My Grandmother started going to Tubac in the 1980s. Once a month during college, every single trip…read moreto visit during a holiday, or during a trip home (once I moved away for work), we "had to" go to Gary's (Old Presidio Traders). "Had to." My grandmother would spend more than an hour, pouring over every single bracelet in the old pawn case. Every single one. She'd try on more than I care to think about. Sometimes, we'd have a dozen different cuffs on the counter, waiting for her to choose the one (or two) that she wanted. And of course, my mother and I got sucked into this game as well. While we stood around, trying to get out of the way of the tourists, my mother, grandmother, and I talked. "Oh, that'll be nice once it is shined up." "How's school?" "What about that one over there!" Vicki, Gary, and the others would chime in along the way. Over the course of more than 30 years of regular visits, we got to know Gary and the entire staff. They were always kind, patient, and funny. We learned how Gary would buy bags of old pawn, by weight, sight unseen. We learned about kids, grandkids, divorces, retirements, and that the folks who worked there were kind and funny people. We also had a darn good time. Between the 3 of us desert rats, we gathered an enormous collection of Native American (Mostly Navajo) cuffs, necklaces, earrings, and rings. ENORMOUS. Today, my grandmother is more than 100 years old and in declining health. When I look at her collection now, I see workmanship, quality, good prices, and the priceless: memories. OPT is an overwhelming treat. Take your time. Ask questions. Go for a walk, or go for lunch--then go back and get that piece you were eyeing. You won't regret it. (I attached a small sample.)
