Category: Things

By happy happenstance… Jake, from the Waupun area, 45 miles Northeast of my home, wanted to purchase the floor board nailer that I had listed for sale on craigslist. Once we agreed on the price I offered to drive 10 miles his way to ease his travel time. He countered with, “half way.” Now. Do I jeopardize the sale over an additional 10 miles? For whatever reason I decided to take the chance and drive the tool 20 miles and meet a complete stranger at a Park’n’ride on Hwys 41 and 33. We each pulled in at exactly the same moment. The deal went down without a hitch. And we were soon on our ways home.

Heading East on Hwy 60, driving through Jackson, I catch the sign, “Royal Oak Antiques” out of my left eye. Something in me says, “stop. fool. have a look.” So I turn around. See a tiny hand painted sign reading, “Parking in rear.” Turn right into the too narrow driveway. Park the van between a couple of air conditioners hanging out the wall of an old motel, grab the Monochrom with the 50 Summilux and step out of the van into world of messages and textures… thinking, “oh this is why I my intuition said to sell to Jake. to drive to Allenton. to turn around and park back here. thanks for the serendipity my dear intuit-voice.”

(click photographs for larger view)

The exterior, west facing wall of Royal Oak Antiques.

As I walked in the street entrance door Bill said, “You could have come in the back.”
I was immediately struck by the very high quality antique furniture and furnishings; with prices reflecting their value.
Turns out that Bill and his brother are very much into restoration;
most especially restoration of antique billiard tables; and they’ve been at it since the 70s.

Bill generously shared his time and stories; showing me around the shop, documents and recent completed projects. Fascinating.

You can check out Royal Oak Antiques‘ inventory. And new billiard table projects here.

Leica M Monochrom, 50 mm Summilux Asph