The Vintage Bazaar: Dank Haus, Chicago 2012

Over the weekend, the Vintage Bazaar returned to the Dank Haus German Cultural Center. This was the first event we went to, way back in 2010 and so it was fun to revisit the space.

We arrived a little early as we were able to slip inside to take photos, prior to the crowds arriving. It’s funny to think that the first time we were here… I was the only one taking pictures. Now, both Liz and I have cameras in our hands – and we’re both taking photos for our respective websites.

At the entrance, I happened to look down at the email signup form and noticed a QR code! I made a note to myself to follow up with Libby and Katherine, to find out why they decided to go the QR route… and whether it’s been a help or a hindrance. Will be curious to see whether they’re tracking the QR code interactions, or if they get a lot of questions from folks who don’t know what it is.

The event this time spanned two floors, and so Liz and I made are way up to the 6th floor. I walked past the event area and checked out a little nearby corridor. Looking out the window, there was a nice view of nearby rooftops and the Chicago skyline in the distance.

One of many placards, adorning the walls throughout the Dank Haus. Thanks to WIkipedia, I now know that Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is a federal state in nothern Germany, and that this image is part of the official coat of arms.

The sixth floor, a large open area with bakery items and several vendors.

Looking back towards the entrance. The sunlight coming in through the windows was pretty amazing, as the whole area had a very warm feel to it.

I hate to say it, but I ended up staying on the 5th floor for the remainder of the event. I was planning on coming back up to check out the vendors, but never did.

Entrance to the 5th floor.

A quick scan of the room, as vendors are setting up.

I talked about this the last time we were here, but the space itself is amazing. I’m not sure if it was here in 2010, but… disco ball!

Another food area, with pastries from Puffs of Doom and Antique Taco.

A photo area, set up by Smilebooth.

Light coming in from the eastern windows, illuminating the side room near the entrance.

A few folks from artefacto, setting up some signage.

Liz, taking some photos for her site.

I’ve taken photos of this doorway before, but it warrants another. Such a cool, cool space.

Close to noon, I ventured back downstairs to check out the folks lining up outside.

Gift bags (complete with coupons) were available to the first 100 people.

Folks at the entrance, getting ready to open the doors.

I spotted another QR code, different from the one used on the email form. This one led to a map of the vendors, which I thought was a pretty nice touch.

Jerome, from Apartment 528. Earlier, he had tried to get out of the way of a photo I was taking… and told me he assumed I didn’t want a shot of him and his boxes. He was wrong.

Also, thanks to this photo, I learned that the 5th floor area is called the Marunde Grand Ballroom, named after Emil Marunde. I wasn’t able to find much on the guy in my quick searches, beyond this photo of him.

I didn’t see any signs nearby, but it was readily apparent to me that this stuff belonged to Manly Vintage. A few moments later, Morgan came up to say hello. I think we had both forgotten one another’s name, but remembered meeting at the Holiday Bazaar a few months ago.

Dig the Einstein bust in the top right corner! Totally missed that when I was there.

Not sure why I fixated on this, but I’m assuming this was a bayonet.

As I turned around, I happened to see an assortment of colorful lampshades.

An old Old Chicago can. See what I did there?

In hindsight, I should have gotten this skull. It seems like it would be a nice piece to set on a desk, sort of like a paperweight memento mori.

Just outside the booth, a 1965 Gibson GA-45 RVT amp.

Nearby, at Houndstooth Vintage, I spotted a few old buttons (with photographs). The white button has a small name at the bottom: Photomaton, which led me to this great tumblr blog.

A check printer from artefacto. Seeing this, I couldn’t help but think of Frank Abagnale. For the briefest of moments, I imagined myself purchasing this item, printing fake checks in a hotel room somewhere.

I only had $40 on me, and would have had to ask Liz for the extra five bucks. And would have also had to explain my plans in greater detail. I decided to pass.

An old Super 8 projector. Also thinking that in hindsight, I should have bought this. Old projectors make me want to go back and digitize all the old film my parents have, just so it’s preserved in another format.

A beautiful old Corona typewriter, complete with case.

A closer shot, because I know you wanted to see it closer.

A patron, looking through some of the prints available from fine art pro.

Another patron looking over a large assortment of smaller items at FoundRe:.

Looking up, I spotted a memory jug. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen one of these before in person, but recall seeing a few mentioned on Antiques Roadshow.

A closeup of some of the items adorning the jug.

A set of descriptive glasses over at Apartment 528.

The unfortunate “One for the Road” glass.

I spoke with Jerome briefly about these glasses, and learned they were from 1962.

A few other items from the booth. The couch/cushions had recently been re-upholstered, and apparently sold a few minutes after the event began.

Can I give you a hand with that?

I was surprised to see them selling film for $1, but realized quickly that the canisters were empty. Seeing them though, gave me a momentary desire to want to purchase found film.

A few nearby projectors.

Some very large light bulbs on sale. I’m sure they were being sold as decorative pieces, but it made me wonder where they could possibly have come from.

A lot of artwork, posted along the wall of the Take 2 Vintage booth.

In particular, I liked this one a great deal – a warning/info poster, should London flood.

A view of the room, taken from the stage.

More old cameras and projectors!

An old Brownie Special from the ’30s.

A Polaroid 95 Land Camera, Circa 1948 – 53. Seemed like a steal to get everything (the case, the funky light bulbs) for $55.

There were a lot more than just camera at the jenstyle booth, but I ended up fixating on that stuff mostly.

Some used books at the booth run by Faythe Levine. I asked for her card, which has a variety of URLs on it. The one she circled was the one for Sky High Gallery.

A nearby sign on sale. I love the look on the train’s face (and the kid’s). As I was kneeling down to photograph this, a guy was literally picking it up to purchase the sign. He was kind enough to let me take a few photos before it became his.

Faythe with the patron who’s purchasing the sign. I snapped this photo because I wanted to note how many vendors seemed to have a Square Card Reader installed on their phones.

This reminded me of a TechCrunch article from last year, where I learned that Square is processing $11 Million a day in mobile payments. It’s kind of mind-boggling to think about that, but it’s what flashed in my head watching this transaction take place.

A man contemplates the world before him.

There were an assortment of odd items at the Open Door Studio booth that drew me in. A lot of odd items that just seemed to be abstractly neat.

Case in point these little test tubes with stuff inside them. I think they were maybe tiny buttons or clasps of some kind. They just looked kind of neat, but I’ve no idea what I would have done with them.

A strange flash marked #9.

A set of bound books. Again, they looked super old and for some reason… I just kind of wanted them.

I didn’t see a ton of them, but there were a few older slides available. I fought the impulse to purchase this stuff, mostly because it would be difficult for me to view. But these slides have the same draw as old photographs: they’re parts of a story that I will likely never know.

Part of the “III gang.” Holy Ghost Convent, Techny, ILL. SUN APR 24, 1955.

The Bummertown booth (though we didn’t get to catch Liz Rench).

Some clothing (along with a pretty awesome Lender’s Bagels’ bag).

After making the rounds, Liz and I settled in the food area for a quick snack. We had a few delicious pastries from Puffs of Doom.

Related:
Vintage Bazaar, Pilsen, 2011
Vintage Bazaar, Congress Theater, 2011
Vintage Bazaar, Holiday Pop-Up Shop, 2011
Vintage Bazaar, Congress Theater, 2010
Vintage Bazaar, Lincoln Square 2010