DRAIN – A new venue opened in Drain this month, and it is destined to be a favorite.
One might even say it is in the stars.
Capricorn Manor, a “fantasy Victorian event venue” featuring an antique mall and vendor shop, welcomed visitors to its grand opening on May 16 at 105 W. A Ave. in Drain. The venue will host events and showcase shops for antiques, collectibles, and art.
Since 2008, owner Ame Beard has hosted events like the Victorian Tea and Art Car Fire Fest. With her partner, Jim Beard, she plans to continue these educational events and the tea party at their estate and introduce private gatherings.
The venue can accommodate up to 100 people, and 13 local businesses will participate in the antique mall, which will showcase an old-fashioned aesthetic.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Capricorn Manor Antique Mall
WHERE: 105 W. A Ave. in Drain
WHEN: Open Thursday through Tuesday, noon-5 p.m.
ONLINE: CapricornManor.com
Capricorn Manor is in the historic Hasard House, a Queen Anne-style home built in 1902. The original owner, Charles Hasard, moved to Oregon in 1880 and worked as an Oregon and California Railroad carpenter. He arrived in Drain in 1892, where he took on the role of hotel keeper. Later, he transitioned to a farmer and merchant. In 1902, Hasard was appointed as a U.S. Land Commissioner. The house has multiple ornamented gables and a tower above the main entrance.
Sarina Dorie/ Chronicle Photos
Sara Barrett, a Drain resident who moved to the area in 2013, has seen the home transform from a dilapidated building into picturesque garden grounds and restored architecture since Beard became the owner.
Barrett’s children attended the Academy of Arts and Academics in Springfield, where Beard is principal. Now that her kids are grown and she has more time, Barrett has revived her dreams.
Barrett’s shop, Ghost Trestle Bakery, offers a variety of pastries and fermented items like sauerkraut and kimchi at Capricorn Manor. One of her specialties is galettes, which are artfully rolled pie crusts in sweet and savory varieties.
Don’t tell my mom, but Barrett’s pie crust was more buttery, flaky, and crispy than hers.
Everything I tasted was worth the carbs – and the trip to Drain.
All the vendors are locals, like Connie Lewendal, whose business is tentatively titled “Connie’s Timeless Treasures,” sells vintage milk glass and Depression-era glass, antique and modern kitchenware, and homemade crocheted kitchen “scrubbies” made from special yarn that is ideal for cleaning.
“I went to Kansas last summer and went to my first antique mall in a giant shopping mall, and there were so many booths, and I thought it was so cool, that is just something I want to be part of,” Lewendal said.
Drain resident Norma Lindh-Nussbaum of Winged Woman Designs sells a variety of items, including jewelry, dream catchers, decoupage journals, artwork, and seasonal items.
“I have really been throwing myself into my artwork lately and that is good, right? The world needs more of it,” Lewendal said.
Lu Murray of WhatchaMAcall it Crafts will be vending handstitched pillowcases, flour sack towels ala the style of the early 1900s, and baskets and birdhouses from recycled materials. She calls her aesthetic “folk art” and “old vintage.”
“People are finding out that they want hand-produced products,” Murray said. “If you buy local, you are supporting local people and giving back to the community.”
Rae-Marie Biaggne of RMB sells antiques and collectables, but she also sells outdoor garden art, upcycled art and sells photography of temporary nature collages.
Gwendolyn Iris, owner of Gwendolyn of Seasons’ End Flower Farm grows, forages and creates floral art with natural materials found in Oregon, inspired by flower folklore and cultural significance. Dawn Rossman who sells her art under the name Laney Lou Gifts will be selling laser cut wood signs with a farmhouse feel, ornaments, and “story charms.” Enchanted Cottage Creations will be selling fantasy-inspired treasures such as felted creatures, crystal alter caverns, and whimsical faerie bottles, which gives Capricorn Manor the ambiance of a magical historical setting.
Ame Beard herself will sell art, antiques, jams, chocolates, and pieces with a cottage core and fantasy home décor. Jim Beard will be selling blacksmith items. He raises bees and plans to sell honey in the future.
Upcoming events
• Tallulah’s Afternoon Tea Party and Tea Blending Workshop will be held June 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. for $5. On June 14 at 6 p.m., enjoy a free evening in the Victorian Salon featuring classical music, entertainment, good food, and intellectual conversation.
• A free fantasy-themed garden party, Midsummer Night’s Dream, will also be on July 19 from 7-10 p.m.
“We wanted to create a business that has a low barrier for entrepreneurs to get started,” Beard said, adding that she wants to “build a community” in Drain.
