How Interesting! Kathleen Beesley and Andrea Trehern of Grand Bay turn the century-old Dezauche House into a Vintage Boutique and Gift Shop

From left, Kathleen Beesley and Andrea Trehern in Dezauche House Vintage Boutique and Gift Shop

When Kathleen Beesley and Andrea Trehern opened the doors of Dezauche Vintage Boutique and Gifts, 12560 Dezxauche Lane on April 4th, they did two commendable things.  They not only invited the public into a house filled with local art, collectibles, clothing and antique furniture, but also gave their visitors a chance to soak in the ambiance of a notable old home with magnificent trees that have witnessed a century of Grand Bay history.

First, to cover some of the unique and beautiful gifts and other items in Dezauche Boutique, then a companion piece concerning the past hundred years of the home and its history.

Trehern said that four rooms of the house are devoted to items for sale.  The first is the "Artists' Hall," and there, visitors will find the handiwork and talent of many area painters, craftsmen and writers.  For example, there are the literary works of Aleta Boudreaux and Carolyn Haines.  There are original pen-and-ink drawings by Joe Harper, showing scenes from Grand Bay, Dauphin Island and Moss Point.

On the walls and tables are wind chimes by Fran Berry, garden art by Carolyn Salmon (hanging hand-painted candle holders) and Trehern (bird feeders made from fine china.)  And prominently displayed is a photo of the Grand Bay Library-in-progress, ready for framing and for sale at $15.  The best thing about this piece is that 100% of profits go toward renovating the historic Grand Bay State Bank into a public library.  In fact, a portion of proceeds from the sale of all items in the Artists' Hall are designated toward re-purposing the old bank building.

Another room houses clothing--vintage, new and gently used, for both children and adults.  And Beesley said that the clothes are one of the boutique's best sellers.  Yet another room is filled with furniture, among the pieces an antique drum table and a butler's chair.  

And then there's the room with the collectibles, including every type of glassware, baby dolls, pictures and pitchers, crystal and a huge collection of Barbie dolls dressed as everyone from Rapunzel to Star Trek characters to Wonder Woman.

Beesley said that some of the items in the boutique are on consignment, and the women are not averse to taking a few more items, so long as they fit in with the store's premise and there is space.  The number for the business is 865-8000.