Wanda Morgan stands on the porch of her eclectic store , Wanda ’ s Finds .
With a wide variety of hats and tourquise jewelry , shoppers are sure to find somthing they love .
Shoppers can find treasure trove of antique glass along other antiques at Wanda ’ s Finds .
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“ I have a lot of really special turquoise ,” she explained , and she has gotten her turquoise jewelry from a supplier out of Arizona for years . He purchases his turquoise from traders throughout different Native American tribes , “ Different kinds of turquoise that are kind of rare anymore ,” Wanda said , particularly mentioning the White Buffalo turquoise and the Sleeping Beauty turquoise . “ He ’ s my main man ,” Wanda said . “ I don ’ t buy from anyone else , because I know he has got good things ,” and she always looks forward to his annual visits to resupply .
It is the kind of place that feels like a treasure hunt . The more you look , the more you find . A shelf of blue glassware sparkles next to a parade of antique oil lamps . A stack of Louis L ’ Amour novels tempts the western reader , and a hanging rack of classy purses and handbags nicely compliments the display of western-style leather belts , some embroidered , some beaded , some with concho accents . The stunning gaze of a buffalo catches one ’ s eye from across the room , a small part of the collection of fine art photography by Spearfish photographer K . J . Mahoney .
A few racks of second-hand clothing are tucked behind a sizable array of gorgeous Sunbody Hats , a brand of palm leaf hat popular with Wanda ’ s customers , mostly western style , comfortable and functional , which she brings in out of Texas . “ I started bringing them in after I sold the companies ,” she explained . Wanda ’ s Finds and Morgan ’ s Tack and Supply continue to be a hot stop for outfits coming to the many horse camps around Hot Springs . Wanda is in the perfect location to help resupply or fix a broken piece of gear . Another hot item is a line of elk and cowhide gloves , both insulated and non-insulated , which she says sell on a regular basis .
Although lacking an in-store saddler , Morgan ’ s Tack and Supply still sells saddles , crafted by Doug Pirnie of Hot Springs . A former employee of the Morgans , Pirnie went to work for the Morgans in 1995 , while they were still in manufacturing .
“[ The Morgans ] did saddles and all kinds of different stuff , when I went to work for them anyway . [ Saddle making ] was kind of something I always wanted to do , and they were the only people I knew who provided on the job training ,” he said .
Doug learned the saddle making art from Veldon , who , according to Wanda , took Doug on as a student “ to get Doug off his back ,” she said with a little laugh . However , Doug demonstrated an eagerness and aptitude for the work and in 1998 , Doug and his wife Lacey purchased the saddle company from the Morgans , opening it under the name Y-L Saddlery ; they operate out of their storefront in Hot Springs across from the Mammoth Site . Doug carries on Veldon ’ s legacy of craftsmanship , making custom saddles , “ Just like Veldon taught him ,” Wanda said .
Wanda may enjoy the freedom and flexibility of being a lone ranger in her store , but she loves the customer interactions and eagerly visits with those who take the time to stop in . Old friends and loyal customers , new customers and people yet to be befriended , Wanda loves watching and sharing in their enjoyment as they see what ’ s to be found in Wanda ’ s Finds .
So treat yourself to a drive through Wind Cave National Park , get ice cream or supper on the main drag in Hot Springs , and make a stop at Wanda ’ s Finds and Morgan ’ s Tack and Supply . Enjoy a chat with Wanda and mosey through her store … it ’ s western , but with a twist .