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Tamara, who is pictured in
the first photograph is a petite little woman who has achieved a gigantic
accomplishment in establishing this very large antique shop she calls
Marland's Antique Mall. The mall is located catty cornered from the Civic
Center building, directly across the street from the Chamber of Commerce and
across from the large stone Post Office building which is on Grand Avenue.
Her building is the old Montgomery Ward building which is, by the way, where
my parents lived when I was first born. Dad worked for Montgomery Ward
during the year of 1937. The three floors of this old building are so
remarkably, well preserved, it amazes me. Extra wide stairways of wear
polished wood, an old-fashioned elevator and spacious areas all add to the
drama of the place.
With all the business of
the destruction in New Orleans of hurricane Katrina and then the following
disruption by hurricane Rita there seemed to be a feeling of low keyed,
depression upon me. I kept telling myself I had done all that was possible
by a donation through our faith. I think the constant showing of the
suffering of the people kept my mind on it. When my sister called and said
she had something to show me that would cheer me up was I ever in for a
surprise?
Tamara is a person with
an unusual gift for bringing things together. This energetic little woman is
a collector extra ordinaire. Of course, she has educated herself as to the
value of antiques but the grouping and artful display in tasteful
arrangements is what creates the beauty here. I'm sure there is a story to
be told about each object but, unfortunately, I do not know antiques that
well even though I do love them. I recognize the age of the old Victrola
because my family enjoyed the music from one when I was a child. Anyway I
thought these were photographs some might enjoy. What makes her shop
special is that her prices are so reasonable. I've been able to afford
things from one of her former, smaller shops and at a very reasonable price.
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