Mr. Wonderful took me to the Burley Park Flea Market on Memorial Day. We had to park several blocks away before walking through the gate to browse MILES of tables and tents set up by the vendors to draw the crowd's attention to their wares! Not for the faint of heart, let me tell you!
When we were nearly done 'Flea-ing", I was sorting through a cigar box full of small treasures - the box said "Any Item for $1". Vendors were packing up to leave the end of a busy action-packed day, so I offered $1 for all 3 of these. I asked the seller if he knew what they were - and he said "Do YOU know what they are???" Of course I had not a clue! I only knew that Mr. Wonderful spied them and thought they would make great decorative birdhouse perches!
He then revealed to me the secret! They are called "stiles" - and were used to tap the Maple trees for syrup! These are the vintage type - they have newer and improved methods now, he told me. Now, I felt absolutely horrid for talking him down after receiving that bit of historical information!!! -NOT!!!- I took my prizes and headed off to find Mr. Wonderful so I could amaze him with my new knowledge!!! (But guess what?!? He said he had a hunch that is what they were! MEN!!!)
Happy VTT to YOU!
18 comments:
That's interesting. I'm glad you found out what they are.
No way! He had a hunch...hmph! That is just fascinating!
I go to flea markets real often and they are so much fun. You never know what you will find. I have never found anything of great value, but still like to go. Thanks for stopping by my post for a visit. Have not been into this very long, so maybe along the way I will have someting of interest to you.
Men, ya' just gotta' love 'em. =0))
Great perches, and great deal.
blessings,
Barbara jean
Ooooo oooooo ooooo teacher (said while waving hand frantically in the air) I knew what they were before you told!!!! BUT, teacher, I didn't know they were called stiles. I was gonna call them the "thingies" they use to tap maple trees to get the sap to make syrup. May I STILL have an "A" please????????
Wow! You are a bargin hunter! Those sure will make great little perches for your little birdies. They will love it!
Hugs,
Angela
the comment by keetha is so funny!
We dont have maple trees here but we have rubber trees and we use special "thingies" to tap the tree for "milk".
Thanks for dropping by my blog.
Great finds! It's always fun to come across something new - and to get to bring it home for a fabulous price, all the better!!
I immediately thought, VINTAGE MAPLE TREE TAPPERS -- LOL -- sure I did...
Well, I wonder if a bird perched on the tap while in the tree. I had no clue but now I do:-)
i would have never in a million years guessed what those were!
they are beautiful though-and can't beat the deal- great buy!
p.s. this is elsa at www.elsaaraya.com
i couldn't get the name in name/url to take my name so i am posting as anonymous- it would not do it otherwise
One more thing, I LOVE your moniker - - - I'm always HOPING to maintain a classy chassy!!!!
Did I hear flea market!? Always fun and great
finds too!
I have an award waiting for you at my blog!
Hugs,
Angela
neat...I have seen that type of thing at fleasaround here but not that old...we tap trees in these parts also
These are really neat. I love going to flea markets...you never know what you will find. Thank you so much for the award...I will pass this on soon!
What a great idea, to use those for perches! They're already comfortable with trees :)
It would be nice to have an assistant such as yours, one with vision and foresight. One that knew what those were but gave you the opportunity to discover on your own.
Isn't it nice when some small treasures like those bring as much joy as diamonds?
I love flea markets. Your stiles will make great birdhouse perches.
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