I-26 Antiques | Spring 2013

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Your guide to 1,500 miles of antiques & collectibles

Asheville, NC to Charleston, SC corridor

Ant iqu es

Compliments of:

Vol. 2, Issue 3 • Spring 2013

Alexandria, VA to Miami, FL

Folk Art Circus story I-95, page 18


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To I-95 and Columbia

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To Charleston

To Plantations and Charleston

To Charleston Kiawah-Seabrook Island

To Savannah 32 TRAVELERofCharleston.com april-june 2013

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Zippo...The Light of the World BY LIBBY HOLLOWAY

W

hen 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,

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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 Zippo company started production in 1932. It is estimated that there are over four million collectors in the United States.

Contributor

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.

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 After WWII the company resumed collector clubs in seven foreign the use of these pocket sized countries. Zippo products are objects as advertising tools. The sold in 160 countries. I found early ads were hand painted, and examples for sale from under though many were produced with $100 to nearing $1,000. Factors the same graphic each would be that drive the values of collectible

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


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5 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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Columbia: the gem of antique-ing 763 Meeting Street Antique MAll

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763 Meeting Street West Columbia, SC 29169 803-796-1516

615 Meeting Street Columbia, SC 29169 803.796.5556 WorthRepeatingSC@gmail.com www.WorthRepeatingSC.com

Open 7 days a week, Mon-Sat 10-5:30 and Sunday 1:30-5:30

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:30-5 Saturday 10:30-4

Twenty dealers offer you a wide variety of thoroughly vetted, curated items, including furniture, books, antique bottles, linens, collectibles, and more.

Antiques, Art, Interiors Fine Furnishings EXIT

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Old Mill Antique Mall 310 State Street W. Columbia, SC 29169 803-796-4229 oldmillantiquemall.com

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Dealers

Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:30 Sunday 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 Blossom Columbia, SC 29201 803-765-1584 Mon.- Sat. 10-5:30 Sun. 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!

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Charlotte

Gastonia 5

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Inman 15 19 Taylors

Spartanburg

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Greenville

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Aiken Orangeburg Augusta Denmark

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V i sit O rangebu rg, SC FIVE RIVERS MARKET 950 Chestnut Street Orangeburg, SC 29115 803-937-1101 open Tues-Sat 10-6

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PALMETTO ANTIQUES 216 Prep Street Orangeburg, SC 29118 803-664-0744 call for appointment

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I-26 ANTIQUES: SC & NC DIRECTORY SC EXIT 212B Seventeen South 4 Avondale Avenue Charleston, SC 843-225-4230 mon-sat 10am-5:30pm South Windemere 22 Windemere Boulevard Charleston, SC 843-571-2755 tues-sat 9am-8pm Terrace Oaks Antique Mall 2037 Maybank (Hwy 700) Charleston, SC 843-795-9689 mon-sat 10am-5:30pm

SC EXIT 199 A Main Street Antiques 200A North Main St. Summerville, SC 843-879-9529 Warehouse Space Now Open Carolina Cottage Consignments 314 N. Cedar Street Summerville, SC 29483 843-830-5755 tues - sat 10 - 6 Carriage House Collectibles 1213 South Main Street Summerville, SC (843) 873-5704 Simply Vintage 213 North Cedar Street Summerville, SC (843) 323-1825 Sumerville Antique Gallery 901 North Main Street Summerville, SC 843-873-4926 Tea Farm Cottage 808 N Cedar St Summerville, SC (843) 323-1825 The Squirrel’s Nest 110 West 9th North Street Summerville, SC 29483 843-637-7776 squirrelsnestsummerville.com Relic Revival 119 West Luke Street Summerville, SC 843-871-1119 The Vintage Swag 805 N. Cedar Street Summerville, SC 843-725-8408 www.thevintageswag.com

SC EXIT 145A Five Rivers Market 950 Chestnut Street Orangeburg, SC 29115 803-937-1101 open Tues-Sat 10-6 Palmetto Antiques 216 Prep Street Orangeburg, SC 29118 803-664-0744 call for appointment

601 to 70 to Denmark:

The Caroline Collection 4659 Carolina Hwy Denmark, SC 29042 803-793-4739 www.thecarolinecollection.net

SC EXIT 111 Worth Repeating 615 Meeting Street Columbia, SC. 29169 803-796-5556 tues-fri. 10:30-5 sat 10:30-4 763 Meeting St. & Antique Mall 763 Meeting St. W. Columbia, SC 29169 803-796-1516 mon-sat 10-5:30 sun 1:30-5:30 City Market Antiques 705 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 803-252-1589 Old Mill Antique Mall 310 State Street W. Columbia, SC. 29169 803-796-4229 mon-sat 10-5:30 sun. 1:30-5:30 Columbia Antique Mall 602 Huger St. at Blossom Columbia SC. 29201 803-765-1584 mon-sat 10-5:30 sun 1:30-5:30 Tri City Pickers 633 12th St West Columbia, SC 29169 803-708-1051 Ed’s Edition 406 Meeting Street West Columbia, SC 803-791-8002 Gumshoe Books 763 Meeting Street West Columbia, SC 803-403-7058 Dr. Books 763 Meeting Street West Columbia, SC 803-796-1516

SC EXIT 82 Towne Square Antiques 112 Grace St. , Public Square Prosperity, SC. 29127 803-364-2736 Mon-Sat 10-6:00 and Sun 1:30-6 Not Just Antiques 113 N. Main St. Prosperity, SC. 29127 803-364-4890 Tues-Sat. 10-5:30

SC Exit 21a Spartanburg Antique Gallery 9133 Warren Abernathy (Hwy 29) Spartanburg, SC. 29301 864-205-9239 Mon-Sat 12-6:00

SC Exit 19 South Pine Antique Mall 856 S. Pine St. Spartanburg, SC 864-542-2975 Mon-Sat 10-6

SC EXIT 15 Time & Time Again Antique Mall 1385 Meadow Farm Rd Inman, SC 864-578-1878

SC EXIT 10 Inman Antique Mall #3 Blackstock Rd (behind Main) Inman, SC 29349 864-472-5732 open every day

SC exit 5 Country Peddler Antiques and General Store 305 Depot St Campobello, SC. 864-468-5200

SC exit 1 Voyageurs Antiques 105 E. Rutherford St. Landrum, SC 29356 864-457-6694 open everyday Landrum Eclectics 601 W. Rutherford St. Landrum, SC 29356 864-457-2314 Closed Wednesday Architectural Warehouse 110 N. Trade Ave. Landrum, SC 29356 864-457-2199 open 7 days Carolina Antiques & More 108 E. Rutherford St. Landrum SC 29356 864-457-4444 open 7 days Stephane Furniture & Art 214 E. Rutherford Street Landrum, SC 864-457-5556 tues-sat 10-5 french and american antiques Savvy Scavangers 205 W. Rutherford Street Landrum, SC 864-457-6710 Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-6 46 vendors & Plenty of parking

Landrum Antique & Furniture Co. 221 E. Rutherford St. Landrum, SC 29356 864-457-4000

SC EXIT 1 NORTH ON 176 The Antique Store 838 N. Trade St Scenic Hwy 176N Tryon, NC 28782 828-859-6768 Old Mill Market Square 151 Southern Mercerizing Rd. Tryon NC 28782 828-859-5467 Tryon Antique Mall 1005 S. Trade Street Tryon, NC 28782 828-859-2756 Main Street & Collectibles 38A N Trade Street Tryon, NC 28782 864-457-6456 (inside Owen’s Pharmacy)

NC Exit 49A Needful Things Antique Mall 10 Francis Rd Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-696-8745

NC Exit 37 Togar Rugs 562 Long Shoals Road Arden, NC 28704 1-877-59-TOGAR www.togarrugs.com Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-5

NC Exit 33 Antiquities at Biltmore Village 9B Reed St. behind J. Crew Asheville NC. 828-274-6812 Chatsworth Art & Antiques 54 North Lexington Ave downtown near the corner of Walnut Asheville NC.28801 828-252-6004 Antiques at Riverside Station 110 Lyman Street River Arts District Asheville, NC 28801 828-254-4410

Country Peddler Antiques & GenerAl store EXIT 5

Three Buildings Full

Farmhouse Antiques • Hard-To-Find items oilcloth • Lampshades • Candies • Toys From Exit 5, 3 mi. to 176, left to blinking light, left Depot St.

305 Depot St. • Campobello, SC 24322 • 864-468-5200


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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

Restaurants A wide variety of styles and cuisine awaits the hungry and thirsty visitor. Near Exit 1: Burger King, 1880 E. Hwy 14, 864.457.5449 Subway, 1772 E. Hwy 14, 864.457.7337 Bojangles, 1792 E. Hwy 14, 864.457.2207 Twin Palmetto, 1005 E. Hwy 14, 864.457.5008 Pizza Hut, 909 Hwy 14, 864.457.3851

Worldwide of beautiful and special events. Seniors – visit on Wednesdayimporters for discounts!

Driving unusual antiques, from surfboards to to Landrum on Hwy 14/Rutherford St. in this safes, architecturals to furs, furniture order: to jewelry, stage costumes to books; China Café, 1760 E. a special find Hwy 14. Cantonese and for everyone! Schequan specialties, buffet. 864.457.3835.

Stone Soup Café, 1522 E. Hwy 14. Sharing and growing with the community. www. e-mail: Voyageurs1211@gmail.comstonesoupoflandrum. com. Fresh local cuisine, homemade desserts. 864.457.5255. Open everyday!

105 E. Rutherford St. Landrum, SC Tel: 864/457-6694

Mon. - Sat. 10am-5pm

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

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 Hare & Hound, 101 E. pooch-friendly patio. www. Rutherford St., PubWorldwide importers of beautiful and drakehouseoflandrumsc.com. atmosphere, burgers, unusual antiques, from surfboards to 864.457.2533 steak, lunch & dinner. safes, architecturals to furs, furniture

www.thehareandhound.com to jewelry, stage costumes to books; EXIT 864.457.3232. a special find for everyone!

Sunday 12pm-5pm

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“Wow!” Lodging and information: CityOfLandrum.com or call the town at 864.457.3000 105 E.office Rutherford St. Landrum, SC “Best antique store ever”

“We come back every weekend because you always have differentofthings.” Worldwide importers beautiful and

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unusual antiques, from surfboards to safes, architecturals to furs, furniture to jewelry, stage costumes to books; a special find for everyone!

Tel: 864/457-6694

e-mail: Voyageurs1211@gmail.com

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.”

105 E. Rutherford St. Landrum, SC Tel: 864/457-6694

e-mail: Voyageurs1211@gmail.com

Please visit our other locations: Antiques on Augusta, Greenville, SC n Screen Door, Asheville, NC

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.”

Please visit our other locations: EXIT NC Antiques on Augusta, Greenville, SC n Screen Door, Asheville,

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Dealers.. who are they? BY BIRGITTA WADE Contributor

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f 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”

Malcolm Argo from Americus, GA

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

Jim and Carla Barbaree from Rock Hill, SC

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

Nancy Roth~Joe Ewing Antiques “The Antique Store”

American Country, primitives & decor Silver matching service (large collection in-store) Hours: Wed.- Sat. 10 - 5 or by appointment

(828) 859-6768

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838 N. Trade St. - Scenic Highway 176N Tryon, 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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Terri Bilderbach from Atlanta, GA

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?

Bill Lane from Gray, GA

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.

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.

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 For those who travel from up the home -- they do know how to north down to a southern show, it’s stage a house after all. Everything a treat to spend time with a true they carry is old, mostly primitive, Georgia boy. Malcolm Argo from but they also supplement their Americus, GA is the epitome of large booth with Southern face old-fashioned values and tradition. jugs. Need a cotton basket for the For years, Malcolm was a florist wall? A Pennsylvania stenciled in his home town, and not only wooden tall pump? An iron trellis supplied arrangements for any for the porch? Or shutters occasion in Americus, but counted and oars for the cabin? President Jimmy and Rosalynn Jim and Carlo have it and Carter among not just customers, have grown from a small but as friends. When not polishing booth a few years ago to an silver, he works at the Americus entire block at both Scott’s Welcome Center where he is just in Atlanta and Metrolina in as big of a hit with travelers as he Charlotte. is with buyers in his show booth. From Ohio, Jeff Burnett The other part of the team, his wife was a teacher and football Phyllis, is a speech pathologist -coach. We suspect he just in case you need an interpreter taught history or social to make out that southern drawl. science, sine he now carries 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

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

Joy Shivar from Huntersville, NC

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 internetfocused 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.

Tryon Antique Mall

1005 S. Trade Street, (Rt. 176) Tryon, NC 28782 EXIT

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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 accepted 828-859-2756 * tryon.antique.mall@gmail.com

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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 BY LINDA SALSBERRY Contributor

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ust 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

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 outof-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 serviceoriented 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.

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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.

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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.


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