Local antique stores offer variety of items

Whether you are a regular antique collector or just enjoy browsing through an antique store every now and then, you don’t have to travel far to do either.

Thayer County has its own unique stores just a short drive down the road.

Joane’s Antiques

Joane’s Antiques is located on Lincoln Avenue in Hebron. Joane Thompson is the owner of the store and has many years of experience.
“I’ve been in the business for thirty years,” she said. “I started out doing antique shows.”

When she was tired of traveling, she decided to look into vacant buildings to continue her antique business. Lincoln Avenue is where she found a building with the history she wanted. Since January of 2011, she has been running her antique store there.

The short distance from Highway 81 is what appealed to her most about starting her business here.

Her store offers a variety of different antiques including furniture and decoration items. The decoration items also include many pieces of original art. The prices of her items start at 50 cents.

“I have many people come in and say they are so happy because they can afford stuff in my store,” she said.

Old Tavern Antique Company

In Bruning, the Old Tavern Antique Company can be found on Main Street. The reasons that the owners, Nancy Baden and Jay and Barbara Schoenholz, decided to open an antique store were numerous. But the biggest reason came down to the fact that the historic bar in Bruning was being sold and they wanted to save it.

“I remember thinking this is one of the last bits of history our town has,” Barbara said.

Once the building was purchased, the antiques began to fill it and the doors opened in 2008.

Since then, the number of antiques available to buy has grown to around 15,000 items. Most of the antiques date back to 100 years old, but there is a “retro section” with items from the 1950s.

Both Barbara and Nancy, agree that their favorite part of the business is meeting people that come into their store. But if you can’t make it to Bruning, some items are shown online and can be purchased and shipped to you.

Treasures Unlimited

Treasures Unlimited is a consignment store in Davenport, but it also features a number of antiques. Located on Maple Avenue in Davenport, the store has been in business since 2007. Owners, Robin Crosier and Mary Wintje, organize their store so a specific item can be found easily.

The store carries mostly antique furniture, but there is an “antique wall” with books, signs, and various other items.

“There are 250 people that consign stuff out of here,” Crosier said. “Every day people bring in new items.”

To keep up with the new items, the store has a Facebook page that is updated often.

Old Highway 81

The newest antique store in Thayer County just opened in Chester. Laverne and Selma Bauer opened the Old Highway 81 Antiques and Collectibles on Meredian Road in May.

They purchased the building which had previously been a antique store years ago, but just recently decided to reopen it.

“We were packing up all these antiques and taking them to flea markets,” Selma said. “We decided it would be easier just to open our own store.”

They have thousands of antiques that they are rotating in and out of the store. If you’re looking for something in particular, they may have it and all you have to do is ask.

“We are still bringing stuff in every day,” Laverne said.

Various antique decoration pieces, glassware and toys can be found in their store.

“I love meeting people who come into the store,” Selma said. “They have some interesting stories.”

This was a common favorite aspect of having an antique store in Thayer County, so if you get a chance be sure to visit the different stores in the community and meet the owners.