Rose Cottage Studios is New Again!

Built in 1894, the Dan A. Branstetter Building began as a barbershop, a business that persisted under five different owners. Over the years it has undergone many changes.

During the Roaring Twenties, a variety store occupied the upstairs. In 1947 the façade was significantly altered. The building has been a beauty salon, dress shop, television /appliance repair, and, more recently, an artist’s shop and classroom, Valley Arts.

Rose Cottage Studios was already on Main Street when 385 became available. The building offered Rose Cottage proprietor Marilyn Cowan room to display more antiques and add a café area in the back. She remodeled the interior extensively, reopening her shop in 2006. There she developed a loyal following for her French-pressed coffee and fresh baked goods. This was perhaps the first time the Branstetter had housed an eatery.

In January of 2011 Cowan decided to reinvent Rose Cottage Studios once more. She moved the eating area to the front of the shop, where guests will find it warm and cozy. A comfy sofa and chair invite visitors to stop for a relaxing cup of tea or to read a good book.

Rose Cafe's comfy chair is great for a moment's peace Although the daily menu is limited, anything you eat at the Rose Café will be fresh and memorable.

According to Cowan, "Many long time customers call ahead to see if I will make their favorite on the day they plan to be here."

She is famous for her chicken salad, turkey burgers and all manner of homemade desserts, especially bread pudding with bourbon sauce. Drink selections include French-pressed coffee, hot and iced tea, lemonade and delectable hot chocolate.

Humboldt’s natural wonders can be far from eateries; Rose Café picnic lunches may be ordered ahead for country jaunts. Also a popular place for group get-togethers, the café often hosts birthday parties, baby showers or gatherings of ladies in Red Hats.

By eliminating large antique pieces Cowan was able to establish the studio behind the café. There she hosts an array of classes in the art of fine crafts, evenings and Saturday afternoons.

Cowan specializes in repurposing vintage lace, linen, ribbon and millinery flowers as well as custom lampshade making. Other talented instructors teach stitchery, crocheting, sewing, needle felting and more.

Says Cowan, “I'm always on the lookout for people who can offer top-notch instruction. So many disciplines are being lost today; I hope my little corner of the world can help preserve some fine crafting techniques so that they can continue into the next generation.”

Rose Cottage Studios classes are offered by advance registration. Rose Café is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 1:30 pm, with brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and by appointment or reservation. Menus and class listings are updated frequently online at RoseCottageStudios.com.

enjoy an old-fashioned treat at one of Rose Cafe's antique table settings