Welcome to The Old Pitts Homestead – a vintage shop rooted in real American history.
In 1882, my great-great-grandfather Michael emigrated from Luxembourg and settled near Alexandria, South Dakota. Alongside his wife Maggie and their three sons, he built a family farm that would endure for generations. In 1909, two of the sons, Orrie and John, opened the Pitts Bros. General Merchandise, while my great-grandfather Charles continued working the land.
Over the next century, the Pitts family homestead stood through the influenza epidemic, two world wars, and countless chapters of American life. It welcomed friends, cousins, aunts, uncles, and wanderers from around the world—until the recent passing of my great uncle Dwight, its last resident.
While the shop began with the treasures passed down through my family, it has since grown into a curated collection of vintage and antique finds from many places — all chosen with the same sense of history, character, and charm.
At The Old Pitts Homestead, you’ll find:
✨ Vintage and antique housewares from the Homestead and the Pitts Bros. General Merchandise (operational until 1960)
🧸 Vintage dolls and toys from generations past
📚 Rare and out-of-print books, including first editions and heirloom children’s literature
🍽️ Dishes, silverware, and kitchen goods from decades of family gatherings and old-fashioned cooking
🖋️ Paper ephemera like postcards, photographs, and advertising from another time
🌎 Fine china from around the world, collected through travel and family connections
📮 Souvenirs from World’s Fairs, National Parks, and vacations
🪖 War memorabilia and Japanese pottery tied to my great-uncles’ military service
🚜 Vintage farm tools and advertising from rural life on the Great Plains
🧵 Handmade clothing, sewing notions, and tools from a self-sustaining homestead
👠 Porcelain shoes, figurines and salt & pepper shakers, reflecting a love for whimsy and beauty
🕰️ And much more!!
Each item tells a story — of resilience, of creativity, of a life well-loved. And now, these treasures are ready to become part of your story.
Come explore The Old Pitts Homestead — and discover a new, old treasure to love.
