One of Crosby's best kept or not kept secrets are it's antique/vintage shops. Nearly half a dozen dot the area, one of those being The Rusty Bucket on FM 2100 in what is known affectionally by locals as the log cabin buildings.
The Rusty Bucket is close to my heart, as I had the pleasure of working there and stretching my entrepreneur skills for about two and a half years after my husband passed away. I learned a lot about myself. I was able to indulge my creative side, and it became a sort of haven for me away from other more pressing matters.
For many customers, especially repeat customers, the experience is the same. When you close that entry door, and that bell jingles, you step away from the traffic and noise of the world and into an another world.
An adventure into The Rusty Bucket brings back memories of bygone times. Antique and vintage items large and small remind people of time spent with grandparents. Old toys hearken hearts back to Christmases and childhoods long forgotten. Newer items, with unique old-fashioned flair, provide perfect gifts for all occasions. Furniture, refurbished and/or repaired, offers homeowners a unique opportunity to invest in history and bring the past back into their homes. Paint is even available for those DIYers who like to recreate their own magic on their own furniture and crafts.
Old things are better than new things, because they've got stories, Ethan. ---Kami Garcia, youth author
Under new management
Robert and Marie Bush, new owners of The Rusty Bucket
About four months ago, Robert and Marie Bush stepped into roles they long dreamed of. Marie, who still works full-time along with her husband, has been in the antique/refurbishing business about fifteen years. Her husband is her point man when it comes to the heavy work of repairing large broken pieces. Marie does the painting and the decorating. "I love the idea of giving old worn pieces a new life. I love putting them into a new story."
The Bushes have embarked on a whirlwind of upgrades, putting their own stamp and style into the business. Several walls now boast a weathered brick background look, bringing an old worn charm to the inside. New shelving graces the wall behind the counter. While the store continues to offer antique and vintage items, a lot of new inventory hearkens back to a bygone era while at the same time being new and fashionable, including jewelry and clothing. Bush has also worked hard to bring in new vendors, and currently, she has a waiting list. "We simply do not have enough space right now to accommodate the vendors and to provide the large inventory our buyers want."
Customer appreciation events
The Rusty Bucket is offering several customer appreciation events in the next few months. An October fall-mini photo shoot is planned for Saturday, October 14th. Sessions are $75, by appointment only, and are fifteen minutes each. Eight to ten edited images will be provided. The first three appointments booked will receive $15 off of the $75 fee!
A grand opening, under the new management, is planned for Saturday, October 28th. Customers can not only shop that day, but free hotdogs will be available as well, and yours truly, Donna Hechler Porter, will be hosting a book signing that day in the store.
Bush is also planning a Christmas mini-shoot and some special sales between now and the end of the year.
Stay in Touch!
The best way to stay in touch with The Rusty Bucket is by following their Facebook page. Not only do they post their events and sales, but they post items available in the store usually at least once a day. See something you like on Facebook? You can ask about it on Facebook and/or call the store to speak with someone.
Come visit!
The Rusty Bucket is located at 5307 FM 2100 in Crosby. Look for the log buildings, and you can't miss it. The store is open from 10-5 Tuesday through Saturday and 11-4 on Sunday. The shop is closed on Mondays.
Do keep in mind, inventory is constantly changing, and vendors are always moving new things into the store. What you see today may not be what you see tomorrow, and certainly not what you will see next week. So, if you find a treasure and fall in love, you better buy it while you can!
And remember, old things are better than new things, because they have stories!
Donna Hechler Porter is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Elite Realty in Baytown, Texas. An educator, a published author, and an arm-chair historian, Donna runs a small publishing business in addition to educating people about how to build future wealth through home ownership. Feel free to contact Donna at dhporter@kw.com.