name, this home was built and occupied by the same Anderson family that built and operated the mill.  The Lynn family purchased the property in the 1960's, and called has called it home ever since.  Other than being the home of the "Queen of Country", the home has gained quite the reputation of being haunted.  Loretta has spoken on multiple occasions about the activity in the house, which has impacted both her and her family.  The Lynn family now lives in a newer home on the property, leaving the mansion open to tours.  Tourists and employees have also spoken on their experiences in the home.  

     So we all hear of this activity, but what I haven't heard much is, why?  Why is there so much paranormal activity in the home?  This is a question I had, and I set out to get an answer.  After hours upon hours of research, I found my answer, which I want to share with you.  The Hillman-Anderson home is no stranger to the ups and downs of life.  Since the home's construction, it has been the site of several events.  It has seen the changes of time, and people from all walks of life.                

          During the Civil War, the home saw a skirmish that took place on site.  The event left several soldiers dead, with 19 men of the Confederate Army being buried on the property.  Those who were buried, still lie there today.  The home also experienced the hardships of slavery, as there is a slave pit located under the home.  In the pit is where it is thought misbehaving slaves were put, and likely abused.  Word has it that Loretta has gone into the pit only once, and refuses to ever go back.  Though fear not, the history of this property isn't all tragic. 

     What many people don't know, is that before the site was settled as Hurricane Mills, it was a thriving Mississippian-Era prehistoric village, inhabited by Native Americans.  This village is known as The Duck River Temple Mounds, or the Link Farm.  Near the Link Farm, there was another farm that was owned by the notorious Jesse James.  There was also a notable Carding Factory, which was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  All three of these sites are located within Hurricane Mills!   

     Hurricane Mills also still has it's general store which has been converted to another Loretta Lynn attraction.  The building holds two shops, a post office, the Native American Museum, a snack shack, and an underground recreation of a coal mine, like the one Loretta's father worked in.  I really like this portion of Hurricane Mills, as you can shop, learn, and eat all in one place.  It's also a great place to cool off if you visit in the summer like I did.  

    Loretta has also had a new building built as her museum called "Coal Miner's Daughter Museum".  The museum is a whopping 18,000 sq feet, and holds a massive amount of memorabilia.  This building alone is paradise for a Loretta fan.  What I liked about this museum is the inclusion of Loretta's friends and family.  There are several exhibits on those who were/are loved ones of Loretta's.  I also really appreciated the amount of seating throughout the museum, and Hurricane Mills in general.  This was such a great surprise for someone who sometimes has trouble getting around.  I found all of the attractions to be very inclusive, and welcoming.                                                                                                                        

     I also have to give massive props to the recreations throughout Hurricane Mills.  The work put into these pieces is extremely obvious, and they really make the history come to life.  There is an exact replica of Loretta's childhood home (Located in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky) which can be toured.  There is also the coal mine that I previously mentioned, and the town itself still has a maintained 19th century aesthetic.    

     As of 2019, Loretta Lynn owns nearly all of Hurricane Mills, and truthfully, I'm glad she does.  The way she has taken care of, and presented this small town, is really admirable.  Without her falling in love with that vacant house on the hill nearly 60 years ago, Hurricane Mills may have been lost to time.  Now, Hurricane Mills is the most active small community I've ever seen.  There are endless activities and events on Loretta's land.  Camping, kayaking, and swimming to just name a few. 

     Overall, do I recommend you visit Hurricane Mills? Absolutely!  I really enjoyed my visit, and would visit again.  Even with everything I spoke on, there is still more to see.  I hope to make another trip in the future and further explore Hurricane Mills.  If you enjoy history, the outdoors, country music, or travel in general, I would definitely make a stop here.  This quaint town 698 people will not disappoint! 

     Thank you all so much for reading!  I really hope you enjoyed this post, and will tune into this series again!  Give me your thoughts.  Have you been to Hurricane Mills?  Would you like to?  

     A special thanks to my mom, Colleen Gallagher, for being my travel buddy and giving me this experience.                            

With love, Jennie

(All photos in this post are taken by myself in July of 2019.)