August 27, 2010
Growing up on a farm just about 30 miles west of Geneva, I thought that it was such a treat to be taken to my mom’s favorite lunch destination, the Little Traveler. This was a favorite place for mom and her friends to reunite and catch up on life. Sometimes I was afforded the opportunity to “tag along.”
As time went on and I moved away, finally settling in SC, I began to appreciate the unique experience of visiting the Little Traveler each summer with my mom. Nowhere else seemed to offer such a wonderful opportunity to dine and shop for hours all in one store. One summer when I was coming home for a class reunion, she suggested that we have lunch at the Little Traveler to see if I might be able to find just the right dress for the occasion. Sure enough, we found a two-piece outfit that was the prettiest teal color with some crocheted detail that made it a one-of-a-kind outfit. She loved it the minute she saw it on me and insisted on buying it for me.
Sadly, six years ago this very month, my sweet mother passed away leaving an unbelievable void in my life. As I was making my decision as far as what I should wear for her funeral, I put aside the notion of wearing the traditional black outfit and decided upon that awesome teal dress that we shopped for together. It represented not just a singular moment of time we shared at your shop, but in a larger sense it represented the importance of spending quality time with the people you love most. Thanks for providing some great memories!
Beth Jacky, Lexington, SC
June 26, 2010
Dear Little Traveler,
When being asked what childhood memory stuck out in my mind, I was extremely surprised at the picture that flashed in my mind. The image of the front of The Little Traveler. The lunches, puppet shows, and story times that I was given the opportunity to sit through have made a memory that is unforgettable. I remember my mom getting the newsletter and I would anxiously await what event was scheduled.
I was first taken to The Little Traveler when I was five years old. I went with my grandma and mother in order to meet my childhood obsession: Madeline, the character from my favorite book. My grandmother promised me I could take my picture with her. Sure enough, I got my picture and even got to work side by side with my grandma to make a hat just like Madeline’s. Little did I know at the time that this outing would be one of my favorite memories.
My grandma became sick this year with cancer, and during her treatment I kept playing that memory over in my mind, hanging on to such a fun time. I am happy to say my grandma is cancer-free at the moment. I hope we can make another trip to lunch at The Little Traveler once again, and I can feel like “one of the ladies.”
Sincerely,
Kelly Del Valle, Woodridge, IL
Kelly will receive a $50 gift certificate as a token of our thanks for this lovely letter. Send your letters to Almanack Editor, 404 S. Third St., Geneva, IL 60134.
April 5, 2010
A Letter from a Friend:
My story begins when I was 5 years old. My mother told me and my sister Anne that on the weekend we would take the train to Geneva to meet our great-aunt Kate. I had heard stories of her worldly travels and at Christmas we always received a special gift from her. Living in Chicago in 1946 and not owning a car, the train was really our only option. What an adventure!
We walked up Third Street to The Little Traveler and rang the doorbell. Someone let us inside and we waited in the foyer to be greeted. I remember looking up the long staircase as I heard aunt Kate’s footsteps from above, then at the turn of the stairs she came into view with a big smile. She was a very gracious and generous woman whom I will never forget.
I have returned to The Little Traveler often since then and, in fact, I was there last weekend. I always take a moment to gaze up the stairs when I enter to remember her. I am so pleased that her legacy lives on. Her name was Kate Howard Raftery, the founder of The Little Traveler, but she was my great-aunt Kate. Great indeed!
John Howard Loader
Oak Lawn, Illinois
John will receive a $50 gift certificate as a token of our thanks for this lovely letter. Send your letters to Almanack Editor, 404 S. Third St., Geneva, IL 60134.
February 3, 2010
I first visited The Little Traveler with my college roommate who was from Geneva. We were freshmen at NIU in the late 1950’s and I loved it then as I do now. I’ve never been to a gift shop that feels like it was dedicated to everything I like. It totally fits me and my likes. From the jewelry to the stationery to the garden room, I love it all. This past winter I bought five (5) snowflake pins that I gave to very special friends.
I’ve started bringing my only granddaughter there to celebrate her Oct. birthday. We started when she was four and have done it for three years now. Also, when being rewarded for being so good when her Dad was recuperating from surgery, her mother wanted to reward her and Kathryn said she wanted to go to Geneva shopping with Grandma Purple. Now what’s better than that?
-Helen
November 30, 2009
Dear Little Traveler,
Greetings from South Florida!
Though I live in a vacation capital, for the last few years I have spent my vacation in Batavia with visits to my brother and sister-in-law. And I just want to share with you how the highlight of those visits has become a day spent in Geneva at The Little Traveler– and I do mean a pretty full day. Our day always takes on the same delightful pattern: we shop our way to the middle of the store, stop to energize at The Atrium Cafe for lunch, continuing shopping our way through the rest of the store.
These enjoyable “day trips” have actually taken on the status of family legend where the mantra, “Don’t buy anythng that won’t fit in the suitcase,” is featured. It seems that with great regularity I not only fill my suitcases with your little treasures but I fall in love with a large treasure that requires a very large box that must be shipped home! A chandelier, a wall decoration, and a statue have all made the trip from The Little Traveler in Illinois to my home in Florida.
Let my family tease me. I’ll be back for more treasures… and I’m glad that you ship!
Thanks for the fun! See you next year.
Fondly,
Trish Kornblatt, Boynton Beach, FL
Trish will receive a $50 gift certificate as a token of our thanks for this lovely letter. Send your letters to Almanack Editor, 404 S. Third St., Geneva, IL 60134.
November 30, 2009
Dip, Chiller and Spreader – Add a cheese ball mix and spreader and your host or hostess will be all set. $15.00
Christmas Mistletoe/Kissing Krystals — Sparkling gold and red mistletoe atop a large crystal pineapple comes in a gift box. $18.00
Snowman Bath Fizzers – Lavender bath bombs perfect for the hostess to relax after the big party. Three bath balls dressed as Santa. $13.75
Christmas Potpourri — Our most popular scent. A bag of this potpourri will get anyone in the mood for the
holidays! Large $14.00
Ceramic Lighted Santa — He’ll light up your hostess’ holidays and best of all, he’s also available at our on-line store for only $15.95
Talk Turkey To Me — The entertaining Turkey and all the trimmings cookbook for the holidays and year round. Also available at our on-line store for $19.95
November 19, 2009
Children ages 4-8 are invited to join us Sunday, December 13, at 1:00 pm in our Atrium Café to prepare for Santa’s arrival! Write and decorate a letter a letter to Santa and then mail it to the North Pole in our special mailbox. Afterwards we’ll create a unique care package for Santa that’s a departure from milk and cookies! $7 per person.
EVENT CANCELED
November 19, 2009
Your little ones will love spending the morning with Mrs. Claus. Children ages 5 and up can get their last minute holiday lists to the North Pole by giving them to Santa’s better half. You and your children will share a yummy breakfast with Mrs. Claus and then learn all about the workshops at the North Pole. They will also get to see if they are on the Naughty or Nice List.
These merry festivities begin at 9am on December 12 and 19. $10 for children, $12 for parents includes the meal, program and a $5 coupon for the adults. Sign up by calling 630.232.4200 in after 10am on November 16.
November 18, 2009
Collectible Holiday Events:
Friday and Saturday:
*Brighton On-The-Go – Receive a specially designed Dayplanner and Journal FREE with a $100 Brigthon Purchase. Designed to fit in your Brighton handbag!
Friday, December 4 11 a.m.-3 p.m.:
* Swarovski Crystal Event – Meet Ann Andrea, Swarovski representative, see what’snew for Holiday 2009. With any purchase, sign up for a free gift drawing.
* Waterford Crystal Holiday Event — We have the new and exciting pieces for 2009. Sign up for a free gift drawing.
* Lladro Holiday Extravaganza –Angela Casa, Lladro representative, will meet and greet Lladro fans and present the newest in the line. Sign up for a free gift drawing.
* Williray for the Holidays – Beccy Metzgar will visit the shop to show off these whimsical Country folk art pieces that are designed as a celebration of the holidays. Enter a drawing to receive a signed large creche, valued at $250. Special Purchase Friday Only: Holy Family Creche $132.50. (originally $265.00)
* Colonial Candle Gala –Light up your holidays with beautiful candles. Sign up for a free gift drawing.
Saturday, December 5:
* Byers’ Choice Event - During the Geneva Christmas Walk, a company representative will be showcasing all the new pieces for Christmas 2009. Stop in and register to win a free piece from Byers’ Choice!
* Berghoff Cafe Cookbook Book Signing – at 1:00 p.m. Carlyn Berghof will be here to sign copies of this new cookbook filled with simple and satisfying classic recipes from Chicago’s Berghoff Cafe.
I come to your 