Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Time to swap ‘til you drop

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003 | 8:21 a.m.

What is it they say? One man's trash is another man's treasure?

If you don't believe it, I recommend a visit to the delightful Antique Sampler Shoppes at the corner of Tropicana Avenue and Jones Boulevard.

It's an upscale swap meet. Hundreds of neatly displayed items are offered for sale. Row after row of everything from old toys, magazines, glassware, clothes, jewelry, furniture and relics of the past entice visitors who, more often than not, come away with a piece de resistance.

My friend, who collects Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs memorabilia, found a 2-inch pewter "Doc" -- a must-have for her collection.

Several items caught my fancy, but I am at that stage in my life where I definitely do not need more "things." The truth is, I glance around my home and wonder what will happen to all the useless but beloved items I have collected over the years.

A huge yard sale sounds plausible, or rental of a booth at the Sampler Shoppes.

I do recommend a visit to the Sampler for anyone looking for a special gift or a bit of nostalgia.

And don't miss a visit to the charming Tea Shop. Select a special tea and a delicious luncheon treat.

A recent column brought a rash of "remember whens," including a couple from longtime Las Vegan Bruce Merrin, who recalled Strip hotel executive Abe Schiller, who became known for the cowboy gear he wore whenever he toured the country promoting Las Vegas.

Merrin wondered how many could remember Channel 8 Sports Director Ross Tucker, who coached Merrin's Little League baseball team, the Las Vegas Bombers.

Bob Beville recalled the old Las Vegas stockyards next to the railroad tracks near the Union Pacific Depot (now the site of the Plaza hotel). Beville remembers when trains had to stop and let the cattle out for food and exercise.

On a more serious note -- regarding my suggestion that the desalination of water is the ultimate answer to the world's water shortage -- professional engineer Bill Flangas sent a copy of a letter written to Sun Executive Editor and former Gov. Mike O'Callaghan in 1992.

Flangas wrote, "the ultimate solutions for our future water needs lies in tapping the Pacific Ocean. It's long, it's wide, and it's deep."

O'Callaghan devoted his column in the Las Vegas Sun to the persuasive arguments of Flangas.

Eleven years later we still hear harping by public officials as they approve more golf courses and ornamental waterways.

In the unusual hobby department add that of Reno's Dr. Elwood Schmidt. He collects pictures of Nevada's historical markers. He has traveled the highways and byways of Nevada photographing the markers for his collection.

The Historical Marker Program was initiated by the Nevada Legislature in 1967 to bring the state's heritage to the public's attention with on-site markers.

There are now 250 markers in Nevada, and a guidebook to Nevada's Historical Markers is available through the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, 100 North Stewart St., Carson City, NV 89701.