Nostalgia on Picacho Ave.

Nostalgia on Picacho Ave.
By: Paul Dahlgren
Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau

Antiques…they remind us of the good old days, and with every miniscule scratch or piece of dust lurks a story from generations past, which evokes that familiar sense of nostalgia, wonderfully captured by the Antique district in Las Cruces.

With some antiques and collectibles dating back years before the 1900′s, the antique district on Picacho Avenue, which is composed of 11 different antique stores, is full of antiques and collectibles from various generations throughout history.

Whether it is a vintage end table for the living room, or a vintage painting for the hallway, the antique district on Picacho has antiques and collectibles for every style and taste.

“Ever since I was a little kid I collected things…you learn a lot of history with this stuff,” said Bob Gaines, owner of S.O.B.’s [Sweet Old Bob’s] Antiques, as he explained that many of the items in his store all have an extensive history, and that, there are a large variety of types and styles of antiques and collectibles in the stores.

“I once had a record of the Harmonicats…and a man came in and said, he just had to have it… his father was on the cover…he had never even known,” Gaines said, as he went on to tell several stories about customers coming in and finding items that they never imagined they would find, yet each item held immense significance to the customers who bought them.

In one case, an ornate pillowcase, which was not for sale,  from a now, non existent military base, meant so much to a man, who is now a high ranking officer in the military, that Gaines has willed the pillowcase to him on a small note card.

The sense of history you feel in the shops is astounding, as entire generations are documented in old pictures, music, pottery, toys and even advertisements.

The wide variety of antiques and collectibles, seem to document the history and culture of Las Cruces as you walk from the “Roaring 20’s” in one room, and then witness an era pass you by and waltz into the “1950’s” in the next room.

Many of the antiques feature unique and exquisite craftsmanship, which has slowly faded away in lieu of mass production.

“The old stuff is made to last…if you buy things [consumer goods] nowadays, you’ll be lucky if it lasts a year,” said Gaines as he mentioned that many of the goods he has in his store still work well, even after upwards of 50 years.

Despite a large number of antiques and collectibles, Gaines said he is continuously searching for new items and that, “the search is what I like best…finding something you never expected to find…that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

With antiques and collectibles from all over the world, the antiques and collectibles throughout the antique district give a broader sense of the history and story engrained in many of the items.

So, for those wanting to spruce up that living room with some antique southwest charm or simply looking to take a stroll down memory lane, the antique district on Picacho is a great destination for serious investors and window shoppers alike.

Along with the large number of antique shops in and around Las Cruces, there are also a variety of ongoing antique shows throughout the year that may be hiding that little slice of history you’ve been looking for.

For more information on the Picacho antique district, visit www.lascrucescvb.com