Carmine's Antiques - Photo by Allan
Carmine's antiques is situated at 11 Railway Terrace Morgan, South Australia. The store is full of vintage crockery and glassware, books, jewellery and curios.
The building is situated just below the climb to the lookout over the Murray River and heads the group of shops known as "post office row." The first two shops were built in 1878. A third shop was added in 1889. According to signage, the first proprietor was George Brand. The shops have been essential to the settlement at Morgan, functioning as tea rooms, a chemist, draper, grocery store and boot-making business. Fourth and fifth shops housed the newsagent and travel company. These buildings have seen a wonderful variety of goods and services over the years, even including pianos and photography!
Historic shop building - Photo by Allan
The proprietor, a lovely lady of over eighty years of age, is absolutely amazing in her talent and energy. I presumed as I spoke that she was Carmine, and that the shop was named after her. Carmine loves stringing pearls and collecting tins and all other things historical. She is very good at making travellers feel welcome and takes great joy in seeing visitors find just the right piece they love to take home as a souvenir.
Carmine - Photo by Allan
The glass and china rooms are a delight for collectors of tea-ware and lovers of antiques alike, while the display of tapestries is well worth the $1 donation to view. (Glass and china are for sale; but as far as I know, the tapestries are not for sale).
Variety shelf - Photo by Allan
If you have packed insufficient reading material for a leisurely holiday, Carmine's extensive collection of second-hand books will provide something to your taste. The choice ranges from best sellers, to children's books, fantasy, horror and non-fiction.
Second hand books - Photo by Allan
Carmine also provides bed and breakfast accommodation with rooms for a couple starting from $100. The accommodation overlooks the Murray River, playground and park. It is close to the Morgan ferry, which crosses the river.
Morgan is a small but historic town along the River Murray. It is situated on an alternate route from the Riverland to Adelaide and also forms a link in inland routes to Western Australia and Queensland.
