Down at The Gift House

Christmas Stuff at the Gift House

2011-12-07T08:10:00.002-05:00

We're loaded with wild stuff! Start your holiday shopping at the Transfer Station on Friday.

FREE SHIPPING, AS ALWAYS

Finishing My Book

2011-11-18T22:42:00.000-05:00

Just a note to say that I won't be posting quite so often this winter. Nose to the grindstone: I'm finishing up my book about life in Orleans and the Gift House. When I'm done, I'm hoping to make some improvements to this blog, do more linking, and take field trips to all the other swap shops on the Cape. Stay Tuned!

TIKI CHIC

2011-11-18T22:33:00.000-05:00

This is a Scorpion Bowl, the vessel for a deadly Trader Vic's brew that will make you do things you later regret. Those who drink of this cup will have no memory of it later. That's why, when I came upon this object in the Gift House, I had to bring it home and Google it in order to identify it. I think the pink conical shape in the middle is meant to be a volcano. Bottoms up!

GOOSE MAILBOX

2011-11-18T22:25:00.000-05:00

The ultimate Cape mailbox, I'd say. Homemade, ridiculous!

SWEET DAISY BIKE

2011-11-18T22:22:00.000-05:00

You know this won't last too long

APPALLING NAUTICAL KITSCH !!

2011-11-18T22:18:00.000-05:00

Little Mermaid serving pieces!

Old Man and the Sea clock!

Vintage Smurfs!

2011-11-18T22:12:00.000-05:00

A thing of Smurfs is a joy forever

The Name of the Game is . . .

2011-10-20T22:43:00.000-04:00

AUTUMN CHINA

2011-10-20T22:40:00.002-04:00

A whole set --- dinner plates, bowls, cups and some serving platters

Two Bentwood & Cane Chairs

2011-10-20T22:38:00.002-04:00

Lovely!

DUCK BOAT OF SORTS

2011-10-20T22:37:00.002-04:00

It's never too early for Easter

The Latest Kitchen Stuff

2011-10-20T22:35:00.000-04:00

FURNITURE DE LA DUMPSTER

2011-10-20T22:31:00.000-04:00

This wingbacks flew down and perched next to the dumpster. Come get them before they migrate.

Vintage Vinyl

2011-10-20T22:28:00.000-04:00

A fantastic assortment of hokey music has arrived at the Gift House -- polkas galore and Lawrence Welk. The album covers alone . . .

GIGANTIC LIGHT BULB

2011-09-27T20:35:00.000-04:00

for your favorite electrician at holiday time

ULTRA MOD TEA KETTLE

2011-09-27T20:33:00.002-04:00

What mid-century nut could resist this?

COLLECTIBLE BOTTLES

2011-09-27T20:15:00.002-04:00

A big box of collectible bottles came in today.

KNITTING BOOKS & PATTERNS

2011-09-27T19:39:00.002-04:00

A knitter has given up the hobby. What an array.

HOMEMADE ROULETTE WHEEL !!

2011-09-27T19:27:00.002-04:00

Some people just need to gamble.

SCALE

2011-09-27T19:19:00.001-04:00

A scale for packages, produce, babies. Goes up to 25 lbs.

NEW SIGN

2011-09-20T18:29:00.004-04:00

A new sign!

It does seem a little more crowded at the Gift House lately.

LOOK AROUND BACK!

2011-09-20T18:20:00.003-04:00

Nice old ten-speed. It's around back.

TWO SEWING MACHINES WITH TABLES

2011-09-20T18:08:00.001-04:00

Two sewing machines + tables are sitting outside the Gift House right now!

FRAGRANCE DIFFUSERS -- SO MANY!

2011-09-20T18:04:00.002-04:00

If you live on Cape Cod year-round, you know mold in all its many varieties.

Sometimes I think there is only three things here:

Sand. Water. Mold.

At the Gift House, there are always plenty of aromatherapy "diffusers" to pick from. The heat comes from a candle underneath and "essential oils" are poured on top. Voila! The air smells better.

GLOBE YOU CAN FILL WITH WATER

2011-09-20T15:47:00.000-04:00

This is some kind of wonderful vase, I think. You can fill it with water and flowers, or anything you want, and the opening at the bottom seals and is waterproof. The mind reels!

PORTABLE MINI-FUSSBALL!!!

2011-09-20T15:44:00.001-04:00

Kids could play this in the backseat of a moving car. I think.

MOVING ONTO THE NEXT HOLIDAY . . .

2011-09-13T16:06:00.000-04:00

Loads of turkeys and other Thanksgiving decorations arrived at the Gift House yesterday. It probably feels like a long way off . . . but try to imagine how happy you'll be with a new centerpiece from the Gift House.

BRANDING IRON FOR YOUR STEAK

2011-09-13T16:02:00.000-04:00

R is for rare.

M is for medium

W is for well done

MADE IN JAPAN

2011-09-13T15:58:00.002-04:00

THE COMFORT OF THE GIFT HOUSE

2011-09-11T19:35:00.000-04:00

We were mobbed this morning at the Gift House, on the anniversary of September 11th. I've never seen so much action, and so many people just standing around to visit. We enjoyed watching weekenders Jill and Kevin and Kim fill up the back of their wagon with finds. They even got the funny lantern/hurricane lamp thing below!

Kevin with his new chandelier

Jill, Kevin and Kim with their fabulous haul

RUNS ON CANDLE POWER

2011-09-11T19:28:00.000-04:00

Lantern? Candlestick? Hurricane lamp?

Tell me what this is.

CAPE FOOTWEAR

2011-09-11T19:25:00.000-04:00

Two tubs of hockey skates, figure skate and roller blades

Women's clam-digging waders -- Size 8 - 9

TIME WARP VIDEOS

2011-09-11T19:21:00.002-04:00

These are true yesteryear classics.

WET - DRY VAC

2011-09-11T19:15:00.002-04:00

For all those sloshy basements

DOTTIE'S GIFT HOUSE FIND

2011-09-11T19:10:00.000-04:00

Dottie Root, a Gift House regular, picked up this side table here earlier in the year -- and just refinished it. She'll be taking it down to Consignment Ladies in Harwich soon, and selling it.

VINTAGE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER!!

2011-09-11T18:28:00.000-04:00

Gorgeous, practical, and free! The sections can be moved to different spots on the frame, or removed entirely. But you'll need a big truck to haul it. The frame is 9 feet long.

TRUNK FOR COLLEGE

2011-09-11T18:17:00.000-04:00

Vintate trunk -- for camp or college. Just arrived today!

SAY GOOD-BYE TO FLAB

2011-09-07T00:31:00.001-04:00

After four summers working in the Gift House, I've seen lots of exercise gadgets. Often they have not been taken out of the box.

Happy Hat

2011-09-07T00:25:00.000-04:00

There is nothing somber about a sombrero.

THE BRISKER + OTHER CAPE COD ESSENTIALS YOU NEED TO HAVE

2011-09-07T00:21:00.002-04:00

This plug-in Brisker will keep your crackers from getting soggy.

This Ice-O-Matic will keep your cocktails slushy

And this baby Shark will vacuum up all the sand in your car

COLONIAL CANDLE SCONCES

2011-09-07T00:15:00.000-04:00

I have a weakness for Wabi Sabi Colonial

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

2011-09-07T00:12:00.000-04:00

This rocking chair is waiting for you to sit down

This one too

CHARADES WITH DOUGH??

2011-09-01T18:11:00.000-04:00

The games are overflowing!

Here is my favorite, a new discovery: Charades with Dough?

GIFTS OF THE DUMP

2011-09-01T18:03:00.000-04:00

Very nice article by Joyce Wadler in today's New York Times about a house in Maine that has been gorgeously furnished with things from the dump. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/01/garden/in-maine-gifts-from-the-sea-and-the-landfill.html

DECORATED BY THE GIFT HOUSE

2011-09-01T10:18:00.000-04:00

Joan Reed, our esteemed former director of Gift House volunteers, has just sent in a photograph of her new porch --- decorated with Gift House finds. Nice! Have you got a photo for me to post? Send to Martha@orleansgifthouse.com

CHINA!!

2011-08-30T20:34:00.000-04:00

The selection of china -- sets as well as odds and ends -- has never been greater. Here's just sampling of what's waiting for you down at the Gift House

ROCK BAND AWAITS

2011-08-30T20:24:00.000-04:00

Nice set of drums for the Wii Game, "Rock Band."

FORGET ABOUT IT

2011-08-30T20:21:00.000-04:00

Sensational find in the overflowing book section: Memory Exercises!

ELECTRIC TYPEWRITER

2011-08-10T11:31:00.000-04:00

Smith Corona electric typewriter in the case + still has instructions. It is straight ahead as you walk into the Gift House, next to the vinyl.

CLOCKS!!

2011-08-10T11:27:00.000-04:00

We've got a surplus of clocks at the Gift House -- authentic antiques, vintage repro, clock radios, alarms . . . you name it.

BOX OF OLD TOOLS

2011-08-10T11:22:00.000-04:00

A box of old tools arrived yesterday. With the help of Chris Tofels, we were able to identity most of them -- but not all. Can you? Take a look below:

GLORIES OF GLASS

2011-08-10T11:13:00.000-04:00

Handpainted wine bottle!

Old-timey pressed glass saucers!

Fritzy's Time Travel

2011-08-05T16:21:00.000-04:00

This is Fritzy. She's visiting the Cape from New Jersey and came into the Gift House and discovered a little booklet from her village in Germany. She was so excited! The booklet has something to do with meats sold in her villlage. But don't go looking for it at the GH. Fritzy took it with her.

ART DECO LAMP + BUD BROWN

2011-08-05T16:14:00.000-04:00

Beauty and the Beast, except which one is the Beast?

This lamp just arrived at the Gift House today!

Thank you to Kathy and Bud for the photo.

Another Wreath

2011-07-29T23:10:00.000-04:00

Looks like it's made from swimming pool noodles. But it is not.

TRAPPED MOUSE IN A LAMP

2011-07-29T23:05:00.000-04:00

The stuff of nightmares! The little mouse in her kerchief and prairie dress is trapped forever in this lamp base. Presumably for children, but I'm not sure how you could sleep at night with this by your bed.

Wall Lights!

2011-07-29T23:02:00.000-04:00

Utilitarian meets Deco meets Submarine Aesthetic

ANOTHER MONKEY!!

2011-07-26T23:06:00.001-04:00

Irresistable! I took him home in my pocket.

PICK UP ANOTHER LANGUAGE

2011-07-26T23:01:00.003-04:00

There's a blurry line between self-improvement, recreation and delusion

WHOLE SETS OF CHINA

2011-07-26T22:54:00.000-04:00

okay, so maybe it isn't truly "china" but it's a whole set.

WOMENS WETSUIT TOP

2011-07-26T22:51:00.001-04:00

Stop complaining the water's too cold

Hilarious VINTAGE cookbooks !!

2011-07-26T22:49:00.000-04:00

Cookbooks galore at the Gift House

In Memory of John Bailey

2011-07-19T21:02:00.000-04:00

There are lots of happy folks at the Gift House. You probably noticed. But none happier -- or more able to tell a hilarious story -- than John Bailey, who died last month, just a couple months shy of his 99th birthday. During the 1980s and early 1990s, John was in charge of the volunteer schedule at the Gift House. Over the years he renovated and sold at least one hundred bikes from one he'd found at there. Maybe you're riding one of them this summer. Here's a photo of his last visit to Tonset Road.

Good-bye, John. We'll miss your hoarse laugh and huge smile.

SORRY, THIS SURFBOARD IS TAKEN

2011-07-19T20:50:00.000-04:00

He who hesitates is lost.

Gift House regular, John Bush, saw this board come in and knew just what to do: carried it immediately to his truck

WE KEEP THE BIKES IN THE BACK!!

2011-07-19T20:42:00.002-04:00

NEW RULES: WE KEEP THE BIKES AROUND BACK.

DUCK, DUCK, DUCK

2011-07-19T20:39:00.000-04:00

Get going on that duck collection. It's never too late.

Quack

REPLACE THAT BROKEN CARAFE

2011-07-19T20:35:00.001-04:00

We've all experienced the heartbreak of a broken coffee maker carafe. Our supply and selection is virtually unlimited.

WICKER BASINETTE

2011-07-19T20:32:00.001-04:00

Large wicker basinette.

No, it doesn't rock.

But it's big enough for twins!

GOLDEN COOKIE JAR

2011-07-19T20:29:00.001-04:00

Presumeably for dog biscuits. I mean, I hope.

ASPARAGUS COOKIE JAR???

2011-07-19T20:26:00.000-04:00

Why? That's my big question. Two bunches of asparagus tied with ribbon -- and they are cookie jars? There is only one left now. The one that's missing its lid. Come and get it . . .

DOGS AND DEAD RABBITS

2011-06-30T17:22:00.000-04:00

This time of year on Cape Cod, the dogs are focused on one thing: rabbits. Okay, maybe chipmunks too. These china figurines of two hunting dogs with limp rabbits in their mouths were made in Japan.

Wooden High Chair

2011-06-30T17:17:00.000-04:00

For that solid feeling that tradition brings: the wooden high chair, but with (secret) modern features, like an easy lift-off tray.

TREASURE OF THE DAY

2011-06-28T17:17:00.000-04:00

Chris was shoveling some compost and dropped by the Gift House with this fantastic "Shipwreck" lamp made from a piece of driftwood. He said that he was really tired of dusting it. "Time for someone else to do that," he said. The shipwreck sat in the Gift House for less than an hour. Then GH regular Walter Babcock strolled in. "Anybody got dibs on that lamp?" There are no "dibs" at the GH. It is more like tag. As soon as you touch something, its yours. Walter took it right home.

THE GIFT HOUSE: SIX DAYS A WEEK!!

2011-06-28T17:06:00.001-04:00

It you need baskets, boardgames or jigsaw puzzles, please come and get them. We've got inline skates, golf clubs and beach toys!

Expanded hours of operation: Thursday through Tuesdays, 10-2 pm

FOURTH OF JULY THEME

2011-06-28T16:48:00.001-04:00

When you live on Cape Cod, the Fourth of July is never far from your mind. Or the Gift House.
Stepping stool and 3 decorative pillows

Bar Stools

2011-06-28T16:38:00.000-04:00

Just in, today -- I hope they are still there!

COUPLE OF TURKEYS

2011-06-11T00:42:00.001-04:00

I guess its never too soon to worry about Thanksgiving table decorations -- or is it? These guys came in this week looking for a new home. They are candle holders, in case you wondered.

VINTAGE SEWING MACHINE

2011-06-11T00:38:00.001-04:00

Gorgeous vintage machine, circa 1950.

Bud Brown + Bottle of Mysteries

2011-06-11T00:20:00.001-04:00

Bud Brown found a mysterious bottle last week. It was filled with a wild assortment of things -- old pennies, small toys, little games from old Cracker Jacks boxes -- that seemed to make your inner child awaken immediately. How come?

MORE VINYL

2011-06-11T00:11:00.000-04:00

Where else does Mario Lanza turn up, just like that?

Declare Your Love

2011-06-11T00:03:00.002-04:00

After 3 years at the Gift House, there isn't a mug I haven't seen. Except this.

TOYS WITH BUBBLES

2011-06-10T23:58:00.002-04:00

Why do so many children's toys have bubbles -- or clear plastic areas? But I guess the real question is, why are bubbles so beguiling? This week at the Gift House there were lots.

ORIGINAL ELECTRIC CROCKPOT

2011-06-10T23:49:00.001-04:00

Okay, so it's not a colonial era crockpot for a wooden stove. But it's pretty darn ancient -- and beguilingly authentic. This brown ceramic crockpot, with an electric hot plate underneath, will keep your Boston baked beans or anything else cooking for as long as you want. A Gift House special.

BEACH PLASTIC

2011-06-06T23:46:00.000-04:00

Two artists in San Francisco, Judith and Richard Lang, have been collecting plastic that has washed up on Kehoe Beach for the last ten years. Assembled into collages and photographed (like this one above) the strange juxtapositions of objects become funny visual games, a cross between an Rorshach inkblot and I SPY. Here's a link to more -- http://www.beachplastic.com/beach_plastic/Greetings.html

TWO MORE DAYS LEFT . . .

2011-05-27T16:46:00.000-04:00

Two more days left to see the Robert Rindler show at PAAM in Provincetown -- an entire gallery filled with gorgeous works made from plastic collected at the Outer Cape Transfer Stations. Once the show is taken down on Sunday, it'll be gone forever . . . http://www.paam.org/

SHINE & TAZZINI

2011-05-27T16:40:00.000-04:00

Thanks to John Shine and George Tazzini for fixing the deck of the Gift House. The front door swings open and closed so easily now!

TOO MANY GOLF CLUBS

2011-05-27T16:35:00.003-04:00

Bags and bags. DOZENS OF THESE!

TOO MANY GOLF CLUBS

2011-05-27T16:35:00.001-04:00

Bags and bags. DOZENS OF THESE!

Curling Iron

2011-05-27T16:33:00.000-04:00

Somethings never change except your hair

Jigsaw Puzzles Galore

2011-05-27T16:30:00.000-04:00

If somebody doesn't come soon and relieve us of some of these puzzles, I fear that they might bury me alive.

ROBERT RINDLER SHOW at PAAM

2011-05-23T10:21:00.003-04:00

Only one week left to see this AMAZING show -- an exhibition of assemblages of colored plastic gathered from at the dump shacks of Cape Cod. Rindler, who lives in Wellfleet, and a former president of the Milwaukee Institute of Art and former dean of the Cooper Union, has amassed thousands of toy figures, salad spinners, hamster wheels and Easter eggs . . . along with anything else that's plastic . . . and created an achingly beautiful and hilarious exhibition that is at the Provincetown Art Association Museum on Commercial Street until May 29. You'll laugh. You'll cry. But don't wait!

Here's a link to PAAM: http://www.paam.org/

OLD BOMB AT THE GIFT HOUSE

2011-05-20T21:46:00.002-04:00

An old military shell was found in the sand at Nauset Heights this week, right in the oversand trail. A state bomb squad arrived and detonated the shell at the dump -- right next to the Gift House after it closed yesterday. Ka-boom. Smoke. A burst of laughter. Just like the Fourth of July.

WELCOME TO TOWN, JOHN BAILEY

2011-05-20T18:25:00.001-04:00

He sold his house on Tonset Road two years ago and lives in New Hampshire now, but John Bailey -- who worked at The Gift House from 1980 - 1990 -- made a visit to town today. At 98, he's as cheerful as ever and loaded with stories about the things he found at the dump over the years. Pieces of boats, engines, a sterling silver box, antiques, and "at least 100 bikes," which he restored and used to sell on the grass in front of his house.

When the time came to move away, to the Scott-Farrar Home in Peterborough, boxes and boxes of stuff that he and his wife Norma, who died eight years ago, had accumulated over the years came back to the Gift House -- and didn't last long. Dispersal was almost immediate. Talk about recycling! But John did take a few treasures with him to remind him of the good old days at the dump, including the sign that now hangs on his door.

FLOOD TIDE AT THE GIFT HOUSE

2011-05-17T23:51:00.000-04:00

Could it get any busier? As soon as the door to the Gift House is unlocked in the morning, a flood of things -- and people -- arrive. We are drowning in donations. Games. Backpacks. Fanny packs. Candlesticks. Baskets. China. Juicers. Air purifiers. Lamp Shades. YOU NAME IT. Not too long ago, the shelves were bare. Now it is a jubilee of junk! Please come on down and have a look around.

CANS AND COASTERS

2011-05-17T23:43:00.000-04:00

Tom came by with a truckload of things to drop off. He's moving to California -- and downsizing his accumulations. At some point in his life, he started a tin collecton (dozens) and a coaster collection (hundreds), both of these souvenirs from around the globe. Our loyal and hardworking volunteer Kathy arrived at 12 today and got right to organizing.

OLYMPIC JUICER

2011-05-17T23:36:00.000-04:00

This juicer has already outlasted an owner, as it will you

KITCHEN CANISTERS!

2011-05-17T23:32:00.000-04:00

All White, and all exciting. Great for storing pasta, grains, rice, beans . . . tea?

CHEESE BUTLER

2011-05-17T23:26:00.001-04:00

The name "Cheese Butler" was made up by me. I have no idea what to call this-- but you know exactly what it is and what it does. This object has no secrets.

Japanese Tea Cups

2011-05-17T23:20:00.000-04:00

Spring in a teacup

RAVIOLI MAKER -- AND DRYING RACK

2011-05-17T23:15:00.001-04:00

These two items arrived separately. It was fated! Now somebody has to take them home and make pasta.