US Postal Stamp - Pioneers of American Industrial Design

Recently when I went to buy stamps and asked what was new, I was shown these - Pioneers of American Industrial Design. I was thrilled and pleased to see these beautiful stamps. Americans have always had an amazing sense of design. We have our own look, different then anywhere in the world. There is a freedom of design in America as well as a huge melting pot of traditions that flows through each one of us from our ancestors that inspire us to create and become a part of what is American Design.

Country Living Fair!!

I have been wanting to do this for the last few years, so this year I said I am going and what I time I have had! The County Living Fair is at the Ohio Village in Columbus, Ohio and the grounds are overflowing with talented crafts people and shoppers! Fun is being had by all, old and young. I had lunch with a Grandma and her 2 month old granddaughter! So many beautiful things I have picked up for the store. I would say 90% of everything at the fair is made in America and that's good news for all of us. If you have the time to go to their fair in October, in Atlanta, I would do it! It's really fun and you will enjoy yourself, I promise! Click on the picture and go straight to Country Living's website to get details. The Columbus Fair has one more day, so if you are nearby, check it out!

I'm back!!

Hard to believe a year has passed since I wrote in my blog. A lot has happened, both good and bad, but it feels great to be back and writing again. Our big news for the summer has been all the wonderful organic, locally farmed fresh produce that has been in the store. So good for our bodies and our brains. Our two farms, Freedom Organix and The Gentleman Farmer, have brought incredible, edible delights to the store all summer long. The tomatoes are wonderful!! So tender and juicy. We also have a daily supply of fresh organic eggs. Come on by and pick up a dozen. I hear that when you use farm fresh eggs for your Angel food cake, you will have an amazing treat for all to savor!

On-line store now open & photographer Anthony Tortoriello

Wow, it's been awhile but I have so much news!!! We have been working around the clock to get our on-line store open and we did it! 700 hundreds products up already and putting more on everyday! Thanks Tiffany for all your extremely hard work! Check it out at http://www.shop.nortonsusa.com. or click ribbon cutting picture. We also are on Facebook now and our friend and photographer Anthony Tortoriello took an amazing picture of the store as he rode by on his bike and posted it there. We thought you might like to see it as well. Check out his website at http://www.atortphotography.com or click his picture to the right!

It feels good to be back!! Happy Summer

MADE IN AMERICA - NORTON'S U.S.A. PROFILE

Here is a lovely article written by Jennifer Zegler, Editor, McHenry County Magazine
about Norton's U.S.A. in their December issue.

Deborah Leydig was so inspired by her role of Barbara Ehrenreich in the stage adaptation of "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" at Steppenwolf Theatre, she wanted to do something to support American manufacturers.

She spent four years researching American-made products, and gathered those products to open Norton's U.S.A., a general store in Barrington. The old fashioned term "general store" encompasses the wide variety of goods she stocks.

Housed in a former horse barn, the store's stock runs the gamut – from apparel and toys to cleaning supplies and food – that all share the distinction of being made in America.

Leydig explains the origins of the goods as she leads a tour through the store – Anchor Hocking glassware from Ohio, wooden toys made in Pennsylvania by Holgate Toys, and environmentally friendly cleaning products from Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day based in Minnesota.

"The great thing about working with American people and companies is that you get to learn about them and who they are," Leydig says.

Deborah stocks honey made 2 miles from the store and most of her food products come from Illinois and the surrounding states. One of her goals was to use manufacturers instead of buying from local artisans, but some exceptions do exist such as wooden items made by a craftsman who works at a neighboring Barrington business and stained glass from another Barrington gentleman. The store also gets into the act, selling Leydig's hand-screened wrapping papers and dog beds.

For the upcoming holiday season, Norton's has a variety of seasonal goods including unique Christmas cards, hand-blown glass ornaments and the last artificial Christmas trees made in America.

"We have a wonderful selection of ornaments," she says. "About 98 percent of Christmas ornaments are made in China, but we’ve found some glass American-made ones. We have lovely Christmas trees and hand-blown ornaments, one of the Earth that’s just beautiful, also ones that look like icicles, snow flakes and pine cones."

In addition, Leydig suggests making a custom gift basket by combining items from around the general store. She's had customers put together ice cream sundae gift baskets featuring Anchor Hocking sundae glasses and toppings from her food selection. Another popular option combines Amish popcorn with a microwave popcorn popper from Nordic Ware The spa section, pet display or even the cleaning items also make great gifts, she says.

Since the store opened in June 2007, Leydig has enjoyed getting to know her customers, who often make the trip to Barrington especially for her store.

"Owning a store you get a great look at life, it’s a study of people," she says. "I find it really interesting. We’ve had customers from Wisconsin, DeKalb and Indiana who come all the way here to buy American made products.”

She's also enjoyed being a destination for children from the nearby neighborhoods. She tries to keep some lower priced items in the store so kids can stop in and get a gift for under $5. Products made in the U.S.A. also offer a lesson, she says.

"It’s been a challenge to keep finding things that are made in America," Leydig explains. "But I think this store shows a good lesson to young people that you can make things. I try to talk to them when they’re in shopping. It’s a new way to think – stop thinking about all the deals you can find. It’s hard to find products that are all done in America."

Find out more about Norton's U.S.A. at 400 Lageschulte St., Barrington, 847-382-8872 or online at www.nortonsusa.com.

WEEKLY SPECIAL!!!

20% OFF All HALLOWEEN!!
Oct.27th - 31st!!!

Halloween is Saturday and there's just enough time to pick up some great Halloween decorations at Norton's U.S.A. Whether you need a GIANT PUMPKIN or a SPIDER WEB TABLECLOTH, come in this week and receive 20% off. We have great cards and activity books including haunted tattoos and stickers.

Norton's U.S.A. will be open late on Halloween until 7pm
so come buy and trick or treat with us if you dare!!
HAAAHHAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaa AHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhh

BOO!

WEEKLY SPECIAL!!

20% OFF All TOOLS!!
Oct. 20th - 24th !!

We have wonderful American hand tools on special this week. Come in and get yourself or someone you love a new hammer or screwdriver set!! What could be better and this week they are 20% off.

Halloween is almost here so don't forget to pick up your last minute goodies. We have fabulous chocolate covered pretzels, popcorn, fun decorations, activity books, paper mask kits and so much more including our giant 24" pumpkin!!

Have a great week and we hope to see you soon at Norton's U.S.A.

email us at nortonsusa@earthlink.net if you have questions or need directions.