A unique find in a unique location was the inspiration for this medieval inspired dinner setting.
Always on the hunt for treasures, friend and blog sponsor Margaret from Nowvi, told us about this very unusual spot in Centralia. Turns out, it was the old Yard Birds, a staple of southwest WA for many years. Apparently, even my great grandma was a Yard Birds shopper. I recall it being discussed for many years while working at St. Peter Hospital (2007 - 2011) as the son of the owner bequeathed a large amount to build the pediatric wing at the hospital. So, how does this historical site related to this table setting?
Images retrieved 11/2/2024 from: https://www.bing.com/images/search? =yard%20birds%20shop%20centralia%201977&qs=SSA&form=QBIR&sp=1&ghc=1&lq=0&pq=yard%20birds%20store%20centra&sc=10-23&cvid=39863C99850440D69D1D134485316140&first=1
On a sunny summer Saturday, Stephen and I set off to do our own scavenging at this once shopping icon turned local flea market. The old "yard bird" (c: 1970's pictured on the left) was still standing: looming, lurking, and rather creepy in the parking lot. The parking lot was filled with interesting characters peddling an assortment of artifacts. Once inside the voluminous building we were greeted by several other interesting characters selling an assortment of items from plastic tubs, including this -
A very rare St. Killian berry bowl from Germany, c: 1904. I knew it was a berry bowl, but had never seen one with - a monk. A quick search through more plastic tubs revealed five of the individual bowls as well, all purchased for less than $10.00
During the medieval era, peasants and commoners stayed in Inns while travelling the countryside. There was usually a tavern on the main floor where beer, bread, pieces of meat, and melted cheese --the original tavern food- was the main meal. The nobles however, stayed in Abby's. Most often the Abbot would have been a distant family member or family member of another noble family, and in the company and protection of the Abbot and the Abby, they would have had far superior accommodations than at an Inn with the common riff-raff.
I paired the bowls with Spode Woodland and the flatware was a simple Bead pattern from Reed and Barton, with tines down in the traditional medieval fashion.
Being in the Abby, albeit sons of noblemen, the faire and surroundings might have been higher-end, but there would have been in the manner of the monastic lifestyle, so nice but austere. So, in that vein I kept the table simple.
These little Hummel "Monk" Rhine style glasses along with German pewter drinkware were the perfect accompaniments!
Super happy with my find, Stephen and I lumbered on through the odd assortment of shops. Two silver platters, a large Toby mug, and a red transferware dinner plate later, we headed home happy with our purchases.
As always, thank you for visiting! Be sure to check out our sponsors and pop into the shop. Hope to see you again soon. For November, I'll finally be getting around to the Wedgwood table setting featuring Briar Rose, done three ways! Please be sure to comment and share with others who enjoy beautiful tables and unique, vintage finds! Until then, enjoy something beautiful, ~d
Fantastic Table setting as always. Although it was a bit creepy, I miss Yard Birds! I've recently discovered Centralia has fabulous Antique shops in the older part of the city.