Linda Hamer Kennett’s Story Archive

Color Suspended in Time — The Return of Collectible Glass

As we crossed over into the new millennium a large percentage of the American buying public began to snub collectible glassware. Values plummeted, dealers wouldn’t touch it and, with the exception of a few hardcore collectors, the collectible glassware market in the US slowed to a crawl!. Then, very gradually, … Read More

Grandma With a Splash of Kitschy — It’s Granny Chic

Tired of the cold straight lines of MCM and the chippy painted furnishings from the Farmhouse trend? Ready for something with a touch more warmth and “come on in and sit a while” charm? Well, I may have found just what you are looking for! It is known as Grandmillennial … Read More

Somethin’ For Nuthin’

This column first appeared in July 2012. When I was seven, Jackson-Perkins, in conjunction with Kellogg’s, offered rose bushes as a premium with box tops from Bran Buds. Being a frugal housewife, my Mom set out to get herself a rose garden by taking advantage of this offer. She needed … Read More

The Gift That Starts The Home

This column first appeared in June 2015. The first years were a struggle for Edward Lane. The small furniture factory that he had started in Alta Vista, Virginia sat at the junction of the Virginian and Southern railways, making for an excellent source of transportation of materials to the factory … Read More

Once Upon a Time

This column first appeared in September 2013. The growth of the middle class in the mid-1800s saw an increased demand for children’s books. Recognizing this need, publishers encouraged their writers and artists to develop well illustrated books with interesting story lines. As the century progressed, technical advances in both printing … Read More