The Flea Market, What Cheer Iowa

Back in 2012, my sister Dyan, my friend Kristy, and I went to the flea market in What Cheer, Iowa (don't you just love that name?). We had such a great time that when my sister decided to get away for the weekend this month, she came to see me, get some sister time, and return to the flea. I mean, how can you not like a place where you can get pickled people heads?

The 2012 What Cheer Flea Market

Last year we spent hours and hours there, and this year? Not as long, though I can't say we've lost our enthusiasm. I think that first trip we'd sized up the Keokuk County Fair Grounds, and this time we knew the lay of the land. There's a lot of territory to cover, and it's best to pace yourself. We did a better job this time. 

I'll share the bring-homes in another post coming soon, but this is the window shopping post. Ready? Here we go!

I liked this assemblage of vintage items. This seller had a real eye for grouping things together in an attractive way. But I have no idea what I'd do with a cast iron horse head. Do you?

Not just a set of cooties, but a COMPLETE set of cooties, I'll have you know.

There are days when I wish had wee ones again, and this little scooter is one of them. Rooster!

I have absolutely no idea why it reminds me of a cartoon, but doesn't this pitcher set look like something Wilma Flintstone would use? 

On the same table we saw these awesome tiki glasses. They are the only thing I think I regret leaving behind.

I've also been resisting the temptation to buy a vintage typewriter for a long time. I almost didn't make it that day. Here's why:

It came with a carrying case and an instructional method book. Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-Ching!

As a recovering chair addict, I'm proud of myself for leaving these mid-mod beauties behind (I do not need another chair...I do not need another chair....I do not need another chair....). They look suspiciously like Heywood Wakefield, but they are not. I believe the label was from the Jasper Chair Company, Indiana? The seats were nasty dirty and moldy and the wood covered in bird guano, but I think that they would have cleaned up very well. 

This mantel set, vase and candlesticks, caught our eye, and so did the swanky bar glass set behind it. 

If you're in the Midwest and interested in attending, the flea market meets three times a year, and the next one is in August. You can get more info on the What Cheer Flea Market here. Definitely worth the visit. 

What are the favorite fleas in your area?