A Store Scavenger Hunt
In honor of our store’s second birthday, we want to celebrate with a special scavenger hunt that highlights adorable but easily overlooked details here at Dog-Eared Books. All ages should be able to help spot most of the items on the list, and there’s a little something special for everyone to learn about our space.
From branding to building, Dog-Eared Books was lovingly made by our owners Amanda and Ellyn. If you look closely at the store itself, you’ll find all kinds of warm personal touches and delightful secrets on our walls, bookshelves, and counters. Some of the items on this list even have a story behind them, which we’ll share with you here.
Without further ado, here’s a store scavenger hunt compiled just for you:
ISU’s Campanile
The campanile is an Ames icon, and legend has it students still sneak kisses there at midnight. Dog-Eared Books values being part of and investing in its community, so we’ve worked hard to include other parts of the city in our work, whether it’s a depiction of an Iowa State University treasure or a recommendation for coffee next door. Spot this nod toward campus history to begin your scavenger hunt!
Our Cheshire Cat
This work of felt art was a gift to honor the store when it was opening. A member of Ellyn’s family felted this character from the literary classic Alice in Wonderland to add a dash of whimsy and wonder to our space. If the Cheshire Cat symbolizes knowledge and mischief, the staff honor him daily with their love of books, the pranks they play on each other, and their silly senses of humor.
An Antique Cash Register
Long before Dog-Eared Books was born, our building originally housed The Tilden Store, owned by the Tilden Family. Beginning as a general store in 1869, The Tilden Store became a well-known department store until it closed in 1971. During our first year, members of the Tilden family happened to visit the store while they were in town for a family reunion, and they offered us a deal: we could have The Tilden Store’s original cash register if only we could transport it to Ames. Amanda and Ellyn drove 9 hours each way to pick it up, and now it rests proudly in our store!
Book Page Doors
We’re not sure whose idea it was. What we do know is that when brainstorming the design of these doors Amanda and Ellyn thought hard about the funniest books they’d ever read. They tracked down the books and scanned their first few pages until they landed on humorous passages that were both accessible and appropriate for general audiences. Those passages became a set of doors we know and love.
A Giant Version of The Catcher in the Rye
By now, it’s probably clear that bringing Dog-Eared Books to life as it is today was an effort of love from many different people. To create these giant-sized representations of book spines, an owner of Marmalade Moon (our next door neighbor!) made a woodcut based on each title, and Amanda’s sister painted them. Near The Catcher in the Rye, you’ll also spot books like The Poisonwood Bible and Tell The Wolves I’m Home, two of Ellyn’s favorites that really affected her.
One Heavy Dog
When the weather is nice, this heavy dog sometimes helps us keep the doors open. If it feels like cooperating. There have been days when staff run back and forth, replacing the dog again and again when it doesn’t feel like doing its job. When we want the door shut, this dog rests elsewhere in the store. We’re sure you can find it. ;)
Lovie’s Treat Jar
This treat jar is the fastest way to Lovie’s heart. We keep it close to reward her for good behavior, give guests an easy way to love on her, and brighten her day. In exchange for a treat, she can also perform one of the many tricks she knows. If you ever get the chance, it’s fun to ask Amanda to show you some of Lovie’s many skills.
Want to take this list with you to check off each secret as you find it? Here’s a printable scavenger hunt for your pleasure!
