Thank you for visiting my ME Page. My name is Donna Downes and I live in southeastern Michigan. I am originally from Connecticut, therefore my ID name, ctyankee6. I love traveling back to Connecticut whenever I can to see family and indulge in the wonderful antiques that New England offers.
I have sold antiques since 1982 after reading a wonderful little book, “Become a Weekend Antiques Dealer”. My life has never been the same. My business is called Connecticut Yankee Antiques and I set up at around five antique shows a year, here in the Midwest. I am now retired from Document Management sales, servicing the automotive industry here in the Detroit area. I now will sell antiques full-time, both at shows and Ebay. Ebay has given me a wonderful opportunity to “meet” antique-lovers and toy-lovers all over the country and for that I will always be grateful.
My passion is collecting and occasionally selling American tin toys, circa 1865-1875. They are little works of art and absolutely captivating. I sell (and love) 19th century country primitives…everyday items from rural life.
I am the proud mother of two wonderful adult sons, a fabulous daughter-in-law and five adorable grandchildren. My older son and his daughters are here in Michigan, just blocks from me and the younger son is an Officer in the United States Navy, currently based with his wife and two sons in Washington State. He is presently part of the U.S. John C. Stennis aircraft carrier team. I am very proud of both my “boys”.
People often ask me what is my favorite antique and I always say, “the last one I bought”. I buy what I love and hope others love it too.
I just recently had the most wonderful email regarding one of my sales and I'd like to share it with you. THIS is why I love selling antiques:
Ms. Downes,
We thought you might enjoy hearing the story surrounding the lard pail. Our seven-year old daughter decided after fall festival this year that she wants to be Laura Ingalls of Little House on the Prarie for fall festival next year. We had just purchased an 1800s reproduction sunbonnet for her at Cracker Country in Tampa, Florida, so I suggested that we look for a lard pail for the Laura Ingalls costume, to use as a 'treat bag'. She loved the idea.
On Saturday, the mail man brought the pail, and I wish you could have seen the look on her face. She was absolutely thrilled with the pail and even wanted to take it to church on Sunday.
Thank you for your prompt and careful shipment.
Now begins our search for Laura Ingalls boots.
Sincerely,
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