October 2026 at Experienced Goods
By Jennie Reichman ~ I’ve been thinking about the women’s suffrage movement, the motto “Votes For Women” and how relevant the historical struggle for women’s rights is to our present day. A couple of months ago, I decided that my Halloween costume for this year would be that of a suffragist, or suffragette: I have an amazing sewing pattern for a 1920s-era jacket and skirt, a design I’ve been wanting to tackle for years, and some pieces of fabric I got at Experienced Goods that would work up nicely. In the process, I’ve learned a few things, about the movement and about my own assumptions about my rights, and how easy it is to take for granted what one has always known and believed would never change.
The process to gain voting rights for women took nearly 100 years, beginning in the 1820s and 30s and culminating in the ratification of the 19th amendment to the constitution in 1920. Those rights became law just over 100 years ago, meaning that when my grandmothers were young women, they could not vote in elections. I’ve voted in every election I was able to, local and national, since I was 18 and could register, and although I always feel pride in doing so, I have blithely seen it as a given, like my right to earn my own money, own a house, have a career or choose whether to have children or not. But there’s a long line of brave, determined women (and men, too) who made it possible for me to assume, to believe that having a voice in government is my right, and that I can work to change what I feel is unjust. When I wear the button on my costume that says “Votes For Women” it will be because I appreciate and will fight tooth and nail to keep what I have should it be threatened.
Perhaps a somewhat serious costume for the joyful, silly holiday of Halloween, but appreciation for what we have is a joyful thing. As foliage season commences in Vermont and visitors to Brattleboro stream into Experienced Goods, shopping with wild abandon, I’m reminded that our store is a rare and thrilling unicorn in the world of thrifting. It's kind of a perfect storm: excellent donations, a bright, welcoming space, creative, friendly staff and volunteers who keep the store looking and feeling fresh and interesting. Of course, crazy-good prices, and the things you never knew you needed or wanted right there on the shelves and racks. Most important, knowing that every purchase supports Center For Solace. We get so many compliments from first-time or repeat visitors, I wouldn’t be surprised if they take the memory of Experienced Goods back to their own communities and endeavor to inspire a similar aesthetic in their local thrift stores.
Speaking of Halloween, it's time to start inventing costumes, for yourself or children in your life! Golly, do we have you covered. The costume rack is out and full, the baskets of accessories and decorations are overflowing. And as the weather turns chilly, come to us for sweaters and jackets. We’ve been putting out some truly beautiful pieces in wool and cashmere for less than you would pay for a burger at a local restaurant. Coming soon will be snow gear for kids, because, you know, Vermont, and after that, puffy coats and winter accessories for all that shoveling that’s around the corner (sorry!). And still, appreciation, for the beautiful foliage I see on my drive to work, for the kind, strong community we live in, for the seasons, for what we have. Oh, and yes, don’t forget to vote!