Antique Owners Learn Value of Sentimental Items in St. Michael

In the name of curiosity, family heirlooms were dug out of closets and taken off the mantle for a night of discovery of the monetary value of antique items.

  St. Michael area residents stepped back in history Monday evening to explore family heirlooms from as early as the 1800s. The second annual Antique Appraisal Show, sponsored by the St. Michael Historical Society, brought in a steady flow of people to St. Michael City Hall, each carrying items they were deeply curious about. Attendees took turns with an appraiser to learn more about their antique items and find out their monetary value. But the sentimental value of the keepsakes was what people discussed with one another, and how the pieces were passed down from generation to generation. "You get this stuff, and it's nice to know if it's worth something," said Catherine Varner, who brought in an antique sterling silver jewelry box and …

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Ramblings From a Crazy Mama

Old Albertville Creamery Offers A Lesson in Antiques

Home to a happy cat and thousands of antiques, the old building near the Interstate 94 and Wright County Road 37 interchange is a hidden gem in plain sight.

"Does anyone live here?" It was one of my first questions as I grilled the owner, Barb Dhein about her business for the Patch directory a few weeks before Christmas.  "Sure," she answered, with a totally straight face. "Ivory lives here." The stealthy, fluffy white kitty slinked around the corner and meowed loudly. I am not a cat person but even I had to bend down and give her a little rub. She is the Old Albertville Creamery's only full-time resident and is probably the most spoiled and indulged cat I've ever met. Satisfied that she'd been given due attention, she shifted back around the corner.  The antique shop in the old creamery building is vast. There are obvious features of the building it once was, partially hidden by years and …

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