MEEKER | The new “shingle” for T Rose Etc. hangs above cheerful red doors at 336 Eighth Street in Meeker, ready to welcome customers. For the last seven years, T Rose Etc. LLC, owned by Teresia Ruckman-Reed, has provided multiple skilled services to area residents and businesses. Whether it’s alterations on a wedding gown, pants hemmed, a zipper replaced, an heirloom chair repaired and reupholstered, an outfitter’s hunting tent mended for the next season, or any number of tasks, T Rose Etc. will figure out how to get the job done. It’s not uncommon to find her with needle and thread in hand, attaching sequins to a prom dress, during a board meeting for one of the multiple boards on which she serves, at the museum where she is the executive director of the historical society, or at Grant Mortuary where she provides care and service for the bereaved.
That “can-do” spirit of industry is hereditary. For more than 100 years, the Ruckman family has worked in Meeker as carpenters, handymen, plumbers, and more. Her father Jim and uncle Bob established Ruckman Construction in 1957, and Jim was instrumental in renovating the Hugus Building in the 1990s. Her great-grandparents, T.L. and Emma — pioneers who homesteaded in Meeker in 1895 — oversee the sewing room from a wedding portrait hanging over an antique pool table that has been retrofitted to serve as a sewing table for cutting and sizing material.
Another Meeker pioneer, Audrey Oldland, taught a nine-year-old Reed to sew in 4-H. Not too many years later, as a young mother, she realized she could use those skills professionally to provide for her family. An accomplished seamstress, Reed eventually added upholstery and tent repair, among other skills, to her repertoire.
A local outfitter and customer writes, “Prior to T Rose setting up her shop in Meeker, those of us that rely on professional repair and replacement of our equipment had to ship items to Denver, or make the 10-hour round trip drive to drop items off for repair. T Rose’s service is a much-needed one for our community. She fills a niche that is appreciated and sought after.”
T Rose Etc. has operated out of over-the-garage space on 12th Street, necessitating hauling projects up and down steep stairs. The building at 336 Eighth St. is owned by Reed’s aunt, Bonnie Ruckman, who lives next door. Over the years the space has housed everything from a gift shop to an accountant’s office to a beauty parlor. It’s much larger inside than it appears from the outside, and provides a bee-like “hive” of rooms for the various operations to take place.
“Our community was founded on tenacity and determination. The future of the outfitters and outdoor industry is at risk as the services they need to continue become obsolete. I refuse to stop serving my community so instead we are making a big change,” Reed stated in a letter announcing the new location, adding, “The unlimited list of services provided, sewing services, garment repairs, alterations, décor, blind repair, upholstery and outdoor equipment repair is now available at the new location at 336 8th Street…It is all on one floor and includes garage door access for larger items, a sewing machine repair area, a blind and window treatment repair station, wall tent/canvas repair center, a sewing room, a paint booth and a small consignment shop.”
Joining her at the new location are Valerie Sjoerdsma, working on upholstery and furniture refinishing, and Bobbie Maas in the consignment shop.
Drop off and pick up of clothing alterations is still available at the mortuary on Tuesday and Thursday mornings or at the museum on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and all day Wednesday. Reed plans to keep regular hours in the 8th Street location on Mondays and Fridays and is available by appointment after hours and on weekends.
For upholstery and furniture projects, customers are asked to order fabric through T Rose before they bring in their item, as storage space is not infinite. Seats and cushions for ATVs, OHVs, motorcycles, boats and snowmobiles can be recovered as well. “We are focusing on a fairly fast turnaround,” Reed said.
The consignment shop offers high-end adult clothing, accessories and smaller furniture and “is open anytime we are there,” Reed said. “We encourage you to call if you are headed this way, to assure someone will be there.” Maas will be there for a few hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. No drop-offs will be accepted and items can be consigned only by appointment. There’s a limit of 15 items at a time. Items should be season-appropriate, stain-free, clean, and in good condition. Items over 60 days will be returned, sold at a discount, or donated by request. In addition, T Rose Consignment Shop will host a small fashion evening each month.
Please contact the shop at 970-878-7800, Teresia at 970-388-7164, or Valerie at 970-618-4506 to schedule work or be placed on the waitlist.
T Rose Etc., LLC, owned and operated by Teresia Ruckman-Reed, has moved into a new location at 336 Eighth St., allowing easier accessibility and more space for multiple services offered. The public is invited to an Open House Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. to celebrate the new location. Light refreshments will be served. NIKI TURNER PHOTO
The wedding picture of Reed’s great-grandparents, T.L. and Emma Ruckman, hangs in the sewing room, a reminder of generations of Meeker pioneers dedicated to hard work and community service. The Ruckmans arrived in Meeker in 1895.