Today as I was wandering around Kasson, I noticed the Unique Junque sign on the old City Hall Building, and to my delight, it was open! So, there was no choice than to go inside and see what delights awaited me. No choice, because I am a "thrifter". It doesn't matter to me that things were used or worn by another human, what matters is the history of the items, and the purpose for which they are intended. Many things I purchase in "Thrift Stores" or Antique shops are built to last, unlike their modern counterparts, which seem to last a short while and fall apart so they have to be replaced. Good for the supplier, bad for the person who purchases said items. In any case, in I went.
Inside there were several people browsing the plethora of items beautifully displayed, and while I was there, more than one person was buying merchandise. This is a good thing! I have noticed in my job promoting businesses that this current economy is a bit down, shall we say. So, I am looking around with only $3.00 in my pocket, sure I will have to come back when I have more cash on me, when I see a beautiful antique duster hanging by the cash register, with a $3.00 tag on it! Whaaat? It was just waiting for me to come in and purchase it. This is a duster that women wear, not dust the furniture with, by the way! In the process of trying to stop myself from spending the money I had in my pocket, destined for the Chocolate Shoppe in Mantorville, I met Diane O'Brien, the owner of this new favorite place I was in. She was busy caring for her customers, but I would not be deterred from writing this article so that the rest of you can also discover this treasure at 122 West Main Street, and their soon to be "sister" store which will be opening soon in the Dibble Building. Truly, there are so many interesting and fun items in these stores, you should probably plan a day or two just to see all the items displayed. Diane has 5 vendors in the shop that keep the inventory fresh, and she has been serving this community for 20 years.
In our conversation, I asked her if she grew up in Kasson, or just moved here. She replied that she was here until age 14, but felt the need to come back to "save Main Street". I asked her what that meant, and she said there were so many great things about Kasson to save, and she wanted to be a part of it. She tried investing in the old school building, but the partner doing the "restoration" was less than legitimate. Diane already owned the historic Eureka Hotel, long ago converted to apartments, and turned her attention to restoring that instead, but continues to support the quest on finding an appropriate developer for the old school. She is also the founder of KARE, which is the group responsible for getting the Historic Kasson Public School on the National Registery. I wish her the best in saving more classics in her hometown!
If you wish to take me up on this invitation to browse what history has left for us, the store hours are Monday... closed, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday noon to 6 pm, Friday 11 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from noon to 3 pm. For inquiries, you may call Diane at (507) 696-6769. I truly hope you will check this one out, and I am certain you will be able to find a treasure or two yourself. I hope to see you there. I know I will be back!
