Somewhat hidden in a room containing hats and vinyl records was a round multi-layered wooden display table. Two levels of the table were populated by a couple hundred thimbles, each sporting a unique decoration. Standing above the sea of thimbles was one with the figurine of a grandmother holding a baby. She seemed to be holding court over the thimbles.

The item was just one of many unique and unexpected objects found during a visit to a handful of local antique stores. Four stores were visited on a Saturday morning.

Each proprietor was asked, “What is the most unique item in your shop?”

The question caused each of the proprietors to pause. They needed a moment to consider the question. The results were widely-varying and unexpected. That fact is, of course, one of the draws of a vintage shop. One never knows what one might find. 

Martha Slaughter of Karen’s Korner in Mineola offered, “We have a little bit of everything; can you give me a moment to think about it?” 

The shop has been an antique mainstay on the corner of Broad and Johnson for the past 29 years. It is impossible to visit the store without reflecting on the historic structure – the building dates from 1882.

Slaughter mentioned just some of the establishments which have been housed in the building. She advised that it was originally a dry goods store, but over time came to be a Perry Brothers Five and Dime. At one point, a dentist office operated out of the second floor.

“Teeth were found under the floorboards of the upstairs during renovations,” she added. 

Given a moment, Slaughter produced a unique offering – a barber’s porcelain shaving basin and dish. In addition to being quite beautiful, the two pieces fit together to form an attractive oval.

The next stop on the itinerary was the Robin’s Nest in Alba. There, Robin and Wayne Honaker sell wares specializing in mid-century modern items and smaller-sized household goods.  

The pair met while Robin was managing a hardware store in Mineola and Wayne was a customer. They have brought some of that hardware flavor to the wide range of items in their store off US 69 just across from the diner in Alba.

After some reflection, Robin advised that one of their most unique items was a pair of remote-controlled toy Cadillacs in mint condition. Other interesting items of note were an old surveyor’s transom and some yet serviceable nautical block and tackle

Robin summarized the appeal to antiquing.  “Aren’t we all just shopping for memories?” she postulated. 

After a quick run up TX 182 to Quitman one will find Lane Street Collectibles, conveniently located just next to the Country Kitchen. Pam Pipkin Dunn, the sister of owner Angela Snyder, was on the front steps with her rescue dog companion, Ms. Dottie.  

Dunn led the way into the shop which is housed in one of the oldest brick homes in Quitman. A huge range of items are at one’s perusal, however, the number of hats is quite impressive. Ladies’ hats, men’s hats, dress hats and work hats. A large collection of vinyl records is also available. 

While Dunn couldn’t name the most unique item in the shop, she did report that they recently sold a large Elvis statue. 

It was during this walkabout that the army of thimbles was sighted, as was possibly the most beautiful item of the day – a porcelain angel playing a harp.  

The last stop of the day was at Red Barn Treasures, located just as one enters Winnsboro northbound on TX 37. David and Judy Peacock run two businesses at the location: a vendor retail shop in the front and an antique auction business in the back.

Having relocated to Winnsboro from Arlington seven years ago, the Peacocks have always been fascinated by items from the past. As David explained, “When I look at an old rolling pin, I wonder how many pies did that rolling pin help make?”

After passing through into the area where the Peacocks research and photograph items for their on-line auction business, two unique holdings were shared.

A mechanical desktop music box had just been obtained, and the two were busily bringing it back to top working order. The music box appears to be of Swiss manufacture, and quite possibly was produced for the Centennial International Exhibition held in Philadelphia in November 1876.  

The second find was a collection of essays and letters written in exquisite long-hand by a Dr. C.E.R. King of New York in the 1850s. David marveled at the penmanship and literacy of the writings.

Antiquing takes many forms, from vendor stalls to auctions, to period-centric shops and specific collectibles. The business of rediscovering the past is a big part of Wood County. It is also a tough business to succeed in.

As Robin Honaker admitted, “We couldn’t have made it through the last couple of years without the support of our Lake Fork customers.”

And, as long as residents search out items which bring back lost memories, the antique business will continue to thrive.