midwest neurotica

My parents continue to be amused with my fascination of all things vintage. They should be proud that I paid attention to their music, their traditions. On my recent visit to Houston, we spent an afternoon in the Houston Heights.

The Heights seems to be the Takoma Park of Houston. It is past the up & coming point and is now downright trendy (read: expensive). Beautiful craftsman homes of old and new line narrow tree-covered streets, crisscrossing their way through an area on the outskirts of Houston’s inskirts. This was the suburbs of yesteryear. Just like people commute to DC from Frederick, folks are now commuting to Houston from Magnolia!

The Beatles

To be fair, these sculptures are on the south side of I-10, so therefore in the “West End”. But, we found them only because a news article on the Heights mentioned 36′ tall Beatles and 17′ tall president heads. The artist is David Adickes – also known for the banana and the formerly the anthropomorphic phone along I-45 (perhaps the origin of ring-ring-ring-banana-phone?).

Is this Herbert Hoover?

The highlight of this excursion was the core of downtown, home to more than a sprinkling of antique shops. I spent well more than hour scoping out some hot buys, particularly on the prowl for my favorite pyrex wares. Well these dealers sure know pyrex is hot-hot-hot as the prices were insane. I couldn’t resist this pyrex Hamilton Beach batter bowl, but the other very beautiful items were just way overpriced. (I’m not paying $40 for a primary colors mixing bowl!)

Vintage Kitchen Goodness

More on the Heights

• Home in the Heights
• Presidential Heads
• Houston Heights Association

Technorati Tags: art, house, kitchen, vintage