On any given Sunday, I like getting in my car to go wandering. Here in Maine, one never knows when there will be a new discovery.
This day I discovered the Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage in Union on the grounds where the fair, a big antique show and Common Ground are held each year.
Open only in July and August, it was filled with things from other eras. It is quite a repository for items I suspect were forgotten in attics, garages and stables!
Many of the items were presented in vignettes such as this one of a beauty parlor. That contraption in the back looks like it could do some serious damage. Does anyone know its use?
There was an old timey kitchen that reminded me of my great grandmother’s. Of course, I appreciated the table setting and admired the ironstone that would be nice additions to some of your collections.
I have seen many an old typewriter, but this one is a first. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the arrangement of letters on the keyboard. It is something like this that makes you realize how much things have evolved.
Where there are old things, there has to be a loom and accessories like a spinning wheel and yarn winder. Though I’ve worked on looms less sophisticated than what I have now, I can only imagine how tedious weaving on two string harnesses would have been.
Old carriages are always fascinating to me. Though I’m sure traveling in them was not always a pleasure, they hold a romantic mystique. Were I to travel in one of these, I’d opt for a new coat!
I’ve never seen Moxie anywhere but in the northeast. Quite a lot of space with all kinds of paraphernalia and historical information is dedicated to it here. I thought it may have originated in Maine, but it came from Massachusetts. Ted Williams may have been its best known spokesman. Next time I see one I’ll have to try it to see what the taste is. Anybody know?
So much for today’s wanderings. I can’t wait for the next discovery.
Lulu's Musings 
You’re doing a fantastic job
New England is filled with these wonderful places. Thanks for letting us know.
The “contraption” was used to give a permanent. It does look deadly. I so enjoy your blog.
It looks like it’s heavy enough to pull your hair out but their roots!!
I enjoy your wanderings especially if they involve a museum. Very interesting, especially the perm contraption!
The contraption in the museum was used in hair salons to give permanents. I had one used on me when I was in grade school. I was friends with an old lady who lived in a duplex and one side of it was a beauty salon that she owned. I visited her often as she lived around the corner from my family. I had natural curly hair but she gave me a permanent one time. My Mom was surprised! The natural curl in my hair went away for a while.
The “contraption” in the beauty shop tableau was used to give permanents. We lived in the country when I was growing up and I experienced one of these. I was frightened to death, as one can imagine. I cried and wiggled. My mother tried to give me a Coke and the beautician had a fit. Apparently mixing an icy drink and electricity was not a good idea.. As I recall, I had lots of curls, that looked sort of crusty. Not my best look!
The contraption in the beauty salon was the Forerunner of electric curlers! I imagine it could provide quite an electric shock treatment! Susan
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That weird mechanical octopus thing was the way they gave ladies permanent waves. Ive seen a few of them in other nostalgia exhibits. This looks like an interesting place to spend some time. Thanks for the trip.
Keep discovering, and reporting!