Farewell, Time Warp

I was quite bummed out today to discover that Ortwine Hardware--a crusty True Value hardware store and craft supply shop--has closed, after 70 years in business. I have made numerous trips there to poke around in the dust and grime to discover trims/fabric/hairnets/cake decorating supplies, as well as all of these delightfully creepy doll faces. The story goes that the current owner's parents wanted to run a shop together: he liked hardware, she liked crafting, and so the wonderfully weird Ortwine Hardware and Appliances opened in 1946.

I thought I had blogged about it before but am unable to find the blog post...

Not sure what caused the closure (I can imagine, though)--the store is locked up (and reported on Yelp as being closed permanently) but all of the stuff is still inside. How I wish I could get back in and buy more! (The vintage Hong Kong doll faces are depleted, alas--last time I went, all that were left were recent "made in China" ones--but the bolts and bolts of fabric and velvet ribbon! Oh my...)

Farewell, Ortwine's...you shall be missed.