Brooklyn Flea at One Hanson Place
Sunday I took a trip to the Brooklyn Flea Market at the former Williamsburg Savings Bank to check out their wares. Brooklyn Flea runs 2 markets-one on Saturday in DUMBO and the indoor one at One Hanson Place on Sunday (and both days during the winter). First off, the space is amazing. It reminded me of Grand Central Station in that it was such a lovely space to have such a common sort of activity. Second, the layout made it a little complicated to browse as you incongruously flowed from one set of wares to the next.
Like many things in Brooklyn, items seemed strangely expensive. I've seen similar items at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market for better prices. For costume jewelry and purses there's no contest--hit the West Side. There were a few exceptions. The man pictured here, Lon Black, is a regular at the flea market and just plain great to talk to. He sells from an extensive collection of vintage post cards. I wound up purchasing a postcard with a vintage photograph of Shea Stadium from when it opened in 1964. He even took the time to explain how to enlarge it on Photoshop to maintain the detail.
Brooklyn Flea's former life as a bank
On the mezzanine level, a vendor sold hand blocked pillow cases and bed coverings for very reasonable prices. The food vendors towards the back are also worth a look. Delicious tacos and milkshakes at excellent prices. If the weather is good, I highly recommend taking a walk down Fulton Street where you'll find street vendors and a small secondary flea market. Hey, you may even get serenaded by an Usher cover singer like I did.
Photos courtesy of flicker.com/brooklynflea and Urban Art & Antiques
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