SUNDAY BEST

In the Biscoe household, Sundays were spent going from one House of God to the other – Church to antique shops.

Growing up in Wrentham, once Sunday service was over, Ellie Biscoe’s mom would drop the boys off back home and the two of them would venture out to that week’s shop.

At first, she was just along for the ride, simply wanting to spend some quality time with her mom. But week after week, her love for the dusty, dimly-lit treasure troves grew and grew.

The “you can look, but you better not touch ” rule was instilled at a young age, with the correct antiquing posture consisting of standing tall with your hands behind your back, so as not to break anything.

20 years later, Biscoe has not only had zero antiquing accidents, but she has grown quite the following on her antique-centric social media pages, where she takes us along to big markets and shows us her latest finds.

Biscbro was a nickname a kid gave her in high school. Now, it’s a part of her antiquing alter ego. Her business Biscbro & Co. focuses on sourcing unique items for others and spotlighting antique shops near and far.

What started out as a mother-daughter bonding activity has since transpired into a devoted side hustle of her own with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on her Southie community.

IT’S IN THE FAMILY (HEIRLOOM)

Some say mommy, some say mom, maybe even mother at times. But what about the other “M”?

“I jokingly call my mom Martha Stewart,” Biscoe said, because of the unique flair her mom used while interior designing their home.

“We always had weird shit hanging in our house. Oh, you don’t have an entire wall of mirrors? Or a wall of letter B’s? You don’t have a vintage bowling pin on your shelf?”

Maybe she thought it was odd back then, but that slightly unconventional taste in decor must be hereditary, seeing as her brothers joke that her living room in Southie and their family living room on the Cape look almost identical.

An old vintage stand truly hates to see this dynamic duo coming.

“Me and my mom have always been best friends, but it’s really cool to be able to share such a passion,” Biscoe said.

That passion only grew as she got older and finally got to experience what every antique lover dreams about – The Brimfield Antique Flea Market.

It was always, “You’re not missing school for this Ellie…When you’re older…” and now it’s “Who’s making the martinis when we get back?”

To be clear, this market is the market of all markets.

Commonly referred to as an “Antiquer’s Disney Land” it happens over the course of one week, three times a year in May, July and September. It’s a culmination of all the best vintage and antique finds from vendors across the country.

“It’s just,” Biscoe pauses to nervously laugh. “This sounds so lame…it’s the most beautiful place. You can find anything.”

Her first visit in May wasn’t exactly beautiful…it was practically monsooning. But, that didn’t matter. She had a job to do.

She was on a mission to source as many ashtrays as she could find. A few hours, one mile of vendor booths and some soaking wet socks later…it was a mission accomplished. Who needs 16 ashtrays anyways, you may ask?

Dalia, Southie’s newest restaurant, that’s who!

Biscoe was asked by the company designing the inside of the restaurant, Assembly Design Studio, to source antiques for the space. She has also helped find items for local Southie artist Maker Scholar and Southie’s Salon Hue. (If you need help finding a specific item, ask her!)

Just a longtime Southie resident helping the new kids on the block.

NEW LIFE TO SOUTHIE HISTORY

The saying it’s out with the old and in with the new doesn’t totally apply here.

While bringing new Southie spots to life, Biscoe gives new meaning to old relics and seemingly random items, just like the ashtrays.

“Many people here might not know the history of Southie,” she said. “If I can share those stories through furniture or old photos, it’ll make people appreciate where they live more.”

A few weeks ago, she got a message from a woman sharing that she was cleaning out her father’s old house on E. Broadway and if Biscoe wanted, she could come take a look around.

To some, that might seem like an odd invitation – a stranger inviting you over to look at their recently passed parent’s belongings. But to Biscoe? Music to her ears. To her, you find the best pieces in situations like this.

Biscoe walked in and immediately laid eyes on an old hand-carved pediatric exam table.

It belonged to a friend of the woman’s father. Dr. Redmond was his name. He was a local doctor in the late 1800s through the early 1900s and was known for being the “doctor who never sent a bill.” No matter what, he would help anyone, anywhere, anytime.

“A story like that, you don’t hear too often. If [it] can remind people of what Southie was and what it still is.”

For now, the table is waiting patiently at her parents’ house while she finds the perfect spot for it…be it in her home or someone else’s. After all, you can’t rush pediatric exam table perfection!

BEGINNER’S LUCK & WHERE TO START

Biscoe recognizes that going to a random person’s home as your first antiquing experience might be a little daunting. But, if you now want to go on a scavenger hunt for your own collection of ashtrays or vintage bowling pins, you still can!

If you want to do it from the comfort of your own couch, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to start. If you want to stay in the city, there are certainly plenty of shops to choose from, just know that they might be a little pricier. If you want to venture out a bit, she recommends The WinSmith Mill in Norwood, as they have a ton of vendors and little shops.

Eventually, you will start to assimilate into the vintage community, where prized possessions are shared through word of mouth like wildfire. Like Biscoe says, the best finds tend to come from a person who knows a guy who lives in a shed up in Vermont who is selling some old treasures.

But, if you don’t know a person who knows a guy who lives in a shed up in Vermont who is selling some old treasures, don’t sweat it.

Biscoe is co-hosting the 13th Curated Vintage Market at Bow Market on May 31st from 12-8:00 PM in Union Square. There you will find 80+ vendors offering all sorts of items like vintage clothing, records, jewelry, home decor, antiques, and more!

“It offers a little bit of everything in a more approachable setting with experienced vendors who genuinely love sharing the stories behind what they’re selling,” she said.

Unless you have something specific you’re hunting for, just go in with an open mind. Biscoe believes the most rewarding finds come when you aren’t looking for them.

Just don’t forget one thing…stand tall and keep your hands behind your back.