While out on errands, we stopped in the Blue Ridge Hospice Thrift Shop. Well, we all know that Farmhouse Magic Blog is always out for a good bargain and this place was great.
First of all, it was large enough so all the items could be displayed without the merchandise feeling crammed or jumbled together. Clearly, the household goods were in one section while decorative items for the holidays were in another. Towards the back of the store, were racks of clothing. However, I really didn’t check out the clothing.
There is a large checkout section, so I didn’t wait long in line. I, also, noted that some of the more valuable donations/antiques were displayed at the checkout section. It looks like one can bid on the items but I’m not sure on how they do this.
Volunteering Opportunities
I picked up a volunteer opportunity card on my way out of the store. Let’s see there are a variety of things one can do for this organization.
- Patient Support Volunteers – who receive special training.
- Event Volunteers – for fundraising events
- Administrative Support – filing, data entry, switchboard, and more.
- Licensed Hairstylists – to provide cuts and styling services for their patients
- Pet Therapy Volunteers – Interesting
Looks like they have a lot of different ways one can help out.
What did I buy in the Blue Ridge Hospice Thrift Shop
I purchased a natural willow laundry basket. Yes, I am always looking for ways to make my laundry room look and function better. This will kept keep my clutter in control. Or at least, I hope it will keep some of clutter out of the way. It looks in pretty good shape and it was only $5. Online, I see this type of oval basket priced anywhere from $10 – $33.
I also picked up two new and sealed Ajax unbreakable black combs for .50 cents each. I noted on the package back of the package that there is a Lifetime Guarantee. The “manufacturer certifies this comb to be unbreakable through normal use. For free replacement, mail comb with your name and address to the Ajax Comb Company, Division of Antonio’s Mfg., Inc. of Cresson. . ..”
If I had to guess, I would say these combs are from the 1970’s. Interesting, when looking online I noted vintage similar Ajax unbreakable rat tail combs new and sealed for $18.95 for a set of three. Now a days, it seems no one gives out lifetime guarantees on merchandise.
Information on the Ajax Unbreakable Combs Manufactured by Antonio’s Manufacturing
I actually checked online and found the Antonio’s Manufacturing, Inc. was out of Cresson, PA. The company designs hair piks, combs and straightening combs for the Afro American Merket plus conventional-type combs. The company was founded by the late Antony R. Romani in 1971. Mr. Romani invented and patented an Afro Rake Comb called the “cake cutter” in March 1972. One of Antonio piks was item number 532 which features a clenched black fist representing pride, strength, and self-determination. The 1970’s was also the era for the popular Afro hairstyle which used piks to uplift the hair. At times, the pik was left in the hair as a decorative feature.
The Ajax Comb Company was known for its strong, durable construction, making combs resistant to bending or breaking.
Antonio’s Manufacturing sold their products through wholesale distributors, drug distributors, and Beauty & Barber supply companies through the US and to Canada, Carribean, London, France, Germany, Netherlands, Holland and South America.
Upon the death of Mr. Romani on Oct. 24, 1977, the operation of the company was taken over by Gina Maria, his wife and Anthony Romani, II, his son. Today, as far as I can tell, the company is no longer in operation.
Ending Notes on Blue Ridge Hospice Thrift Shop
Well, of course, once again, Farmhouse Magic Blog is off and running in a different direction.
But, to pull things back, I enjoyed shopping at the Blue Ridge Hospice Thrift Shop. I’m also enjoying my purchases and the unbreakable comb with a story to tell.
Resource Sites: Antonio’s Manufacturing, Inc. web information and Google 1A Overview