Hidden Gems: Historical Finds in Red’s Mercantile
Red's Mercantile Sign, Photo Credit: Reds Mercantile Facebook
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By: Isabella Bagnaro
In the heart of Jenks, just on the end of main street stands Reds Mercantile, an antique shop filled to the brim with hidden historical gems. Items ranging from early 1900’s edition books, to old Dr. Pepper bottles, and even a stunning relic of a wedding dress - Red’s mercantile is home to little pieces of American history. Right in our hometown. Red’s is owned by very kind and lovely women who were very helpful in my journey through time in their store. Despite the recent modernization of main street Jenks, with eclectic shops being replaced by pink boutiques and popular bars, pieces of the history and originality of Jenks still stand the tests of time.
My personal favorites were vintage editions of classic books, a classic and beautiful wedding dress (which will be at the end), and meeting crybaby, the resident cat, who will have three cameos in this story.
Signed copyright print edition of Mark Twain’s The Gilded Age from 1915.
A bottle of Outers gun oil from the 1960's.
This chaotic box of old photos houses images ranging from the early 1900-1970's. Many people purchase these photos and turn them into cards!
"That's Crybaby," the owner said, "everybody knows Crybaby."
A signed edition of Great Mysteries by John Neal, signed in 1875.
A shelf of small, vintage bronze pencil sharpeners.
A yearbook from Bown University, 1962.
A shelf of ingredients and kitchen trinkets from varying years.
A (likely college club) banner from 1943.
Glass Dr. Pepper bottles from the 1970's.
A beautiful Underwood typewriter in incredible condition.
Full glass bottles of Coca-Cola from 1996.
Women's shoes likely dating back to the 1920-1930's in remarkable condition.
Another Crybaby cameo!! Crybaby took care in brushing up against my legs until I would pet him and followed me around the mercantile.
A two-pack of small purple matchboxes.
The sewing machine one the left is a German piece from the early 1900's.
A BetterHomes Gardening and Housekeeping book from 1951.
My new companion Crybaby yet again.
A beautifully crafted saddle in immaculate condition.
Old children's books about animals.
And finally, the beautiful wedding dress. Though I couldn't get an estimate on what time period this dress is from, it still struck me as stunning.
Antique stores and mercantile’s hold pieces of history, from books to saddles. All of which are important. Please go visit your local mercantile or antique store, especially Red’s on Mainstreet Jenks. It’s truly a special place owned by special people - and a special cat.
