After our recent weather-imposed lockdown here in Indy, my neighbor and I were ready for a “play day.” So we piled into my SUV and headed down I- 74 to see if we could fill the truck with treasures. The way it turned out, we should have rented a U-Haul!
For some time I had been curious about a shop that opened in the old G.C. Murphy’s building in my hometown of Greensburg, Indiana. Pushing open the heavy glass doors (that my Dad used to have to open for me as a kid), I found a true Picker’s Paradise!
Owner Tammy Bellows has assembled over 80 dealers who bring in a constant stream of antiques, furniture, collectibles and project pieces. Picker’s has doubled the shopping experience with a second location just a short drive away in Columbus at 1810 25th Street. The offerings here not only include vintage and antique finds, but they also carry used furniture, appliances and electronics in their 10,000 square foot facility. Both of the Picker’s Paradise locations are well worth the trip.
On our way back north we took a slight detour to see if Shelbyville had anything to offer. Located just 30 minutes from Indy, this little burg is a true treasure trove. Plan to go for the day to visit: Nostalgia on 9 and The US 44 Flea Market (vintage, antique and general flea market finds), Granny’s Attic (vintage clothing), Pink House Antiques and Sugar Creek Antiques (quality antiques and hand made items), Three Sisters (books and unique gifts) and Me & My Sister’s Flea Market (furniture, collectibles and decorator items). I found pricing to be very fair at all locations and in many cases they were also willing to deal.
As we rounded Indy on I-465, to head home, we made one last stop at The Emporium, located at 3535 South Emerson in Beech Grove. New, clean and well stocked, it has become a popular spot for dealers and bargain hunters in Indy. Along with their sister market in Greenwood, they are redefining the term “flea market.” Here you will find a great selection of vintage items, primitives, new, period and painted furniture, collectibles, vintage clothing, with a smattering of gently used merchandise.
People often ask me what I watch for when I go antiquing and like many of you, I am a very “in the moment” shopper. I love a bargain, but I have been known to pay a premium price if a piece really appeals to me. I am drawn to the fine craftsmanship of late 1800s furniture, but on occasion I will pick up a wobbly little $5 table to repair and paint.
To me, every day of antiquing is an adventure with it’s own momentum and end result. I am just as likely to come home with an 1800s cast iron garden gate as I am a classic Case pocket knife from the 1940s. I buy for my home, I shop year round for Christmas gifts, I purchase little antique oddities to share with my grandchildren and on occasion I dabble in speculation and buy for resale.
My husband might tell you I am addicted to shopping, but I would rather think of myself as a “connoisseur of a bargain.” Case in point, on this trip I purchased a Martha Washington sewing cabinet for $50, a 1940s shield- back mahogany chair w/upholstered seat for $18, a beautiful Gleaner’s print framed by Lyman Brother’s of Indianapolis for $12, a dry sink at $82 and the find of the day, a chocolate brown stoneware cold milk pitcher c.1890, in mint condition for $9.99!
Now you tell me, does that sound like an addict, or a wise shopper? Until next time……………..Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-429-7887 or lkennett@indy.rr.com