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| From In the Garden |
Who remembers Montgomery Ward? It used to be one of the two dream stores for thousands, if not millions, of people a few decades ago. The other half of the dream store pair was of course that venerable old standby we still know as Sears. My 'new' bike gracing my garden came from Montgomery Ward. It was a dream for one eightish year old boy from Maine back in 1953 or 1954. Takes you back huh? This little boy's Uncle Walter purchased the bike for him from Montgomery Ward before the little boy even knew how to ride a bike. Can you just imagine being eight and learning to ride a big bike like this?
The little boy is now, ahem, sixty something years old and is my mother's husband. His name is David and he still lives in Maine. In spite of traveling the world as a Navy man many decades ago, even having served in the Old Guard, David still lives in his hometown in Maine. Actually, he and my mother live just across a field from where David grew up. The uncle who so kindly made a little boy's dream come true is gone now, but the memories of this first bike remain with the boy. That is why my 'new' bike for my garden is all the more special.
How did I come upon this treasure you might ask? Well, I have a surprise saved for next Friday's post explaining it a bit but let us just say my oldest daughter Christine moved this bike and another down here from Maine during her recent move from Maine into her new home. The two bikes were very dissimilar though I liked them both. When I saw David's bike, not knowing it was his bike, I said "Wow! I am not dismantling that one it is going directly in the garden." That is when my daughter said, "Papa will be most happy because it was his bike." That comment sealed the deal and enter one special bike for Tiger Gardens. I had been hoping to find just such a special bike and the fact it came from family makes it even more so. While it took me a few weeks to find the perfect spot for my new/old bike I love it here. It sure takes me back to those dream days when the Montgomery Ward and Sears catalogs were the best darn reading....
in the garden....
Many thanks to my family and a special thanks to David for parting with two of their bicycles! This parting may be a bit tough for Pack Rat Mimi but I can assure you all in Maine that the bikes are in good hands and will live on in the garden.
Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team,
In the Garden
That is fantastic. I love those old bikes. We as kids {many yrs ago} learned to ride on the neighbors bike. See, mom couldn't afford one for us, so the next best thing.
ReplyDeleteI too have thought, if only I could find an old bike. Boy, the fun would begin. You surely have a treasure Tina.
Anonymous, Skeeter, Jean, Dawn & Nina, I hope your all have a wonderful day. All readers also.
That's a neat old bike! Are you planning on adding a basket with potting containers or using it as a trellis?
ReplyDeleteLola, I was hoping this old bike would evoke some memories. Ah, those were the days...
ReplyDeleteDavid, I will not use it as a trellis but may add a basket. Not sure since it is in a low maintenance garden. Perhaps some sedum would work as I simply will not water anymore and as you know, this year has been horrific.
Have a great weekend all!
Wow! Too cool.
ReplyDeleteWards is no longer? I guess fingerhut took over.
The best reason to have anything displayed is because of the people it honors. Great choice for your garden.
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that! :) There is a garden in my area that has a vintage bike with basket as part of their garden decor. They covered it in spagnum moss and planted flowers in the basket. :)
ReplyDeleteHow unusual and quirky. I wonder if you plan to do what Racquel described in her comment?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll find lots of creative ways to display this cool bike! I know that 8 year old boys are typically climbers, but maybe you'll find some other kinds of climbers for it to host.
ReplyDeleteDawn, I didn't think Montgomery Ward was still around but when I Googled it they do have a website where you can shop. I've not seen any stores in a long time though but I bet the shopping is still fine! Never done Fingerhut but it sounds similar.
ReplyDeleteGSS, Well said and duly noted. It is what connects us in gardening I think?
Racquel, I bet that garden is sweet! I just adore my new bike but probably won't go to any great lengths to decorate it. It is a ways from my hose and house in the backyard but I can see it daily from the house. I just love it. Are you looking for one for your garden?
Catmint, No, I don't expect I'll decorate my bike but! Some LED lights strung thru it might be nice...hmmm... the thinking cap is on now.
Hi Jen, I have a grandson that I'm saving some bikes for so we'll see if he is interested in this one-I hope not as I like it as is:)
ReplyDeletePackratmimi/ yOU ARE JUST TOO FUNNY, SINCE YOU ARE A CHIP OF THE OLE BLOCK IN THAT DEPARTMENT!!!! Hope you continue to ejoy for many, many years.
ReplyDeleteHow very special. I too, want/need a bike in my gardens...and yes I remember Monkey Ward and the 'Wish Books' as my parents called the catalogs...
ReplyDeleteI don't remember Montgomery Ward, but my father bought Mother's ring there. When I was younger I thought he said Montgome Rewards. It took me a while to get their name straight. :)
ReplyDeleteI lied. He was GOING to get it there because he had a credit card with them, but he didn't actually end up buying it there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story and lovely sentiment. So nice to have the memories in the garden. What a better place for them.
ReplyDeleteMom, I have to say I AM reducing-even stuff in the garden. We have a plant sale coming up and all kinds of things are going. I tell you I feel so much better unloading! Better now than later. Had to be when I couldn't find anything here. It's getting better now:) We do love the bike.
ReplyDeleteDarla, Monkey Ward...now that's a good one!
Missy, It seemed everyone had a charge card there and that is how they did so much business back then. Too funny on your dad!
GardenWalk/GardenTalk, I feel the exact same way-may I should rename my gardens memory gardens? They sure make me happy and so many memories are made there for me-although, just between you and I, I'd like to forget this year due to the 'Dust Bowl'.
Montgomery Ward's--now that takes me back! I remember spending hours looking through their catalog and the Sears catalog when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to use an old family treasure! Reminds me that I have my husband's old bike in a shed here--wonder if he'd mind seeing it filled with flowers next spring:)
I love old bikes. My dad has several at his beach home that we still ride and enjoy. Carla
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love it. It is charming! And it is an heirloom.
ReplyDeleteRose, Oh yes, that Montgomery Wards was the thing just a few SHORT years ago.
ReplyDeleteCarla, Your beach trips sound so awesome!
Rosey, Thanks! Glad you like it.
Do you ever watch the show American Pickers? Those old bikes are worth something! And I sure do remember the Montgomery Ward catalog and Sears. I used to pine for the Breyer special run horse models. Happy gardening!
ReplyDeleteNice! I do remember Montgomery Ward. We also had Sears, of course, but also JC Penney, Hudson's (local to Detroit, later taken over by Marshall Field and now Macy's), and Crowleys. Don't know what became of Crowleys. I love the retro bike, in any case. A nice addition to the garden!
ReplyDeleteHello Tina There is somethng so nostalgic about old bikes - I think I can remember every single one of my tricyles/bicycles when they were band spanking new.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see an old bicycle in someone's garden blog, I love that look! I don't know what it is that makes it look just right. Now I have to find one for myself! I can see doing cuttings from pineapple sage, but lantana is so woody. Does it work? Last year I left my lantana in a pot in the basement, and even though it looked dead, it came back to life!
ReplyDeleteTina, how wonderful for you to get the old bike. Darla reminded me how everyone called the store
ReplyDelete'Monkey' Wards. Before I met Bob I had a new home built and wanted to do some bike riding with my daughter so Mom found an old bike that was pink and purple. We'd ride around the little town exploring, my daughter on her fancy 10 speed and me on my old Firestone 500.
A friend did her bike with ivy growing all over it and it keeps it shape so you can tell it's a bike.
Your post did bring back memories. I came from a "Sears family", i.e. my father believed in buying especially technical items from their catalogue. So I wouldn't be surprised if my old Schwimm bike came from there - the kind where you switched gears by backpedaling! Great idea for garden deco. You could put a birdbath in a basket maybe?
ReplyDeleteDelightful story and wonderful bike! Love it!
ReplyDeleteSorry that I've been away so long. My poor neglected garden is calling, but I'm still missing my motivation. Had a great lunch with Helen and Carolyn yesterday! Photo on the blog.
I remember Montgomery Ward! Learning to ride a big bike for the first time meant skinned knees... but a determined kid never let that stop them.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the "wish book" was always a favorite activity :)
Looks great Tina. I love those old bikes too. One of my neighbors has one she rides around the neighborhood ~ it's pink too! I bet you can guess I have bike envy. I'd love to have one for photo "ops."
ReplyDeleteLove it Tina and so glad you will have a special bike in your garden. Busy with fall break but so many places to go and things to do -not sure if I should call it break, haha. Hi Lola, Jean, Nina, Skeeter and Dawn -have a great week! Ciao
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful Tina, not only to have the old bikes, but especially that they have a family connection and story to go with them. That makes them so much more special than if they'd been picked up at a yard sale or an antique shop.
ReplyDelete