You’re probably thinking what does Value Village have to do with a family history blog? Well, let me tell you about one of THE MOST AMAZING finds that I have ever come across in my years of thrifting.
My husband and I went to the gym yesterday morning, which happens to be right next to a Value Village second-hand store. So I thought why not have a quick look, my first stop is always the book section. That didn’t pan out this time, but as I was walking along the outside wall a framed puzzle of all the Beatles’ Album covers caught my eye. I picked it up to have a closer look and when I put it back down I saw a framed watercolour painting, resting on its side, just to the left of me.
Somehow, this painting looked familiar.
*I can’t be sure, but I think I may have squealed out loud. This is what I found.*
Please take a close LOOK at the name of the artist.
MARGARET H. APPS
Ummmmm…..That would be MY GRANDMOTHER!
What are the chances?!
What’s crazy is that Grandma Rocks (her nickname) passed away in September of 1985 (over 36 years ago), in Burnaby, BC.
I found this painting in Kamloops (342 km away).
How did it get here?
As my Mom said, I wish that the painting could talk and tell me the hands it went through on its journey. I’d really love to know how it ended up donated to a thrift store in my town. I do know that my Grandma did spend some time teaching art. She would try all sorts of mediums, whether it was a quick sketch and watercolour, oil paintings, acrylics, pottery, weaving on a loom, knitting, rock splashes (as I call them) which are like mosaics using pebbles and shells… you name it.
Either way, I’m so very happy I found it. I only wish I could call my Dad and tell him all about what I found…I know that he would have been thrilled that I found it and brought it home with me.
Welcome Home, Grandma xoxo
A couple other posts I have written about my Grandmother, Margaret Hope Newitt Apps.
What is the coolest thing you have ever found at a thrift shop?
Finding My Ancestors 
What a marvellous find. It looks a lovely painting.
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Thank you 😊
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Wow, wow, wow! I almost squealed, too… I wonder how long the painting was in the thrift shop waiting for you to come along. This find will be hard to beat. Thanks for sharing.
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I was/am so excited about this. I have so many questions too! Definitely a once in a lifetime find. It’s nice to share the story with people who understand 😉
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Wow — what an amazing find, Carrie! And what a beautiful piece of art! Maybe your grandmother had friends in Kamloops, and gave it as a gift to someone?
My coolest thrift store find was a printed recipe book from First Presbyterian Church, Regina, in 1930 — with 2 of my grandmother’s recipes in it!
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Who knows?! Maybe… that’s awesome!
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Absolutely amazing find.
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