Let’s give ‘em something to talk about.

I recently rescued this funky Gossip Bench from Rushville Antiques & Trumpery, my absolute favorite place to shop local & a must-stop whenever I make a trip home.

After scouring the “Schuyler County Memorabilia” section (sorry, I’ve cleared out their impressive inventory of old FS feed sacks), I came across this unique beauty and had to have it. Being accustomed to Chicago prices – OUCH – I always feel super guilty about paying such low prices for their incredible pieces. So, to try and return the favor, I’ll give them a little visibility boost and encourage you to pay them a visit the next time you find yourselves in Rushville, IL. And while you are in our quaint little town, please do swing by Pizza Unlimited for lunch. Best soup & salad bar this side of the Mississippi.

Anyway, I wanted to pay homage to the history of the Gossip Bench, which was created in response to the invention of the telephone and a staple furniture piece in many entryways throughout the era of rotary phones and party lines. I found this fun vintage letter fabric which I felt tied into the whole communication theme.

I used Sherwin Williams’ amazing ColorSnap paint color matching app, which matches any photo you upload to their line of paints. I chose “Anchors Aweigh” which I took as a good omen given the feel of the vintage letter fabric. I imagine perhaps these very letters containing stories of love, war, heartbreak and longing stacked atop a gossip bench just like this one…maybe even this one…waiting to be opened and read in the quiet darkness of night.

Ta Da! Isn’t it amazing what a fresh coat of paint and some beautiful fabric can do to restore life to a well-loved piece?

And yes, that is a Rushville Times gracing the top of the table, just waiting to be read. I’ve had a subscription to you ever since I left home for college (circa 1995). I love you. I love your people. I love your history. And most of all, I love your gossip.