Antiquing is a staple of the rural Midwest, and it plays an important role in the historical value of the greater Hillsdale area. Collegian reporter Kayla Stetzel explored a few of these stores to see what hidden treasures she could find, while attempting to gain better understanding of their cultural value.
Livery Antiques — 106 Prentiss St
The Livery Antiques building has a unique history: it was originally a blacksmith shop in the early 1900s. It has the feel of an old country barn — warm wooden walls and rafters surround the space, creating a homey atmosphere for its collection.
Owner Debbie Hanshaw and her husband took a risk when they purchased the property in 2009, as its conditions were questionable.
“Everyone was complaining about the conditions of the property, saying it flooded often, but I could tell that this building would be OK with a little work,” Hanshaw said. “We worked on it for three years. We discovered, after we started gutting the place, that it had been an old blacksmith shop years ago. We found this beam, which says ‘pay today, and trust tomorrow,’ which was from the original blacksmith shop.”
She even uncovered the original bellows to the blacksmith shop out front after thoroughly cleaning out the space.
“Little by little, we saw all these things, and we released that this building should not be torn down, but it should stay up and flourish,” Hanshaw said. “It took a lot of time and a lot of work, but I think it was worth it.”
The Livery specializes in the sale of primitive and country antiques and collectibles, but also offers buyers a mix of both new and old products.
Running an antique business “has to come from the heart,” Hanshaw said, and that sentiment can be felt when visiting Livery, which is open Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hog-Creek Antiques — 10750 W Chicago Rd
Standing at 23,000 square feet, Hog-Creek Antiques feels more like a well-organized retail-chain than an antique shop. The store is large, colorful, and clean. The spaces are open, and the store does not feel crowded, despite being packed with a selection of goods.
When asked about the history of her business, owner Michelle Barrows said:
“It’s a lot of learn as you go. It’s kind of like a gamble, you take a chance on things. You can go to auctions and estate sales and try to find things you can make a bit of money on. It doesn’t always happen, but the key is to have a variety of merchandise because you have a variety of shoppers.”
Barrows and her husband, who was an aircraft mechanic, entered the antiquing business after 9/11, though Barrows has family ties to the industry.
“I grew up with it,” Barrows said. “My parents were antique dealers. After 9/11 hit, the aircraft business went downhill, so we were looking into opening up a franchise of some sort. My husband is from Coldwater, and always wanted to move back home.
Barrows and her husband designed the store specifically to function as an antique mall. The wide aisles, carpeted floors, and sections all streamlined for a positive shopping experience.
Hog Creek was voted best antique shop by Hillsdale Daily News in 2015. Not only does Hog Creek offer a wide assortment of vintage pieces, oddities, and trinkets, it also features statement furniture pieces, exotic art, and lamps. Hog Creek is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and closed on major holidays.
A Long Way Back — 162 W. Chicago Rd.
A Long Way Back has yet to officially open, but this quaint shop already has charm and distinct character. The store is composed of a string of small rooms, which form a straight line to the back of the store. Each room has a theme and specific ambiance.
The Headstroms, the store owners, have been the antiques business for 13 years, formerly running a store located in Shipshewana. They moved to the greater Hillsdale for a fresh start, after owner Debbie Headstrom’s mother passed away in 2013.
“We were looking for a place we could call our own and have a retirement business, so when we found this location we thought it would be perfect, so here we are,” Debbie Headsxtrom said.
This love for antiquing was fostered through antiquing with her mother and sisters, Headstrom said.
“We are hoping that when people come in they feel really welcome and happy to be here,” she said. “If they just walk through and enjoy themselves and enjoy the atmosphere, I want it to be a fun day whether they find something that they buy something or not…I hope that every time someone comes back they will see something new and different and will want to come back again.”
A Long Way Back will open on March 26, and plans to offer shoppers both a mix of vintage and modern goods, with a focus on women’s clothing items.
“We are going to be carrying more new things, wine accessories, wine racks, and women’s clothing. We will be open Friday, Saturday Sunday and Monday, and closed during the winter months,” Headstrom said.
A Long Way Back also plans to have wine tasting during spring and summer months after it opens in March.
Allen Antique Mall — 9011 W Chicago Rd
Another antique hot-spot is the Allen Antique mall, which was the first antique mall in the area and the largest. The mall is composed of two buildings and features a full-service restaurant on site.
“Between the two of buildings we have over 100 dealers from five different state, with the huge variety of dealers that we have, we have everything, from primitive to furniture, from crafts, to candles,” store manager Jamie Cole said.
Owner Bonnie Friend purchased the property around 15 years ago, after running the store’s neighboring restaurant.
“My mom started off by buying the restaurant, but it was just a little ice cream shop before,” said Friend’s son Wesley Cook. “She bought it, put a grill in it, and expanded it, so now it’s a full service restaurant. The antique building was formerly owned by Mike Bud, then she purchased the building, and fixed it up to what it is now.”
Friend built the second Antique Mall building in 1994.
“Twenty some years ago, the hot spot used to be downtown, in what used be called the Green Top. Since then, a lot of people have passed away or retired, so it’s kind of a good thing the malls came to town,” Cook said.
The Allen Antique Mall is open every day 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on major holidays.
The antique business, aside from being a highly personal trade, is a driving force behind commerce in rural Michigan, as they bring in buyers and travelers from around the country.
