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by Glenn Ditman

Columbia State Park is a step into gold rush history. But, for a small town that normally gets waves of tourist foot traffic, suggestions of restricted travel can wreak havoc on a small, niche business. Columbia Booksellers & Variety Store— a store managed by a history-loving husband and wife team, and designed around the Civil War era— has made sure the accoutrements of the 1800s are accessible to the dreaming traveler as well as in-person visitors.

A Place for Book Lovers

The 1800s was a prolific time for some of our most prized classic literature, including novels such as Jane Eyre, Black Beauty, The Jungle Book, Frankenstein, Alice in Wonderland and many, many others. These books can be found in either clothbound or leatherbound covers, making them great additions to any bookshelf.

For those more inclined towards nonfiction, the shop has many historical books available.

With a personal appreciation for literature, and herself being an author of historical Christian fiction, shop proprietor Rosanna Sharps also stocks the shelves with a variety of books written by local authors, some of which are signed.

1800s Outfitting

With sewing, crocheting, and knitting being popular of the time, Columbia Booksellers & Variety Store also offers shawls, crocheted collars, and scarves that not only represent the time, but are also unique accessories for those colder months. For those looking for classic costumes, hoops for skirts, bloomers, corsets, slippers, and hats are all available in the store.

And if you’re looking for something authentically Victorian to romanticize your boudoir, there’s currently a sale on “unmentionables.”

Many of these items, including pinner aprons, bonnets, and special capes called sontags, are often handmade by Sharps herself.

Unique Gifts

If 1800s-themed apparel isn’t inspiring enough, this shop also carries unique gifts such as Native American flutes, stained-glass feathers, and children’s toys particular to the era. Quill and ink sets, fragrant salves from the apothecary, and non-firing replicas of classic revolvers, pistols, and rifles also make for special gifts.

Venturers on Foot

The shop itself is a step back in time, with floor to ceiling shelves lined with 19th century inspired goods, and is a perfect spot to snag some souvenirs of your time in Gold Country. In the back of the shop is a room dedicated to used books for $1.00 each. If you don’t know what to do with books you’ve already read, donations are happily accepted. There are also many items in the store that are not available online.

Check out the Columbia Booksellers & Variety Store website or Facebook page.