It All Started with a Box of Books: How I Built Log Cabin Vintage

Once upon a time, third grade me purchased my teacher’s library at the end of the school year.

You see, it was the year we learned about money, and I had earned so much fake school currency through class activities I was able to purchase her entire classroom library.

Did I do it? Yes.

Did I drag the books home in a huge box that fell apart as I was getting off the school bus and sent books tumbling down the steps onto the street? Yep.

Did the mean, old bus driver help me gather up my books? Nope.

Did I pick them all up by myself and haul that broken box the rest of the way home? Sure did.

Did I regret it?  Not for a single moment.

I didn’t know it then, but that box of books wasn’t just a prize—it was the beginning of a lifelong story. One I’m still living out today.

These days, I bring home books in my own car. Fortunately, none have tumbled out of the trunk—yet. I still haul them all inside by myself, and I still don’t regret a single one.

From Childhood Favorites to a Vintage Bookshop

It’s funny how life works out. What started as a third grader’s love of books has turned into something so much bigger. I now run an online vintage children’s bookshop, Log Cabin Vintage, which is designed to help families and homeschoolers rediscover the stories they grew up with and as well as help families introduce these wonderful books to the next generation of passionate readers.

Every day I get to help people rebuild collections of childhood favorites, curate shelves of living books, and build family libraries full of stories that have stood the test of time. I rescue old books and send them off to homes where they’ll be read and loved again.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about this work. It’s not always glamorous. Some days are slow, full of inventory spreadsheets or photographing worn spines. But when I stop and zoom out, I’m reminded of the bigger picture—of the lives touched, the memories rekindled, and the generations connected by a well-loved story.

Still the Girl Who Wanted All the Books

If third grade me could see me now, she’d probably be in awe—and delighted. I'm still chasing after books, still falling in love with the covers and the characters, still dragging boxes through the front door. Only now, I get to share those stories with others.

And hopefully, make a difference—one book, one family, one memory at a time.

It turns out that box of books wasn’t just the end of a school year.

It was the beginning of a lifelong calling.

Happy Reading,
Wendy

P.S. If you’re a fellow homeschool mom, vintage book lover, or someone who believes in the power of classic stories—come browse the shelves! I’ve filled Log Cabin Vintage with the kinds of books I loved as a child, and I’d love to help you build your own nostalgic bookshelf.  SHOP HERE.