One of the fun parts of restoring old furniture pieces is looking for clues or hints about their past life. I’ve found old Christmas cards, gift tags, puzzle pieces and scratch off  lotto tickets, just to name a few. In one piece I found a photo of the sellers parents that she never knew existed! Although that made me happy, I’m still waiting to find that bag of cash or maybe even a treasure map! (Fat chance, but I’ll keep looking.)

This piece gave more than a clue or a subtle hint about its past. It had, in all caps, indelible, black ink ” JAMESTOWN,NY “ written clear across the inside of the drawer. (The old saying “Don’t ever forget where you came from,” immediately entered my mind!) Jamestown New York is famous for a few things, such as, the hometown of Lucille Ball, and NFL commissioner Roger Goddell.   In the life of this dresser, what matters most, is that Jamestown was once dubbed as the “Furniture Capitol of the World.” You can read all about it here

No doubts this piece was old,  handmade, and in need of repairs,

but also just so darn adorable!

This dresser was cleaned, prepped, sanded and filled. The drawers were repaired and the drawer bottom was replaced.  After the repairs, this piece was painted with a soft beachy gray (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Paris Gray) with a wash and dry brush of Annie Sloan chalk paint in old white.  It was sealed with clear and white wax. So soft and pretty. Perfect for a nursery, but why not an entry piece or coffee bar?

This sweet serpentine lowboy was purchased for use in a nursery. The anchor drawer liners keep with the theme.

I loved this furniture rescue, but next time I come across one like this, I’d like to try to save that beautiful maple!  I’ll be on the hunt for another- Jamestown New York, here I come!