Are you a collector of angels, cows, clowns, pigs, elephants, dolls, bears, antique glassware, tea cups or, actually, just about anything? Then you’ll want to meet Barbara Stroud, the Queen of Collectibles, at her amazing shop, A Touch of Yesterday, in downtown Truth or Consequences, New Mexico! And even if collecting isn’t your thing, you’ll find A Touch of Yesterday is the perfect destination for unique gifts and holiday decor. Barbara has an uncanny ability to find the collectible you’ve been dreaming of, or perhaps the one you didn’t know you needed until it caught your eye, glittering from her well-organized shelves, so let’s take a closer look.
A Look Beyond Yesterday
From Coast to Coast to the Southwest
Living happily with her husband in California, Barbara Stroud was in a good place. But when her husband passed away, she decided to move across country to Virginia to be close to her daughter. While there, Barbara met Russell Metcalf, who was originally from Elephant Butte, New Mexico. The two hit it off, and when Russell’s job in Virginia was wrapping up, he suggested they move to Elephant Butte. After hearing Russell describe the beauty of Elephant Butte Lake, the mountains, and the stunning desert landscapes, Barbara agreed to go.
Brief Second Thoughts
Making their way across county, Barbara and Russell finally arrived late one evening. They took the I-25 exit to Elephant Butte, unable to see anything except what glowed in their headlights. They crossed a cattle guard on that moonless night and Barbara’s heart sunk, thinking “Oh my God, what have I done!” But her fears were short lived. Barbara was with the man she loved and soon discovered she also loved living in Elephant Butte. For the next year and a half, Barbara’s life was everything she had hoped it would be.
A Sad and Tragic Event
Unfortunately, a sad twist of fate intervened. Tragically, Russell, who loved every minute he spent at Elephant Butte Lake, lost his life in a drowning incident. Alone again, Barbara pulled up stakes and moved to Silver City, New Mexico, where she opened a shop similar to the beautiful store she runs today. For the next three years, Barbara was successful in business but became increasingly homesick for Elephant Butte.
A Touch of Yesterday
Full Circle
Missing Elephant Butte, Barbara decided to make the move back to Sierra County. She found the perfect location for her shop in downtown Truth or Consequences and, in June of 2013, opened under the name A Touch of Yesterday.
A Collector’s Paradise
You won’t find a more pristine, well-organized and artfully displayed store anywhere. Whether you’re shopping for collectibles, gifts, or holiday décor, you’ll find it only takes a minute to zero in on what you were hoping to find. And when you know a bit about Barbara’s background, it’s clear to see why. As a child, when friends were playing dolls and school, Barbara was playing store. And when Barbara was living in California, she worked for years as a merchandiser for Macy’s, a job she absolutely loved. She also made and sold her own creations at craft fairs. With all that experience behind her, it’s no surprise that a Touch of Yesterday boasts such attractive displays.
Something for Everyone
It would be difficult to leave A Touch of Yesterday without finding something for yourself or a friend. Along with the many collectibles, you’ll find antiques, vintage items, jewelry made by local artisans, holiday décor for literally every holiday, and Christmas ornaments, which are displayed year-round.
A Warm Invitation to Visit
A Touch of Yesterday offers a unique, fun, and fulfilling shopping experience. The shop is sparking clean, extremely well organized, beautifully displayed and offers an exceptional array of collectibles, gifts and holiday décor. Plus, you’ll be greeted warmly by store owner Barbara Stroud. When asked if retirement is in the plans, Barbara responded, “Absolutely not. This is my passion. I love what I do!” So the next time you visit Truth or Consequences, make a point to stop by A Touch of Yesterday, meet a most welcoming woman, look around the store, and leave with one or more items that you’re sure to treasure for years to come.
