June 24th, 2019
This sweet box holds a story…
A story that takes place in Maine…
It was a little over a year ago that we first discovered this wonderful old treasure. It captured my
attention immediately. The initials M.A.B…….were mine. Who could have owned this lovely antique
box many years ago? Who could she be….what was her story…what was her name?
It sat on a worn old table by a window in an antique store in Wiscasset, Maine.
A kind gentleman James was the antique dealer that we would visit when in Maine at 52 Water Street.
“You should have this box” he said to us. How often would one come across something like this?
…a Serendipity perhaps.
We left the store that day at 52 Water Street without the box.
It was several months later that we happened upon this kind man at an Antique Show.
Across the table I spotted the box…M.A.B… Tugging at my heart was this cherished old box once again.
This time James did everything that he could to convince us to purchase it. “I will hold it for
you” or “a layaway would be fine” That was the day that this box came home with us. Along with
a story which will always mean the world to me.
Messages…
Recently on a lovely Saturday in Maine something led us to Wiscasset to visit our favorite places…
Sylvan Gallery and our antique dealer friend James at 52 Water Street.
We were always eager to see what was in his store…
Driving by we noticed a sign on the building….Available for Lease…
Our hearts were sad to hear that day that he had passed…We will forever remember his kindness…
52 Water Street …a very special place with a story…
The new home for Old and Everlasting…
We received a message from Heaven that day…I truly believe that…
The space…small and quaint with paned glass windows.
Just perfect for Old and Everlasting…
It was when taking pictures that we noticed an old bell on the door much like the bell
we left behind in our Cazenovia store when we closed. As much as we wanted to bring it
with us we decided that it should stay. It belonged on the door that opened so many times
accompanied by warm smiles and happy customers. A familiar sound that will always be in our minds.
The image of friends and family walking in the door with a happy little jingle of the bell
is forever etched in our hearts.
The most important image is my dear sweet Mom…
~Helen Bell~
Another message…
I know you are close by Mom…
So we carry on...
With memories, plans, and dreams….of meeting new friends and looking forward to visits from
old friends at 52 Water Street…
Old and Everlasting lives on…
