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Antiquing guide along the I-26 corridor from Charleston, SC to Asheville, NC
Citation preview
Asheville, NC to Charleston, SC corridor Vol. 2, Issue 3 • Spring 2013
Your guide to 1,500 miles of antiques & collectibles
Compliments of:
story I-95, page 18Folk Art Circus
Antiques Alexandria, VA to Miami, FL
2 Interstate26Antiques•Spring2013
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32 TRAVELERofCharleston.com april-june 2013 april-june 2013 TRAVELERofCharleston.com 33
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61EXIT 5364
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To CharlestonKiawah-Seabrook Island
To I-95and Columbia
To Plantationsand CharlestonTo Charleston
To Savannah
17ALT
To Florence and I-26 towards Columbia
Visitor Center
TOCJ-april-june2013_Layout 1 3/5/13 3:22 PM Page 32
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4 Interstate26Antiques•Spring2013
When I mentioned writing this article to
my teen son and his friends the response was an immediate and surprisingly enthusiastic, “That is sooo cool!”. Maybe the biggest surprise was that they had actually looked up from the food they were eating and acknowledged that a Mom had spoken to them. They were truly interested in Zippo lighters. None of them smoke (at least I’ve never caught them) but they could all perform a couple of Zippo tricks. The distinctive Zippo clicks when the lid is opened and closed and the flint is struck seemed to be the beautiful part for these guys.
The Zippo company started production in 1932 after George Blaisdell became intrigued with a friend’s automatic lighter which he found highly functional but ugly. By 1933 Zippo was recognized as an industry leader with production of a small brass lighter guaranteed to light, even in high winds. Each of the over 325 million lighters produced has a lifetime warranty with free repairs provided by the company.
The company got a boost when Kendall Refining Company became their first advertiser. Their logo, produced in a thin sheet of metal,
was attached to the case in a process known as metallique. The simple brass case was replaced by a steel case during WWII when brass was unavailable for any use but weapon production. The company began providing personalization in the form of insignia of units or divisions and representations of Naval ships. During the war in Vietnam, it became popular to have the cases engraved with personal mottos. These have become very collectible.
After WWII the company resumed the use of these pocket sized objects as advertising tools. The early ads were hand painted, and though many were produced with the same graphic each would be
a little individual. Later reverse engraving processes insured more regularity in the reproduction of each logo. Some lighters are still hand painted and airbrushed. Advertising on the lighters continued until the 1960’s. Other popular themes through the years include sports themes, rock bands and the ever popular pin up girls.
The company estimates that there are over four million collectors in the United States and millions more abroad with collector clubs in seven foreign countries. Zippo products are sold in 160 countries. I found examples for sale from under $100 to nearing $1,000. Factors that drive the values of collectible
pieces are mainly rarity and condition (ever heard that before?). Having the original packaging and paperwork is a plus and some themes are more collectible than others. Provenance is also a factor if it can be proved. While I was visiting web site after site looking at collections from the US and Canada I noticed that the trophies of many collections were lighters proven to have been owned by war heroes or used as props in movies, stage or TV productions. Zippo lighters used by John Wayne in one of his war movies or by Lucy on the “I Love Lucy” sets were my favorites. I also learned that Eric Clapton was inspired by the click of his Zippo when writing “It’s
Probably Me” and a Zippo is given a cameo spot in the video. A short song in the Broadway musical “Stomp” was performed using the sounds the lighter makes. You can watch both of these on YouTube. While you’re there, check out the Zippo tricks. You can entertain yourself for hours going through different videos or, like me, you can watch the Clapton one over and over because the guitar player is cute.
The date of manufacture isn’t the largest factor in value of a collectible but it is easy to figure out how old your lighter is. The pre-war lighters were brass and began with a three barrel hinge
BY LIBBY HOLLOWAYContributor
Zippo...The Light of the World
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The Zippo company started production in 1932. It is estimated that there are over four million collectors in the United States.
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615 Meeting StreetColumbia, SC 29169803.796.5556WorthRepeatingSC@gmail.comwww.WorthRepeatingSC.com
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:30-5Saturday 10:30-4
Antiques, Art, InteriorsFine Furnishings
763 Meeting Street Antique MAll763 Meeting StreetWest Columbia, SC 29169803-796-1516
Open 7 days a week, Mon-Sat 10-5:30 and Sunday 1:30-5:30
Twenty dealers offer you a wide variety of thoroughly vetted, curated items, including furniture, books, antique bottles, linens, collectibles, and more.
310 State Street W. Columbia, SC 29169803-796-4229oldmillantiquemall.com Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:30Sunday 1:30 - 5:30 We have been here in the historic district for 28 years offering antiques, furniture, jewelry, collectibles, glassware and pottery of all types, and much more. We are “where the bargains are”.
A Gem of an Antique destination!
602 Huger Street at BlossomColumbia, SC 29201
803-765-1584
Mon.- Sat. 10-5:30Sun. 1:30-5.30
25,000 sq. ft., two full buildings and an outdoor space. Specializing
in the unusual: period furniture, architectural garden, collectibles of all
types including vintage sports cards,advertising/country store, vintage
jewelry...COLUMBIA’S OLDEST. 30 years and counting!
75Dealers
Old MillAntique Mall
Columbia: the gem of antique-ingColumbia: the gem of antique-ing
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mounted on the outside of the case. In 1936 a four barrel hinge mounted on the inside was introduced. The number of barrels changed every few years but the inside mounting remained. The shape of the case is an indicator as well with a ¼” decrease in height in 1934 and three changes in the shape of the bottom. In 1966 a dating system was introduced for quality control. Dating charts can be found on most of the collector club sites and on the company site. Very few changes to the original, other than outside decoration, have been made. The wind resistant chimney of the 1930’s has hardly changed at all.
In 1997 the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, PA opened to showcase many of the models made through the years. There is a section displaying lighters found to still work after such trauma as being swallowed by a pike and chewed by a bear. Those that
could not be repaired are displayed with the reason for “terminal” damage. These include one run over by a train, a bulldozer, dropped into a garbage disposal and one mangled in a garbage crusher. Other products made by the company which also owns Case knives are exhibited.
I encourage you to watch for Zippo lighters when you are out and about antiquing. There are some beautiful examples and you’re bound to find a theme that appeals to you or someone on your gift list. You can learn lots about collecting them on the internet by visiting the company site or club sites. I was impressed by some of the artwork and enjoyed seeing some of the company logos I remember from my childhood. I think I’ll even be shopping for a cool Zippo lighter just so I can learn the tricks. Who knows, I might even be able to impress my “Refrigerator Raiders” again.
Libby Holloway is a Certified Appraiser of antiques and residential contents. She is a member of the International Society of Appraisers where she is currently serving as Secretary of the Board of Directors. She is also a partner at Antiques and Such in Beaufort, SC. Libby can be contacted at www.LibbyHollowayAppraisals.com.
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6 Interstate26Antiques•Spring2013
INTERSTATE
26 M A P
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SOUTH CAROLINA
GEORGIA
95
26
26
26
Columbia
Newberry
Orangeburg
Greenville
Spartanburg
Hendersonville
Asheville
20
20
77
77
85
85
85
Charlotte
40
Landrum
Tryon
Inman
ProsperityLittle Mountain
111
82
76
1915
1
59
49
33
95
145
21
5
67
37 Arden
Campobello
Taylors
Summerville
Charleston
74
Florence
Aiken
Augusta
Sumter
Gastonia
Rockingham
Hickory
199A
10
Walterboro
Denmark
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I-26 ANTIQUES: NORTH CAROLINASOUTH CAROLINA
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Visit Orangeburg, SC
950 Chestnut StreetOrangeburg, SC 29115
803-937-1101open Tues-Sat 10-6
216 Prep StreetOrangeburg, SC 29118
803-664-0744call for appointment
PALMETTO ANTIQUES
FIVE RIVERS MARKET
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SC EXIT 212B Seventeen South4 Avondale AvenueCharleston, SC843-225-4230mon-sat 10am-5:30pm
South Windemere22 Windemere BoulevardCharleston, SC843-571-2755tues-sat 9am-8pm
Terrace Oaks Antique Mall2037 Maybank (Hwy 700)Charleston, SC843-795-9689mon-sat 10am-5:30pm
SC EXIT 199 A Main Street Antiques200A North Main St.Summerville, SC843-879-9529Warehouse Space Now Open
Carolina Cottage Consignments314 N. Cedar StreetSummerville, SC 29483843-830-5755tues - sat 10 - 6
Carriage House Collectibles1213 South Main StreetSummerville, SC(843) 873-5704
Simply Vintage213 North Cedar StreetSummerville, SC(843) 323-1825
Sumerville Antique Gallery901 North Main StreetSummerville, SC843-873-4926
Tea Farm Cottage808 N Cedar StSummerville, SC(843) 323-1825
The Squirrel’s Nest110 West 9th North StreetSummerville, SC 29483843-637-7776squirrelsnestsummerville.com
Relic Revival119 West Luke StreetSummerville, SC843-871-1119
The Vintage Swag805 N. Cedar StreetSummerville, SC843-725-8408www.thevintageswag.com
SC EXIT 145A Five Rivers Market950 Chestnut StreetOrangeburg, SC 29115803-937-1101open Tues-Sat 10-6
Palmetto Antiques216 Prep StreetOrangeburg, SC 29118803-664-0744call for appointment
601 to 70 to Denmark:The Caroline Collection4659 Carolina HwyDenmark, SC 29042803-793-4739www.thecarolinecollection.net
SC EXIT 111 Worth Repeating615 Meeting StreetColumbia, SC. 29169803-796-5556tues-fri. 10:30-5 sat 10:30-4
763 Meeting St. & Antique Mall763 Meeting St.W. Columbia, SC 29169803-796-1516mon-sat 10-5:30 sun 1:30-5:30
City Market Antiques705 Gervais St.Columbia, SC 803-252-1589
Old Mill Antique Mall310 State StreetW. Columbia, SC. 29169803-796-4229mon-sat 10-5:30 sun. 1:30-5:30
Columbia Antique Mall602 Huger St. at BlossomColumbia SC. 29201803-765-1584mon-sat 10-5:30 sun 1:30-5:30
Tri City Pickers633 12th StWest Columbia, SC 29169803-708-1051
Ed’s Edition406 Meeting StreetWest Columbia, SC803-791-8002
Gumshoe Books763 Meeting StreetWest Columbia, SC803-403-7058
Dr. Books763 Meeting StreetWest Columbia, SC803-796-1516
SC EXIT 82 Towne Square Antiques112 Grace St. , Public SquareProsperity, SC. 29127803-364-2736Mon-Sat 10-6:00 and Sun 1:30-6
Not Just Antiques113 N. Main St.Prosperity, SC. 29127803-364-4890Tues-Sat. 10-5:30
SC EXIT 21A Spartanburg Antique Gallery9133 Warren Abernathy (Hwy 29)Spartanburg, SC. 29301864-205-9239Mon-Sat 12-6:00
SC EXIT 19 South Pine Antique Mall856 S. Pine St.Spartanburg, SC864-542-2975Mon-Sat 10-6
SC EXIT 15 Time & Time Again Antique Mall1385 Meadow Farm RdInman, SC 864-578-1878
SC EXIT 10Inman Antique Mall#3 Blackstock Rd (behind Main)Inman, SC 29349864-472-5732open every day
SC EXIT 5 Country Peddler Antiques and General Store305 Depot StCampobello, SC.864-468-5200
SC EXIT 1 Voyageurs Antiques105 E. Rutherford St.Landrum, SC 29356864-457-6694open everyday
Landrum Eclectics601 W. Rutherford St.Landrum, SC 29356864-457-2314Closed Wednesday
Architectural Warehouse110 N. Trade Ave.Landrum, SC 29356864-457-2199open 7 days
Carolina Antiques & More108 E. Rutherford St.Landrum SC 29356864-457-4444open 7 days
Stephane Furniture & Art214 E. Rutherford StreetLandrum, SC864-457-5556tues-sat 10-5french and american antiques
Savvy Scavangers205 W. Rutherford StreetLandrum, SC864-457-6710Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-646 vendors & Plenty of parking
Landrum Antique & Furniture Co.221 E. Rutherford St.Landrum, SC 29356864-457-4000
SC EXIT 1 NORTH ON 176 The Antique Store838 N. Trade StScenic Hwy 176NTryon, NC 28782828-859-6768
Old Mill Market Square151 Southern Mercerizing Rd.Tryon NC 28782828-859-5467
Tryon Antique Mall1005 S. Trade StreetTryon, NC 28782828-859-2756
Main Street & Collectibles38A N Trade StreetTryon, NC 28782864-457-6456(inside Owen’s Pharmacy)
NC EXIT 49ANeedful Things Antique Mall10 Francis RdHendersonville, NC 28792828-696-8745
NC EXIT 37Togar Rugs562 Long Shoals RoadArden, NC 287041-877-59-TOGARwww.togarrugs.comMon-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-5
NC EXIT 33Antiquities at Biltmore Village9B Reed St. behind J. CrewAsheville NC. 828-274-6812
Chatsworth Art & Antiques54 North Lexington Avedowntown near the corner of WalnutAsheville NC.28801828-252-6004
Antiques at Riverside Station110 Lyman StreetRiver Arts DistrictAsheville, NC 28801828-254-4410
Three Buildings FullFarmhouse Antiques • Hard-To-Find items
oilcloth • Lampshades • Candies • ToysFrom Exit 5, 3 mi. to 176, left to blinking light, left Depot St.
Country PeddlerAntiques & GenerAl
store
305 Depot St. • Campobello, SC 24322 • 864-468-5200
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I-26 ANTIQUES: SC & NC DIRECTORY
8 Interstate26Antiques•Spring2013
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Landrum, SC - A great place to visit!An Antiques destination with Specialty Shops – Restaurants – Charm - History
Landrum’s traditional architecture has not lost its 19th
century ambience to the development of “strip commercial
architecture” or “big box” stores. Follow our “antique trail”
easily with the map in the adjacent ad, to find an intriguing
mix of French, English and American antiques; vintage
mid-century furniture and furnishings; smalls and unique
architectural pieces. Stroll our wide sidewalks to visit our
friendly specialty shops. Stop for some refreshment as a
meal, snack, libation or sweets - and come back for our
special events. Seniors – visit on Wednesday for discounts!
Near Exit 1:Burger King, 1880 E. Hwy 14, 864.457.5449Subway, 1772 E. Hwy 14, 864.457.7337Bojangles, 1792 E. Hwy 14, 864.457.2207Twin Palmetto, 1005 E. Hwy 14, 864.457.5008Pizza Hut, 909 Hwy 14, 864.457.3851
Driving to Landrum on Hwy 14/Rutherford St. in this order:
China Café, 1760 E. Hwy 14. Cantonese and Schequan specialties, buffet. 864.457.3835.
Stone Soup Café, 1522 E. Hwy 14. Sharing and growing with the community. www.stonesoupoflandrum.com. Fresh local cuisine, homemade desserts. 864.457.5255.
In town:
El Chile Rojo, 209 E. Rutherford St., Mexican style restaurant, Latin American and Mexican specialties, 864.457.5977
Zenzera Restaurant, Coffee & Wine Bar, 208 E. Rutherford St..A touch of Tuscany in the Upstate. Breakfast-Dinner, under $15.Extensive wine collection, specialty coffees. 864.457.4554.
Cakes & Confections 4U, 103 E. Rutherford St. www.cakesandconfections4u.com. “Where every day is a sweet day.” Unique, fresh, to order, not your supermarket bakery. 864.457.2223
Hare & Hound, 101 E. Rutherford St., Pub atmosphere, burgers, steak, lunch & dinner. www.thehareandhound.com 864.457.3232.
At the light, turn left onto 176/S. Howard Ave:
Ayers & Son Market, 332 S. Howard Ave. Open year round with vegetables, fruits, deli and ornaments. 864.457.2641
Kent’s Restaurant & Ice Cream, 328 S. Howard Avenue, 864.457.2378
Southside Smokehouse & Grill, 726 S. Howard, authentic North Carolina BBQ, north and south, www.southsidesmokehouse.com 864.457.5423.
At the light turn right onto 176/N. Howard St:The Drake House Restaurant, quality fresh selects, indoor traditional dining or outdoor pooch-friendly patio. www.drakehouseoflandrumsc.com. 864.457.2533
RestaurantsA wide variety of styles and cuisine awaits the hungry and thirsty visitor.
Lodging and information: CityOfLandrum.com or call the town office at 864.457.3000
“Wow!”
“Best antique store ever”
“We come back every weekend because you always have different things.”
Tel: 864/457-6694 e-mail: [email protected]
Worldwide importers of beautiful and unusual antiques, from surfboards to safes, architecturals to furs, furniture to jewelry, stage costumes to books; a special find for everyone!
Please visit our other locations: Antiques on Augusta, Greenville, SC n Screen Door, Asheville, NC
105 E. Rutherford St. Landrum, SC
Open everyday!Mon. - Sat. 10am-5pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm
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“Wow!”
“Best antique store ever”
“We come back every weekend because you always have different things.”
Tel: 864/457-6694 e-mail: [email protected]
Worldwide importers of beautiful and unusual antiques, from surfboards to safes, architecturals to furs, furniture to jewelry, stage costumes to books; a special find for everyone!
Please visit our other locations: Antiques on Augusta, Greenville, SC n Screen Door, Asheville, NC
105 E. Rutherford St. Landrum, SC
Open everyday!Mon. - Sat. 10am-5pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm
“Wow!”
“Best antique store ever”
“We come back every weekend because you always have different things.”
Tel: 864/457-6694 e-mail: [email protected]
Worldwide importers of beautiful and unusual antiques, from surfboards to safes, architecturals to furs, furniture to jewelry, stage costumes to books; a special find for everyone!
Please visit our other locations: Antiques on Augusta, Greenville, SC n Screen Door, Asheville, NC
105 E. Rutherford St. Landrum, SC
Open everyday!Mon. - Sat. 10am-5pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm
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10 Interstate26Antiques•Spring2013
Nancy Roth~Joe Ewing Antiques“The Antique Store”
American Country, primitives & decorSilver matching service (large collection in-store)
Hours: Wed.- Sat. 10 - 5 or by appointment
(828) 859-6768
838 N. Trade St. - Scenic Highway 176NTryon, North Carolina 28782
At Exit 67 Take Rt. 108 to the fork at the gas station, make a hard right onto 176. We are 1/4 mile on the right.
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EXIT49B
If you attend antique shows in the south on a regular or even occasional basis, you soon begin
to recognize exhibitors, be they in Aiken, Atlanta, or Charlotte. “I remember you” is something we often hear from show goers. Many dealers just stay in their shops and sell in what we call a B&M -- brick and mortar. Others prefer the more unstructured life on the road and of course, some have spots in malls, and also travel. And many extend their outlets to electronic venues, selling at on line web sites -- their own or hosted auctions/virtual shops.
Ask any antique or collectible dealer and they will invariably tell you that they have, and often depend on, “regulars” regardless of venue. Just like buyers have their favorite dealers at shows, exhibitors have buyers of whom they become fond and enjoy seeing coming up the aisle. Sometimes, the relationship can blossom into friendship, other times it’s just a booth stop to say hello every time you go to your favorite antique show.
Naturally, you and that dealer have at least something in common: You like what they offer, and you often buy from them. In fact, you may have a “wish list”
and look forward to discovering what they have found since the last time. So you know their faces, you are familiar with their booth and merchandise, and you enjoy discussing antiques in general, your special niche in particular. So what else do you know? Here’s the rest of the story.
As we asked around at a recent antique show in Atlanta, we were quite frankly intrigued by the backgrounds of the dealers we selected at random. It’s not unusual for antique exhibitors to have several academic degrees
either -- perhaps surprising to those customers who simply think of antique dealers as modern day gypsies of sorts. And while the median age tends to be up there, not everyone is retired with shows as their hobby. It’s a lot of work, but some manage to keep a 9 to 5 job and still put in a good few days selling at an antique show.
Would you expect a pharmacist to deal in fine jewelry? Well, Bernie from St. Louis, MO brings a large fresh load every time. No furniture, an occasional rug and some art, but plenty of estate jewelry and
watches, flatware and exquisite small showcase items. You just never know what Bernie might come up with; and there is rarely a moment during a show when there isn’t at least one person in front of his tables. Usually, it’s one or two deep. Between shows he’s busy attending estate sales and auctions during his off duty hours. One wonders what is harder: Filling prescriptions or filling his show cases each month with new fresh quality treasures?
Then there’s Jack Peacock from Winston-Salem, NC. Jack was a
BY BIRGITTA WADEContributor
Dealers.. who are they?
NORTH
CAROLINA
Malcolm Argo from Americus, GA Jim and Carla Barbaree from Rock Hill, SC
Interstate26Antiques•Spring2013 11
clinical psychologist including overseas stints in the armed forces in his “real“ life. He also has the distinction of being a foster parent to two dozen children, some of whom were adopted to form his family. In fact, his children still help out -- not packing the fragile glass, but moving and loading. You will now find Jack setting up shelves upon shelves of magnificent glass at shows all across the country. And if you know Jack, you might want to ask if he has you figured out, and what’s more transparent, you or the glass?
For those who travel from up north down to a southern show, it’s a treat to spend time with a true Georgia boy. Malcolm Argo from Americus, GA is the epitome of old-fashioned values and tradition. For years, Malcolm was a florist in his home town, and not only supplied arrangements for any occasion in Americus, but counted President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter among not just customers, but as friends. When not polishing silver, he works at the Americus Welcome Center where he is just as big of a hit with travelers as he is with buyers in his show booth. The other part of the team, his wife Phyllis, is a speech pathologist -- just in case you need an interpreter to make out that southern drawl.
Auctioneers on occasion seem to don a title of colonel, whether accurate or not. But Jim O’Kelley of Gainesville, GA who has been in his long wall spot since Scott’s Antique Market opened the South Building back after the Atlanta Olympics really is a colonel and whipped out his ID to prove the point. Jim is the first one in on Thursday mornings, and brings a box truck of English and American furniture, paintings, barometers and always has a few sets of antique gleaming lustres candle holders dripping with spear prisms on his shelves.
During the day, Terri Bilderbach from Atlanta works for a plastic
surgeon, managing the office. So perhaps it’s not surprising that her booth features taxidermy and zebra hides! But that‘s not all – Terri also brings oil paintings, many featuring dogs and animals, plus a huge display of French silk scarves, leather and reptile belts, and other beautiful girlie accessories.
Jim and Carla Barbaree from Rock Hill, SC are in the construction business, flipping houses. As the housing market took a downturn, they turned to the show circuit which seemed like a natural for selling antiques for the home -- they do know how to stage a house after all. Everything they carry is old, mostly primitive, but they also supplement their large booth with Southern face jugs. Need a cotton basket for the wall? A Pennsylvania stenciled wooden tall pump? An iron trellis for the porch? Or shutters and oars for the cabin? Jim and Carlo have it and have grown from a small booth a few years ago to an entire block at both Scott’s in Atlanta and Metrolina in Charlotte.
From Ohio, Jeff Burnett was a teacher and football coach. We suspect he taught history or social science, sine he now carries political items, from $2 Obama buttons to World War I and II original posters that cost a bit or a lot more. Jeff only carries authentic items, never a reproduction, and his is one of the dealers who has a steady return customer base.
We see the same buyers each month come and say hello to Bill Lane, from Gray, GA and have a seat in front of his cases of money. Well, old money, not today‘s greenbacks necessarily. Bill is now a coin dealer and will tell you exactly what you have
should you be curious, and of course, he‘ll sell you exactly what you want as well. Once upon a time, he was a hide dealer, buying cattle, horse, deer, goat and sheep skins and hides from meat packing plants and selling them to tanners worldwide.
A stockbroker and financial advisor, Howard Burchuk from St. Petersburg, FL still dabbles in investments, but these days, he sells auction house catalogs at shows in Florida and Georgia. Surprised that in today’s internet-focused world, folks still buy print catalogs? Well, they do -- lavishly illustrated, poplar categories include jewelry, firearms, Chinese art, watches. Add the past the auctions of Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Onassis and other famous people are quite expensive and hard to find. Most of the catalogs are from Christie’s and Sotheby’s and can
be as old as ten years, or as new as last year.
Always a software and computer person, Joy Shivar from Huntersville, NC has a background in marketing and support for a real estate closing system application. Her passion, in addition to the historical ephemera she and her husband George carry is her genealogy site, justajoy.com where she lists thousands of unclaimed family heirlooms. Surely you too have found an old Bible, but not known how to get it back to the original owners? Joy lists not just bibles, but civil war letters, needlework samplers, revolutionary war items, yearbooks, diaries, trophies and much more. Check it out if you enjoy genealogy and would like to find items relating to your family tree.
NORTH
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Tryon Antique Mall1005 S. Trade Street, (Rt. 176) Tryon, NC 28782
Coming from Landrum on 176, after about 2 miles TURN HERE!
30 vendors offer an inspiring mix of English antiques, linens, jewelry, furniture and collectibles. You will also
find unusual appalachian-style and country furniture and accessories. Let us help you pick out the perfect gift item!
Dealer space available * Good Consignments accepted828-859-2756 * [email protected]
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Terri Bilderbach from Atlanta, GA Bill Lane from Gray, GA Joy Shivar from Huntersville, NC
12 Interstate26Antiques•Spring2013
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Just like the antiques on display in the vast building, Old Mill Market Square Antiques and
More has matured. “We’re not shouting anymore, we’re just saying here we are,” said David Kersey, owner of the Tryon, N.C., mall that now promotes itself with muted tones on new business cards and front sign.
The mall, a former textile mill built between a small mountain and a stream fished for trout, rents space to 92 vendors offering affordable collectibles to really
pricey antiques. And, believe it or not, there is a waiting list for vendors. Open wire walls allow customers an expansive overview of the booths.
When greeting local visitors and travelers, Kersey often shares a “secret.” “There’s an item here with your name on it, you just have to find it.” That search could take some time, with hundreds of thousands of items available in the well-lighted and climate-controlled space. The mall is installing all CFL bulbs that allow customers see, in accurate lighting, items from milk cans to sterling silver to armoires. There’s a coffee bar, numerous
clean restrooms (Kersey’s wife Nita oversaw the decorating) and lockers for big purses. The mall accepts credit and debit cards (a move that boosted sales) and buys special paper wrap to protect purchases. There are loading docks and a delivery service. According to Kersey, “We have an unbelievable robust computer system. We don’t want people to have to wait.”
Inventory has upgraded since the mall opened in 1998 with six vendors. “We’re a little choosy about what we let the vendors bring in,” he explained. “Each vendor is like an independent entrepreneur, yet all a family.
Everyone is so friendly, open, generous and kind.”
Customers agree, with one out-of-state visitor saying, “I find the shopping experience so pleasant from the counter persons big hello and welcome to all the help I got while shopping. And although I needed no help with getting my purchases to my car there was no shortage of people willing to assist.”
With improvements to the building, which is also rented to an architectural warehouse, retail booths and storage booths, Kersey indicated the mall is doing “extremely well.” “We’re super, super at customer service,” he said. “We’re a total customer service-oriented operation.”
The mall is most easily reached leaving Interstate 26 at South Carolina Exit 1 and traveling over the bridge through Landrum, turning north after the railroad tracks. Old Mill is tucked back on the right about three miles. It welcomes shoppers, primarily from North Carolina and South Carolina, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Old Mill Market Square Antiques and More has a large paved parking lot and what Kersey described as a “park setting from a movie” that is “just magnificent.” Planted with walnut and pecan trees, the land has been the scene for wedding receptions, horseback riding and other events. It will sponsor its third annual car and truck show the afternoon of June 2. With more than 100 vehicles, food and a bluegrass band, Kersey called it “quite a shindig,” inviting all, without shouting words or signs, to view the cars and trucks and shop the mall.
BY LINDA SALSBERRYContributor
Old Mill Market Square is prospering and, with an emphasis on customer service, it’s hard to keep the customers away. Gwen Rhymer (above) is the manager of Old Mill.
Old Mill Market Square Antique Mall
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