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ONE YEAR ago, in the
faded old strip mining town
of Billings, Montana. I dis-
covered an alternative source
of shopping — a trade that
has been around for cen-
turies, but is usually hidden
in the seedier parts of town.

I bought an electric Black and
*” Decker drill with bits. two milk
~ glass containers and a pair of salt
_and pepper shakers from the “30s
for $20.
The drill has been indispensable
ever since.
! discovered dozens of other
‘junk stores” along the road and
arrived in Vancouver with a hand-

some coflection of salt and pepper
shakers.

The bug never leaves you once
you are billen, From junk stores. 1
moved to the antique and cal-
lectible stares in Chtstawn, on
Broadway. at the bottem of
Lonsdale. on Main Street and
Commercial. then to auctions and
eventually to the Vancouver
Fleamarket on Perini Street.

Se lets be adventurous one
ndny Saturday morning and drive
past the well-groanied stores of
Marine Drive. Park Royal or
Pacific Centre.

Our route gous along Cordova
through Gastown, the colorful
milicu of Main Street and left onto
Terminal. The natural beauty of
Vancouver is gone here, replaced
by concrete. warehouses and peel-
ing paint.

City planners have net been kind
to this area.

The Vancouver Fleamarket is a
large structure, painted bright red.
mixture between barn and barracks,
surrounded by garbage containers
and too few parking spaces.

The emrance fee is 60 cents.
Once past the entrance it hits you
— the smell of dust. must and
frencit fries. This is where the
weak-kneed turn and feave. never
to come back.

Beyond the entrance is av
array of tables, covered with every
imaginable bit of merchandise.
from rusty nails to rhinestone jew-
elry.

A few hundred people mill
about, intent on finding treasure.

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DELUXE SUITE

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adventurous shoppers will find hidden treasures

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See

NEWS photo Neil Lucente

FLEA MARKETS can be treasure-troves filled with all sorts of shiny baubles like
the ones sold by Marina, who has been a regular at the Vancouver Fleamarket for
the past 10 years. She carries a wide assortment of costume jewelry and cameos
as well as a tiara or two.

Children play fag. and merchants

keep a watchful eye on their goods.
I's exciting and holds promise:

the jay of finding the unexpected,

See Handy page 18

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Complete

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VAN

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any
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OUVER’S BEST COVER SELECTIONS
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FINANCING
This Valentine give your loved one
something you can both appreciate.
Our fireplaces are simply elegant and truly
romantic, with no fuss.

Order before Feb. 28th and receive a free
box of chocolates.