Vintage Flea opens with music, flowers, and lots to see

There is always something to see at the Vintage Flea!

by Marsha Chartrand

It’s been a few weeks since the “teaser” signs have appeared in the window of the former pharmacy building with some intriguing merchandise selections and a “Coming Soon” announcement for the Vintage Flea.

It has been a family affair for Jennifer Miller as she’s persuaded her husband, Jerry, to be her chauffeur and lifter-in-chief on her shopping trips, and her grandchildren to help her with the clean-up and decoration of the store (which is actually located in the rear half of the Flower Garden side of the building) and even naming the store (granddaughter Seeger DuRussel gets credit for that). Even grandson Tanner Jones has taken a turn on the vintage piano that graces Main Street with music whenever someone plays it.

Jennifer has also welcomed a number of friends to the fold — Carolyn Supers, who accompanies her on shopping trips; Michelle Pink, Tanner’s piano teacher, who loves to come in and make beautiful music on the piano, and fellow eBay follower Anne Kastanis, who has plenty of interest in all the Vintage Flea has to offer.

Some limited home furnishings, including a one-of-a-kind curio cabinet and a lovely chair and ottoman set; lots of glassware, including Pfaltzgraff, Fiestaware, and other stoneware and china pieces, including figurines; designer purses; and a plethora of other unique items are available to browse through. It will take more than one visit to see all the Vintage Flea has to offer!

In addition to the “vintage” items Jennifer carries, she also has fine art pieces by local artists including Marisa Divert, Helen Fisher, Deb Geyer, Steve Lyos, Debbie Heskett, Marilyn Schulze, and more.

And there’s the distinct benefit of flowers in the front! How can you resist walking through Susie’s fragrant Flower Garden without grabbing a bouquet for yourself or someone you love? Jennifer considers Susie the “Best Roomie Ever” and loves sharing space in the building with her. She feels they’re both fortunate to have Jeff Fahey as a landlord and they are looking forward to what will happen in the west side of the building in the future.

The Vintage Flea is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday–Friday, and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays. Stop in and take a peek.

Local piano teacher Michelle Pink enjoys stopping by to fill the store with music. Jennifer Miller, owner of the Vintage Flea, stresses that anyone is welcome to come in and play at any time!

The store’s name, The Vintage Flea, was created by Jennifer’s granddaughter, Seeger DuRussel.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.