At The Blue Goose, a Story With Every Item

Don Wessel has lived in Ellicott City for his entire life. These days, much of that time has been spent at the intersection of Main Street and Old Columbia Pike at The Blue Goose, which he opened last September. 

As an art and home décor consignment store, The Blue Goose is in the tradition of others on Main Street in the Historic district, but it is set apart and because of the experience and eye of its owner.

Wessel remembers when the front part of his store, or the “new part of the building” dating from about 1900, was the Parlette Ford showroom.  The rest of the store dates from the late 1800s and there is evidence that it was a mill worker’s home or a shop with a home above it.

“But," Wessel said, "this building doesn’t have spirits.” He gets that question a lot.

The Blue Goose is a basic consignment store, meaning it acts as a mediary between sellers (who retain ownership of their goods until sold), and buyers, which is different than a thrift store.

The items are high quality and often quite sought after.  For example, Wessel is carrying a lot of Waterford crystal now, but his inventory changes a lot.  Prices are moderate for his offerings, which range from Thomasville furniture made in North Carolina to signed Royal Doulton. 

At the heart of the store is art from local artists.  “I like the artwork and supporting local artists,” Wessel said.  Within a few feet of each other is a sunflower painted with acrylic on gold paper by local Tom Pattison and two oversized oil paintings on canvas from Catonsville artist Lynsey Ring Dimas. 

There are hand carved wooden shelves created by Bradley Mettu with wood from the old Bassler Farm, on which now sits Howard County Hospital.

“Everything [in The Blue Goose] has a little story,” enthused Wessel.  “When somebody purchases something there is usually a story that goes with it. It’s personal.”

And Wessel knows the stories; not only where the pieces are coming from, but where they are going. He points out a Wedgewood china set and explains that the owners moved to Florida and now use only paper plates.  He picks up a Royal Doulton Toby mug and tells of its significance.

The Blue Goose, named after a painting, opened in September 2010.  Before that, Wessel had a significant amount of retail experience: he was the original owner of Wessel’s Florist and Weddings Inc., which he opened in 1975 and sold in 1995.

“I’ve always been into the arts – flowers are an art form too. After I retired I did various things…and when this space was available I thought this would be something to do.  And here I am.” Wessel has always collected art and antiques and his house, like his showroom, is full of them. 

The large windows and central location of Blue Goose serve a dual purpose. Wessel is more connected to Main Street, he sees all of the comings and goings of the neighborhood. But the windows also help business.

“I enjoy what I’m doing and being on this corner,” Wessel explains.  “I sell a lot of stuff right out of the window. Today I sold a silver sugar bowl to a woman who saw it in the window, then called me a couple of days later.  She’s putting her daughter’s wedding bouquet into it.  That makes it fun.”

Hours are Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, “by chance.”

The Blue Goose is located at 3715 Old Columbia Pike and can be reached at 410-461-6072 or TheBlueGoose@verizon.net.