Curated Corner: An Ode to My Dad

Today’s Curated Corner is extra special—it is an ode to my Dad, who will have turned 86 tomorrow. I miss him daily, but his influence is woven into so much of my life, especially my love for auctions, thrifting, picking, and treasures with stories. My obsession with dishes and glassware? That’s all him, too. He took me along for so many of his adventures, and those moments are some of the sweetest memories I hold. He had the best laugh, and I am endlessly grateful for the joy and curiosity he instilled in me.

Here are a few special finds that connect me back to him:

Hand-Colored 1860 Courier and Ives Campaign Poster for John Bell (of Tennessee) – One of my dad’s favorite discoveries, found stuffed behind a family photo being used as padding.

Pickard “Poppy & Daisy” Bowl (signed “Schoner” for Otto Schoner, c. 1905-1910) was one of my dad’s auction treasures. He gifted it to me the year before he passed away.

1900s Litho Box – Featuring sweet little girls, this box came to me through my dad’s mother (originally gifted to her by her grandmother, with this history lovingly written in pencil on the back).

Vintage Chalkware Auguste Rodin “The Thinker” Statue – This sat proudly in my dad’s office and was the source of many laughs as we decorated it for different seasons. His humor and creativity still make me smile.

Vintage Gyroscope Metal Spinning Toy – A simple but beautiful piece from my dad’s childhood, this toy reminds me of a time when life was a little slower, a little simpler—and how my dad always cherished that.

Here’s to my Daddy: the one who taught me the joy of finding treasures and sharing stories, who passed on his love for beautiful things, and who laughed his way through life with a heart full of humor. Happy Birthday, Dad. You are missed and loved, always. Now that’s Bombdiggity.

You might also enjoy Tips for Scoring Vintage Wicker Treasures and Sweet BombDiggity Farms: Farm & Garden Holiday Gift Guide.