Happy New Year 2013 from Hidden Treasures

We wish you a very Happy New Year 2013. Thanks to all our friends, fans, family, and customers who have helped make our new business a success. We look forward to a joyful new year, full of health, love, and prosperity for all. Your support has put a smile on our faces. May you have a safe and fun New Year's celebration.

-- Pat and Charlie McAllister 

Hidden Treasures

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Seth Thomas mantle clock

Bring the beauty of 1800's craftmanship to your home with this nostalgic Seth Thomas mantle clock. Manufactured in Thomaston, Connecticut to emulate the French style of clock-making, this pendulum clock features a cheerful chime that is sure to put a smile on any time-watcher's face.

This charming clock will look great in your livingroom or bedroom, with the old fashioned aura that triggers memories of the pas. 

It reminds me of the day I got my first glimpse into Time as a metaphysical concept and psychological reality. I must have been no more than 6 or 7 years old. 

As I thought about what happened the day before, it suddenly dawned on me that I had the amazing power to remember my past, even though it was no longer tangible, it no longer existed. 

"Mom! Dad!" I exclaimed. "I can remember what happened yesterday. Things happened, and now they are gone, but they remain in my head, in the back of my mind. I can actually picture the day's events in my imagination. That is really amazing!" 

My parents smiled and commanded me to stop acting silly. That's what they always said when I spoke of my flashes of insight. They were too busy to discuss the ramifications of my philosophical findings.

What memories will this lovely Seth Thomas clock bring back to you? 

An old home where you celebrated birthdays and holidays with great delight? 

A grandparent who kept you spellbound with fascinating tales? 

An old book you loved to read in a big, soft chair? 

Chopping wood for a fireplace that has long since been demolished to make way for a parking lot?

Ah, the peaceful joy of days gone by. Let this old fashioned clock keep time for you in a most delightful way, as your reveries float around the shadows on the wall.

A terrific idea for yourself...or as a New Year's gift for someone special!

Buy it online from the cozy 

warmth of your home: 

Seth Thomas Clock.

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Merry Christmas from Hidden Treasures

Merry Christmas to all our customers, fans, family, and friends. May your holidays be safe, happy, and peaceful. We had a terrific year in 2012 and look forward to a wonderful time in 2013.

Let's keep the children in mind as we reflect on our desire for them to live in a world of goodness, joy, and kindness. Life is sometimes difficult. News reports can be discouraging. Let's all share more love and understanding all year long.

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German Cuckoo Clock

Since the middle of the 18th Century, the classic cuckoo clock, with a cuckoo bird that appears to sound the hour, has remained basically the same.

Imagine having this time-tested timepiece as your own novelty, or giving it as a holiday gift to someone who loves to be punctual. This cuckoo will keep anybody knowing what time it is, and with a great show of gusto. Whoever is keeping track of time with this clock will be assured of not missing any important event or activity.

"Cuckoo!" it warbles. "Cuckoo! Cuckoo!"

The admiral throws his newspaper down and asserts himself toward the front door. He has a ship to command and a mission to accomplish. No watery obstacle will stand or float in his way, and he is going to be where he needs to be in plenty of time, for his German Cuckoo Clock keeps him in disciplined form.

Time to go to work. Time to get to school. Time to get your car keys and head off to the hair stylist. Whatever the case may be, this imported cuckoo clock from Germany will alert you, or your gift recipient, to the time and there won't be any debate about it.

"Cuckoo! Cuckoo!"

BUY IT ONLINE Right Now: German Cuckoo Clock.

According to Wikipedia:

[QUOTE]

Since antiquity there have been timepieces with an automaton bird. The first one is credited to the Greek mathematician, Ctesibius of Alexandria (ca.285-222 BC), who in the 2nd century BC "used water to sound a whistle and make a model owl move. He had invented the world's first "cuckoo" clock".[1] Ctesibius may indeed lay claim to the first known "singing" clock which might beconsidered the ancestor of the modern cuckoo clocks.[2]

Later, in the Middle Ages, in 797 (or possibly 801), the caliph of Baghdad, Harun al-Rashid, presented Charlemagne with an Asian elephant named Abul-Abbas and a clock, out of which came a mechanical bird to announce the hours.[3] The maker of this clock remains unknown.

On the other hand, the elephant clock, invented by the Arab inventor Al-Jazari, featured a humanoid automaton in the form of a mahout striking a cymbal and a mechanical bird chirping after every hour or half-hour.[citation needed]

Finally, in Europe during the Late Middle Ages and later, roosters were used to crow the hours in certain clocks, like the first astronomical clock in Strasbourg Cathedral.

[END QUOTE]

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Beautiful Buffet

This gorgeous buffet is a perfect addition to a dining room. It will hold and display serving utensils, gravy boats, bowls, creamers, and other elegant food service implements and containers. Excellent for a home with traditional or rustic decor, this buffet has all the drawers and storage space to make a dining room complete.

Reasonably priced, then marked down in the holiday spirit, you could spend hundreds more on a generic, bland buffet from a furniture store. 

Step up to classy design and a warm, cozy appearance.

This buffet will remain in good shape and full useful for decades to come, while retaining a distinct character and flair not often found in circulation today.

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Rosey Needlepoint Bench

Oh my. Look at those lovely roses. This reminds me of a time when youth was soaring and life was ecstatic every day: young love, first love, true love, eternal love.

With this pretty needlepoint bench in your sunroom, livingroom, upper floor sewing room, or bedroom, you'll relive the glories of the heart's hidden joys. Careful not to swoon. Let this floral needlepoint bench lift your spirits and be a gentle reminder of how love continues, like a pure stream, flowing through our lives and beautifying our world.

Modestly priced, then marked down for the holidays, this nostalgic bench will delight you, or someone with refined tastes to whom you present it as a gift.

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12 Interesting Facts about Walking Sticks

Have you seen the beaver dam wood walking sticks available at Hidden Treasures? Each stick is uniquely hand-crafted with Native American designs and decorations.

The topic of walking sticks is one of the most popular on this blog, so here's a little more information about walking sticks and their usage through history.

(1) Walking sticks began as aids for walking, but soon evolved into weapons, tools of trades, religious instruments, and symbols of political prestige and power.

(2) Originally made of wood only, walking sticks gradually became modified and enhanced with rocks, blades, religious markings, and jewelry.

(3) The shepherd's staff with a crook at the top is a variation of the walking stick that indicate the shepherd's occupation.

(4) Walking sticks became sophisticated with secret compartments for hiding money, messages, and other valuables, including weapons.

(5) The cane is a type of walking stick that was modified to convey dignity and wealth, by being constructed with fine woods, ivory, lacquers, brass, sterling silver, and precious stones like diamonds. These were used to indicate the status of the person wielding it.

(6) Rural walking sticks, the opposite of a gentleman's cane, often had a compass embedded in them.

(7) Canes for city use were designed with special compartments for tobacco, drugs, cigars, opera glasses, knives, telescopes, and other items.

(8) Some canes doubled as flutes, providing a dual-use, portable musical instrument/walking aid.

(9) At various times in history, the walking stick or cane were required articles of fashion, occupation, or position in an organization.

(10) Hikers use sturdy walking sticks to clear spider webs out of their path or to poke around the ground to determine if it's marshy before stepping onto a patch of uncertain terrain.

(11) A rabologist is the term signifying a collector of walking sticks.

(12) Walking poles are popular in Europe as devices to facilitate walking through snow.

Stop in and take a look at our collection of walking sticks. What a thoughtful gift they would make for that outdoorsy person in your life.

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National Candle Association

While we're on the topic of candles, did you know there is an organization dedicated to candle history, safety, and enjoyment? It's called the National Candle Association and they've got some good information on their website.

They discuss candle decor ideas, fragrance trends and aromatherapy, elements of a candle, candle fire safety, and much more.

If you love candles, check out their website.

And...stop by Hidden Treasures.

You're sure to find a hand-crafted, home-made candle that's perfect for a Christmas gift for a loved one. Come in and see our wide range of colors, shapes, decorations, and fragrances. 

Give the gift of light this Christmas. 

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10 Interesting Facts about Candles

You'll find festive, fragrant, hand-crafted, home-made candles for every purpose and occasion at Hidden Treasures. Candles are so beloved all over the world. Ever wonder why? Check out these historical aspects of candles.

(1) For thousands of years, up to the 1900s, candles were the primary source of light in darkness.

(2) Candles have historically been used to symbolize spiritual illumination, philosophical enlightenment, scientific education, and moral guidance.

(3) The earliest scented candles were from India and were composed of cinnamon.

(4) The most ancient candles are from China and Japan and were made of whale fat.

(5) Candles of the Roman Empire most closely resemble our modern candles and were made of tallow with wicks of hemp, flax, or cotton.

(6) The main competitor of the candle was the olive oil lamp, which, due to its prevalent use in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, caused those areas of the world to not develop candle-making.

(7) Graduated candles, or candle-clocks, due to a fairly consistent rate of burning, were used as a primitive form of measuring the passage of time, dividing the day into periods of activity.

(8) In the Middle Ages, candles were made of beeswax but were a luxury and restricted primarily to royalty and religious ceremonies.

(9) The first scented candles in the American colonies was bayberry, but it took a huge amount of bayberry leaves to produce a single candle.

(10) Candle-making began to decline when kerosene lamps and then the electric light bulb and flashlight  were invented, which caused candles to be used for decoration and fragrance more than light sources.

Yet, even today, with all our modern LED lights and energy-saving illumination devices, the humble candle  often makes its appearance during storms and other disasters, when the electrical power goes out.

NOW that you know a little of the history of candles, come on by Hidden Treasures and see the new candles available. They make wonderful Christmas gifts.

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Barber chair and pole

Delight your dad with an authentic barber chair and pole this Christmas. Both items are sale priced for gift giving. The barber chair has been marked down to just $795.00 

Stop by the store now, while the weather is still Spring-like. Take advantage of the warm breezes and safe roads before the snow and ice hit. We've got unique items that are sure to please a wide range of tastes and interests.

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Shop now before the snow and ice arrive

Today is December 1. Snow, cold winds, and ice are on their way. 

Here's an idea. Get all your Christmas shopping done now, while the streets are clear and easy to travel on.

Here's another idea. Shop at Hidden Treasures for unique, one-of-a-kind, heirloom gifts that are sure to be appreciated. When you give a loved one a gift from Hidden Treasures, you'll probably see a big smile and hear them ask, "Where did you find this? It's amazing. I've never seen anything quite like it."

Be creative this holiday season. Stop in at Hidden Treasures and have a look at our specialty items, antiques, quilts, home decor, jewelry, vintage furniture, and hand-crafted candles.

But hurry -- before the slick roads and crowded shopping conditions arrive.

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