For years I have coveted a copper mailbox from Smith & Hawken.
I remember being introduced to their catalog probably twenty years ago, and then was delighted to go into their retail shop when it opened in Dallas. It was always a great source for that garden inspiration you needed when it was 100 degrees outside! When I learned that they were closing their doors my garden-heart sank.
In our past homes the mail dropped directly into the house, so I didn't have a need for a mailbox. Here we have a small box and the mailman has to bring small packages up to the house. So, we have been looking for an old rural farm mailbox- large, you see them often on country roads..... we passed on an old one a couple of weeks ago because it wasn't the one.
Yesterday we were in Boston and stumbled across a closing Smith & Hawken (it was close to Cape Cod, and come to find out, was the only store in Massachusetts and we were told it had been the most profitable store in the chain, which was so interesting since it was about half the size of the store in Dallas... .)
And there it was... one lone large copper mailbox... on sale. It had a wee bit of a dent on the door (nothing a rubber mallet couldn't fix), and so we asked if they had another one in the back. The salesperson left us, came back and said they didn't have another one, and in fact she looked on line, and it was
the last one in their whole system.
So, we bought the last large copper mailbox from Smith & Hawken...
that makes me happy and sad at the same time.
Oh, I would be happy and sad too. I received a cute rooster-shaped watering can from my stepdaughter last Christmas, and with the closing of S&H, realized I'd better take good care of it! Your mailbox is gorgeous... congrats on the great find. It must have been meant to be.
ReplyDeleteGreat find! I would love a gorgeous mailbox like this but unfortunately we don't have a delivery service so don't need a box - we have to collect our mail from the post office. Leigh
ReplyDeleteSeems to me that it knew you were coming and it was just waiting for you to take it home.
ReplyDeleteMC
A wonderful mailbox. For some reason it made me think of the movie Funny Farm with Chevy Chase and the mailman would throw the mail on the road and not stop to put it in the mailbox!
ReplyDeleteI always feel sad when a great store closes its doors forever. My favorite fabric shop closed 2 years ago, I still miss it and have no place nearby to go now! May you mailbox always be filled with joy and good news (ok. . .I know that at times there will be bills, that is the norm!)
That mailbox was meant for your home! I just discovered earlier today that S&H was going out of business when I visited the website. It is a shame to see so many businesses closing their doors these days.
ReplyDeleteHi Joan and Dan,
ReplyDeleteThat mailbox was just waiting for you. The other one that you passed up on wasn't meant to be. Love the shape of your copper mailbox and it will be less exercise for your mailman now. This afternoon will be trying more paint samples on some plaster board and yes I did buy another sample pot yesterday (just in case) so I will let you know.
Have a great day both of you.
Love Janine
XXOO
Tasmania, Australia
Awww.she's a beaut alright! Do you think you have to shine her up occaisonally...like copper pots?
ReplyDeleteYes, it was meant to be. I'll kind of miss Smith and Hawken, but something better will someday take its place.
ReplyDeleteMakes me sad - but a special memory for you
ReplyDeleteIt was just waiting for YOU Joan. It's gorgeous! A-M xx
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard S&H was closing! I'll have to head over to the store near me and see if there's something there waiting for me to take it home.
ReplyDeleteYour new copper mail box is gorgeous. We have never had a S&H near us but I did do a good bit of online shopping and when I was near a store always had to check things out. Most often coming home with some wonderful treasures. It is so sad they are closing but fortunately not before you found that perfect mail box. It is perfect for your beautiful home.
ReplyDeletePS, Loved your most recent "finds" in your last post also. That chair is awesome and love the table.
Carolyn
I, too, loved S and H and although there were none near here I did order often from the catalogue. My last purchase is my wonderful tiered wire basket -- acquiring same is a story in itself.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your mail box -- congrats on getting the LAST one!!!!!
I, too, shed a tear for S and H!
Love the story and the mailbox! Obviously it was meant to be!
ReplyDeleteIlove your mailbox! I hope that it is filled with only good mail!
ReplyDeleteShe is a beaut! What a serendipitous find!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I think also it was meant to be. I love when I pass up on something and find it again at a later date,and its on sale. Congratulations!I ve ordered copper light fixtures for outside, I hope they look half as nice as this. Our mail gets put in thru the door too. I would love a box like this. Julie in Holland....
ReplyDeletegorgeous... just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finding your copper mailbox..I'm so glad I discovered your beautiful blog.
ReplyDeletehugs ~lynne~
I just stumbled upon your blog from another link. I loved Smith & Hawkin. Hate to see them go. So many stores closing now, and it's sad. I love your mailbox!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I am so happy that the Last copper mailbox is ending up at your home....it belongs there! Sorry about the store closing too...
ReplyDeleteTake care, Laura
52flea
What a great mailbox...I have one also!!! My S&H story is similar but instead of the mailbox it was the galvanized "vintage" planters. So sad about the stores closing, but enough already. Love your blog, I will be newbee follower~*~kelley
ReplyDeleteI hate recession!
ReplyDeleteI have outfitted several gardens with the beautiful outdoor furniture that I found at Smith and Hawkin. I was so sad when I found out that they were closing their doors.
Your mailbox is beautiful. It's perfect for your home. I just wonder where we will find such perfection now?
When we had a crash pad in the city I used to swing by Smith and Hawken whenever I got the chance...such a treat...always inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your advice on countertops, you've really given me some great things to ponder...I hadn't even considered honed surfaces.
Thank Joan for stopping by my blog. I come to your blog often. I love all the things that you have done on your house and I'm dying to see the chair you have been working on.
ReplyDeleteElla looks like a sweetheart. I am a big dog person too although you wouldn't know it since I have such little dogs. I decided to get my chihuahuas because of my small townhome. They are crazy chis and I love them dearly.
It's always nice to meet new blog friends. :)
Great Pictures...
ReplyDeleteOh My!
ReplyDeleteDo I LOVE your blog - the house, the dogs (not too long ago we had 10 dogs, they just seemed to find their way to our house - after losing some beautiful souls, we now have six). And I loved your mailbox story - just goes to show that some things are meant to be: you were meant for this house and that LAST mailbox was destined for it:) A heartfelt thank you for all of your efforts so that we may enjoy your lovely blog.
jealous. love it...
ReplyDeleteit will look even better thru the years...
I'm happy you were able to get the last one. We have one of theirs that has aged beautifully!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog and am so inspired!! I pulled out all of my wedding silver trays and one I found at Goodwill this week and am trying them out....20 years and I am finally displaying them :)
ReplyDeleteI purchased the same mailbox in 2008. It was irresistibly beautiful and three years later, is just beginning to achieve a wonderful green patina. At the same time, I am very sad to report that the door has developed rather severe cracks on each side - just from being opened and closed. How is yours holding up?
ReplyDeleteI realize this is a 7yo post, but....
DeleteOur mailman used our copper mailbox door as a desk while he idled next to it and cracked both sides of the door. It's gotten worse and it's hard to open the mailbox without worsening the tears in the metal. Love to hear how you and Painted MoJo mended yours. masters.diane@gmail.com
We've had the same problem with tears. Luckily we have access to a metal fabricator and he has been able to fix our mailbox... several time;)
DeleteJust saw this post, but I have this same mailbox and we love it. Some kids played a prank in our neighborhood and bent everyone's flags but they broke ours (but left it), so now we have no flag. I always wondered if I could get a replacement. I have had mine for 4 years so I was debating whether to clean ours with copper cleaner... have you done this or just kept the weathered look?
ReplyDeletePainted MoJo- I've looked and looked for this comment and could never find it until now.... so, so sorry to just now be replying to you.... yes, we have had an issue with the door cracking, if you see this and want to email me (on the sidebar) I can show you what we did to repair it.
ReplyDeleteHaus and Home- I've never cleaned it as I really love the patina on the aged copper. Try finding a metal fabricator- they can probably repair the flag or can make you a new one. It should be a easy fix either way! That was nice of the little thugs to leave the flag ;)