Barbara Solomon, a valued member of the Orlando theatre community, has passed away.
Solomon was the owner of the now-closed Oldies But Goodies vintage shop in Ivanhoe Village, located at 2020 N. Orange Avenue [GMap]. She was infamous for keeping an untidy storefront, completely packed full of unique items and tchotchkes.
She had a harsh, gravelly voice that was distinctively her own. A voice that was fun to mimic when you left her store. Like a vocal aftershock after bearing witness to a real, authentic character.
Barb would memorize your face and name if you visited more than once and keep an eye out for treasures she knew you’d like. But only if she liked you.
Barb was a staunch supporter of the local theatrical community. She was even a muse for a play by local playwright Al Pergande called, The Mayor of Orange Avenue.
Even though she’d closed her Ivanhoe shop to pursue selling her wares around the country at various markets and wagon circles, Solomon would return each summer to set up a soggy tent of goodies on the Loch Haven lawn for the Orlando Fringe Festival. A 10×10 wigwam of dusty velour and rusty jewelry.
She was an experience.
We are poorer for having lost her.
