Fat Katz Emporium

Lorraine O'Brien
5302-50 Avenue
Lamont, AB
T0B 4E0
Ph: (780) 895-2084

It may be junk to you and me but not to Fat Katz!|

What would you do if you saw a dilapidated paint-cracked old fashioned washstand at a garage sale? Many of us would throw it out before the sale,  considering it junk! There are those who would see it as ‘good enough’ for somebody’s  lake cottage. And then there are those who can envision the beauty of solid oak wood beneath the splintered facade, and the uniqueness of an exquisite antique or collectible.

Meet Lorraine O’Brien of Fat Katz Emporium in Lamont, who saw the singular magnificence in that washstand. She bought it at a garage sale for ten dollars.

While carefully loading her find into her van, she heard a rattling from within the washstand. After careful examination, she felt around to discover an obscure latch. Upon pulling on it, revealed a hidden liquor bar that held 10 shot glasses and four 26 ounce liquor bottles. This 1920 washstand was a cleverly concealed  prohibition days liquor bar! Whoever the original owner was, it can be surmised  he had the cleanest hands in the area, not to mention at least 10  happy friends …

For 20 years Lorraine worked in the banking industry by day, but in the evenings she refinished her own antiques and collectibles. She wanted to be self-employed so she approached a bank to help her get started, but was told antiques and collectibles were not a viable business for Lamont and area.

In 1992, still undaunted,  armed with her idea and banking background she visited the Lamont-Two Hills Business Development Corporation (BDC). She completed her business plan, and finished a marketing course while applying for financial assistance. She required additional operating funds to buy

products, in order to relinquish  the consignment portion of her business venture. Lorraine also required money to purchase a utility van to pick-up and deliver her products.  Upon receiving her loan, the business

originated on Lamont main street but soon required additional space. B.D.C helped her acquire a large house for sale further down main, allowing this entrepreneur to enjoy self-employment status ever since.

The BDC supported my vision and provided me with a lot of help. I call many times asking what seemed like simple questions, but when you start a business, you do ask basic questions. The BDC always provided me with answers. Their constant presence gave me confidence to make decisions. Today, I am a woman who is self-employed  loving what I do because of their service,” Lorraine emphasized.

To walk through Lorraine’s front room is like taking a step back into the past. Although the O’Briens have private living quarters on the top level of their home, their kitchen remains on the main level amongst the antiques and collectibles beautifully displayed everywhere, including the kitchen where they dine.

What is the difference between an antique and a collectible? The only difference is an antique is 100 years old or better, while anything in between is a collectible. So what can you find at Fat Katz Emporium? Everything from antiques to collectibles! China, old fashioned ornaments, kitchen utensils, and very old wash tubs, chamber pots which are often purchased to be used as flower planters. Unique items such as a collectible detergent box can be seen at the kitchen sink. You know you have seen that box

 before, as you only have to recall grandmother’s kitchen.

Lorraine’s refinishing talent is always in demand, so do ask if you can take a peek at the latest piece she is transforming to its original beauty.

By the way, if you are wondering what happened to the prohibition washstand, it was sold for $400.