At The Pot and Kettle Co., It Goes Sideways, Slantways, and Somewhere Between a Thrift Store, a Candy Shop, and a Dream That Hasn’t Finished Unfolding Yet.
- Kellie Cook
- Mar 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 30
by: Waywind
Tucked into the heart of downtown Curlew, Washington, places aren’t simply places—they are memory keepers. They are gathering spots. They are where stories linger long after the doors close for the night.
Among the history-rich buildings located in this magical small town is something quite extraordinary: The Pot and Kettle Co. isn’t just a thrift and consignment shop—it’s a little world all its own. From carefully curated vintage finds to unique treasures that spark curiosity, every shelf tells a story. But the surprises don’t end there.
Around the corner, the Whistle Stop Candy Shop adds a sweet twist, offering nostalgic treats and coming-soon, handmade confections that transport visitors back to the magic of childhood.
Stepping through the doors of this beautiful small business is like stepping into a storybook. Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind thrift find, indulging in a sugar-filled delight, or just soaking in the charm of small-town Curlew, the thoughtful spaces within this nostalgic building at 6 River Street welcome you with a warm invitation to slow down, explore, and discover joy in the unexpected. Together, they are more than shops—they are entire journeys; each corner a new adventure waiting to be captured.
What began as an idea threaded together with a love of the hunt and a hate for how much society throws away has grown into something far more meaningful. It's a long thought on vision, mixed with careful planning, and a whole lot of love. It’s a living, breathing reflection of community, history, and heart.
Speaking of heart: Owner, Jennie Drennan, explains that she didn’t set out to create just another thrift and consignment store; she set out to build something that felt right. Raised in a secondhand lifestyle and carrying those values into her own family, she understands something many have forgotten: the things we reuse, repurpose, and pass on carry stories—and those stories matter.
You can find that philosophy carefully implemented, both creatively and visually, in every corner of the shop. From vintage finds and clothing to furniture, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind treasures, the Pot and Kettle Co. doesn’t just sell items—it curates connection. And if there’s something a customer is searching for? They’ll go on the hunt to find exactly what the customer desires.
The space itself is the bones of the full-service brainchild, as Jennie loves to call it- the building holds decades of local history. Therefore, she spends a lot of time, thought, energy and money ensuring the bulding is preserved with care and intention. Customers aren't just walking into a store—they remember what they feel when they step inside.
Helping to instill that notion was a meaningful moment that came when the grandson of a longtime building owner, Shirley Burnside, returned pieces of his family’s belongings to the shop. Today, those items are displayed with pride—a quiet tribute to the lives and stories that came before.
It’s not just retail. It’s restoration. It’s history. It’s grit. It’s love.
What makes the Pot and Kettle Co. truly unique isn’t just what’s on the shelves—it’s who is pouring their heart into the experience.
Jennie finds support from her husband, who has successfully owned and operated a local shop, D&D Automotive, for over 35 years—a remarkable accomplishment in such a deeply rural mountain town. Together, they’ve brought Jennie’s dream to life, though this is only the beginning of a lasting legacy.
Upon walking through the front door, her son Dylan greets you with a warm smile, setting the tone for a comforting space, and soon, her other sons will join the team, bringing the experience full circle. Together, they are, as Willy Wonka once said, “the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.”
And even cooler? What started as a personal vision has grown into something shared. Today, 22 local vendors have a direct stake in the shop, each bringing their own craft, passion, and personality into the space.
You’ll find:
Handcrafted, small-batch self-care products from local creator Life on Vulcan
Fresh baked breads from Curlew Farms Bakery
Jewelry created by a young local artist
Handmade slime from entrepreneurial siblings (so popular it rarely stays stocked)
…and so much more!
Ask Jennie what her favorite part of the job is, and she won’t hesitate:
“Literally… the customers!”
Her days are filled with sorting, cleaning, pricing, laughing, hugging, and connecting. There’s no rigid system yet—no polished corporate structure. Instead, there’s something far more powerful: intention. She even plays a little game with herself, putting out at least 50 new items each day to keep the experience fresh, surprising, and worth coming back for again and again. Every item is handled personally, every display thoughtfully arranged, every interaction genuine.
But the true beauty of her store lies in the way she shows up for her community. In Curlew, showing up matters—and the Pot and Kettle Co. shows up.
From supporting Barrel Derby Day and the Curlew Library movie nights to hosting Easter egg hunts (this is their second annual!) and planning community-centered yard sales, the shop is woven into the rhythm of the town.
Even their future plans reflect that commitment:
Large-scale, low-cost community sales
$1 items and $5 clothing bags, with some items set out for free
For Jennie and her family, it’s not about maximizing profit—it’s about maximizing impact.
Looking to the future of this wonderland, the vision continues to grow. Soon, visitors can expect:
A larger thrift and antique experience
A full vendor mini-mall
A candy shop with homemade confections
A bakery and restaurant
A tiny inn with four rooms, designed to match the original blueprints
And a few “top secret” surprises still to come
While it’s not fully realized yet, that’s part of what makes it so special. Every day, they show up—joyfully, intentionally—building the dream into reality, piece by piece.
In a world full of places to browse and buy, there are still a few that offer something more. As Jennie says simply, “There is nothing like us in the area.” And she’s right.
Because what you’ll find at Pot and Kettle Co., the Whistle Stop Candy Shop, and all the magic yet to unfold isn’t just something to take home—it’s something you carry with you. A feeling of connection, of history, of being welcomed in and remembered. Long after you leave, that feeling is what stays.
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