Threads of Memories with Emily Braun

In 1987, friends Patty Kratochvil and Carolyn Dotson opened Threads of Memories Antique Mall in Brookings, South Dakota. Their idea was simple but heartfelt—combine alterations with a love of antiques—and keep those treasures in the community.

one of the Main St. area locations of Threads of Memories in Brookings

Fast forward to 2021, when Carolyn’s daughter, Emily Braun, stepped in to carry on the legacy. As the new owner, she’s added her own modern touch, from social media spotlights to curating the shop with an eye for both nostalgia and what’s trending in design.

Emily Braun holding a sign that says antiques standing outside of Threads of Memories Antique Mall in Brookings South Dakota — Emily Braun, owner of Threads of Memories Antique Mall located at 525 8th St. South, Brookings, SD

Threads of Memories Antique Mall

In Season 4 Episode 1 of Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens podcast, Emily and I talk about:

The journey of stepping into small business ownership in the Midwest
The difference between antiques, vintage, and thrifted items
How she curates what fills the store and why she supports other local shops that complement hers
The story behind the name Threads of Memories and the success her weekly “What’s New Wednesday” series on social media
Design trends like Mid-century modern, the return of record players and vinyl, and the growing interest in green Depression glass
Which items are fading out of popularity
Advice for downsizing or inheriting family heirlooms (including the touchy subject that our items my not be as valuable as we think)
Creative ideas for donating items that you might not have room to keep (think museums and churches)

outside merchandise at Threads of Memories

Listen to Season 4, Episode 1 of Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens on YouTube or Spotify below, or in your go-to podcast player.

Emily also reminds us that antiques have stories. When we walk through her shop, we’re not only browsing furniture and dishes, we’re rediscovering pieces that hold memories. Sometimes, a Pyrex bowl looks exactly like the one Grandma used for Sunday dinners, or a toy feels like it came right out of your childhood toy box.

Emily Braun at Threads of Memories Antique Mall surrounded by pink glass antiques

And of course, we talk about food. Emily shares memories of Thanksgiving at the farm, apple crisp, her mom’s deviled eggs, and her dad’s meat marinade. On the blog today, you’ll also find:

Her dad’s buttermilk waffles recipe
His flavorful meat marinade recipe
Emily’s modified Pioneer Woman spinach dip recipe

As a bonus, Emily lets us in on a hidden gem (The Golden Rule Coffee House) where she enjoyed a chicken salad sandwich and “the best” pickle spear—a cozy coffee house off Highway 19 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. If you love antiques, small business stories, Midwest living, or simply the memories tied to the things we treasure, this conversation will feel like wandering the aisles of your favorite antique shop with a couple of friends.

Recipes from Emily

Emily’s dad was an excellent cook and her mom is the baker, a.k.a. the sweets queen. Emily learned her way around the kitchen from them both.

Buttermilk Waffles

Dave Dotson’s (Emily’s dad) waffles brought everyone to the breakfast table.

A note from Emily: This was our family’s Sunday morning ritual. We’d usually top our waffles with homemade raspberry jam and syrup. And then we’d add on a side of sharp cheddar cheese to dip in our syrup! Unconventional, yes. But I’ve turned my husband into liking the cheese/syrup combo. ha!

photo of Emily Braun's dad's buttermilk waffle recipe card

Dot’s Wild Game Meat Marinade

Dave used this marinade for wild game, but it’s versatile enough for steak, chicken, or pork, and it always turns out delicious.

A note from Emily: My dad would make this for our church’s Wild Game Feed. It could be used for any meat really, and the recipe can be doubled or more for larger quantities of meat. But this recipe as is works for my husband and I when marinating meat for just the two of us.

photo of Dot's wild game marinade in a church community cookbook

the cover of The Chefs of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church Brookings, SD community cookbook

Pioneer Woman Spinach Dip with Modifications (No Artichokes)

From Emily: This is the recipe that all my friends ask me to make at our gatherings. And if there are leftovers, I slather that cheese & spinach concoction on sandwiches, burgers, etc!

3 Tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons garlic, minced
1 bag spinach
3 (additional) tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 ½ cup whole milk (possibly more if needed)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
½ cup feta cheese
½ cup grated parmesan
¾ cup pepper jack cheese
green onion (or regular onion)
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1: melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat, add garlic and onion, cook for a few minutes

2: crank up the heat and add spinach, cook until spinach wilts down quite a bit

3: remove from skillet into strainer over a bowl. Squeeze excess juice and put back into skillet.

4: melt 3 more tbsp of butter and whisk in flour until it turns into paste (over med-low heat), then pour in milk (in small batches, stir constantly), stir until slightly thick

5: add cream cheese, feta, parm, pepperjack and mix until smooth.

6: chop spinach and add to cheese mixture

7: at this point I put into a crock pot for game days and friend get togethers, but it can be baked at 375 degrees for 15 minutes

*This recipe is modified from a Pioneer Woman recipe.