Urban Artifacts - Peoria

We are open today Friday 12-5 and Saturday 11-5

Remember those large historic Peoria building cutouts that we had a while back?

Well they got repurposed at , our neighbors in the Sunbeam Building.

Open this week Wed-Fri 12-5 and Sat 11-5.

Located at 925 N Sheridan Rd., Peoria Il. 61606

Antiques-Nostalgia-Souvenirs-Vintage

We Buy Antiques and Vintage Items.

So what freaked you out as a kid more - the Wicked Witch of the West and the flying monkeys or the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?

Peoria's Vanna Whitewall has some sisters and cousins around the country. A new waitress version is going up today at the Giants Museum in Atlanta Il.

1961 Bear wheel alignment machine

What’ll You Have?

We’ve been busy adding some recent picks to the shop inventory.

Open this week Wed-Fri 12-5 and Sat 11-5.

Located at 925 N Sheridan Rd., Peoria Il. 61606

Antiques-Nostalgia-Souvenirs-Vintage

We Buy Antiques and Vintage Items.

Sometimes we find new products that just make us laugh… This is one of those times 😂😂😂

14.99

1933 Chicago Century of Progress Worlds Fair framed felt.

Open Sat 11-5

The Six Million Dollar Man lunch box is 50 years old this year!

Open today 12-5

Cleaning the back room.

Pair flag poles -$50
Old school barricades set of 4 -$50
Stage lights -$50

Who remembers the industrial planters we had in front of the shop for 10 years. Well last year we did some remodeling and have no use for the now. We need them gone. $75 takes the pair of them.
They are about 5’ tall. Light weight.

Open Wed-Fri 12-5 and Sat 11-5

Lost art of hand lettered signs. Something technology will never duplicate.

Our journeys took us in all directions this past week.

Iowa Gas show in Des Moines and the new Bettendorf (Iowa) Americana show hosted by Rob Wolfe. A quick trip between shows to Madison WI to pick up some signs.

Sunday we decided to take it easy with an afternoon getaway to the City Museum in St Louis. Those that have been there know how cool it is. If you haven’t been put it on your list of places to visit. It’s not just for kids. Less than a 3hr drive from Peoria.

Photos are from the City Museum. If you like architectural salvage this place is amazing!

Goldstein Jewelry Co
111 SW Adams
About 1920

Elgin Watches
Diamonds

Walk Over Shoe Co
Sherman’s

Confectionary

Chicago Dentists

Alfred Clerk Furrier
Dr Pyle
Dr Oakwood

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From Grassel’s volume titled HOMES AND HOSPITALS

Imagery via the Ernest Grassel Collection - Local History Collection - Downtown Branch of Peoria Public Library

The iconic Charley Weaver battery operated bartender.

Who was Charley Weaver? He was a character portrayed by actor and old time radio star, Cliff Arquette (1905-1974).

“In 1959, Cliff Arquette launched the character of “Charley Weaver, the wild old man from Mount Idy” for his appearances on the Jack Paar Show hosted by NBC Tonight. The character of Charley Weaver would read letters from his “Mamma” back home. This characterization proved so popular that Arquette almost never again appeared in public as himself, but nearly always as Charley Weaver, complete with his squashed hat, little round glasses, rumpled shirt, broad tie, baggy pants, and suspenders.”

Sold!

Just got these two vintage automotive cabinets in.

These make great bars or just to use as storage but with some style!

Monday morning swap meet in Iowa.

Open Saturday 11-5!

Girl Scout collectibles from 1939.

Neat art deco Helene Curtis salon stand table. Chrome and black lacquer top.

Sold

Adding some new postcard styles from Heartfelt Designs by Bryan Smith

A 2nd hand store from Peoria’s past.

Ernest Grassel Collection - Local History Collection - Downtown Branch of Peoria Public Library

Soaky's

Who remembers using bubble bath that came in these fun plastic character containers back in the 60’s?

They were sold by Colgate-Palmolive.

We have a collection them and prices start at $10 on up.

It’s HOI Fair time!

What are some of your favorite memories of the Heart of Illinois Fair?

Favorite rides? Grandstand shows? Concessions? Special acts and attractions?

We even have an original HOI Fair bus sign from the early 60’s!

Stay cool!