Carlton News

Throughout the spring, summer and fall, my sister and I go to as many thrift stores and rummage and garage sales as we can. My sister looks for ceramic vases and plates to make her special bird feeders, and I hunt for glass vases and plates to make garden angels as special gifts for family and friends.

I was curious how the rummage sale got started in America, so I used my handy-dandy computer and internet to find the answer. (As some of my family and friends know, I am not very good when it comes to technology.)

I discovered that the yard and garage sales got their start in the early 1800s with “rommage sales” in the shipyards. There the unclaimed cargo was sold at a discounted rate. Later in the 19th century, the sales started appearing in community centers and churches, and really began to thrive. In the 1950s and ’60s, both yard and garage sales started booming. “Everyone was starting to buy more and more stuff, so people figured why not give back to those around you (for a small price, of course) while also giving yourself a little more room around the house?” (Source: Grayson. The Evolution of the Yard Sale, July 22, 2013).

Another interesting fact about the word “rummage” is that it comes from the French word “arrumage” – to pack with cargo. The ships’ captains would sell excess and unclaimed cargo on the wharves with the proceeds going to charities (Funtrivia.com). There is also a National Garage Sale Day on the second Saturday of August, so mark your calendars for next year and celebrate by having your own rummage or garage sale.

To end the summer rummage/garage sale season, plan to visit the third annual “Dream” Garage Sale, Sept. 13-14, at the Four Seasons Complex in Carlton. All proceeds go to the Carlton VFW Post 2962 for building improvements. Donations are needed to help make this garage sale a success. You may drop off clean garage sale items (no clothing) by getting a key from the bartender and putting them into the shed behind the VFW building; or, you may contact Linda Kaehler, 218-428-0496, to arrange a dropoff at the Four Seasons Complex or ask for a pickup. Let’s all help support our local VFW by donating those unwanted items and/or shopping for that special treasure.

If you have a special community event in Carlton or know of a special person who should be recognized, contact Leola Rodd at 218-310-6065 or [email protected].