Learning From the Past

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Have you ever searched through old family memorabilia and found a spark of excitement? While looking through old photographs and yellowed letters, I discovered how my husband’s deceased aunt made her lifelong dream come true.

Aunt Marj’s goal was to have a consignment shop of unique handmade gift items. She never stopped thinking about it, and she never stopped planning it. After retiring from teaching school, she established The Windmill Country Store on Wetmore Road from an old country store and gas station originally built in 1928 and closed in 1942 due to World War II. Her business operated in San Antonio, Texas for fifteen years and expanded to over 300 consigners from thirteen states.

Learning From the Past

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Aunt Marg in Colonial Dress at old Singer sewing machine

Aunt Marj loved the Christmas season. She’d welcome visitors in a long Colonial dress and give them the history and tour of the store. She’d tell how scales and canned goods were still on the shelves, and auto parts were still in the back. A snake even kept her company while she prepared the building for business. The gas tanks added charm, and she kept them.

Her store was featured in KPRC’s Eyes of Texas program on April 14, 1982. Impressive.

The Windmill Country Store

Why my enthusiasm over a woman I’d never met?

She left a legacy of encouragement to every life she touched. Within the page of a single letter, she taught me to hold fast to the things that give me purpose and meaning. She wrote to her sister, “I am getting so excited about the prospects of my store I can hardly contain myself.”

I wish I’d known Aunt Marj. I’d have helped her clean shelves and sort items for her shop; praised those who delivered their handiwork; giggled at the idea of waiting on customers. And simply listened to her speak joy into the lives of others.

I hope one day when I’m gone, someone looks at my life and is inspired to move forward with impossible plans.