Recycle, restore, repurpose. The growing trend in reusing, what we used to pitch, has found favor with the residents of Historic Irvington and local businesses are stepping up to meet the demand for vintage and salvage merchandise.
Once a “one street” shopping area, the Irvington business district has expanded to include East Washington Street, Audubon Road and Johnson Avenue.
On the corner of Bonna and Audubon you will find The Bonna Shops. Owner, Lisa Wuertz has combined her home decor business, Dream Designs, with a cluster of area dealers to bring together a variety of items for the interior and exterior of the home. Windows, doors and gently used items for re-purposing projects, a smattering of vintage and hand painted furniture and unique decorating items fill the rooms to overflowing. Family pictures or a favorite poster laying around that you have been meaning to have framed? Local framing expert Mike Spilbeler has set up a much-needed custom framing shop which also offers framed vintage posters from the Irvington area.
Directly across from the Bonna Shops is a mystical little place called The Magic Candle. Offering an eclectic selection of retro and vintage accessories for the home, custom made garden art, herbs, incense, candles and hand crafted oils, this little shop is literally packed from floor to ceiling with treasures. Retro is the word here, so be prepared when you walk through the door to feel like you have stepped back into the 70s. Shop owner Jan DeFerbrache hand selects many of the items offered for sale and also offers classes in arts and crafts.
Two of the Irvington area’s favorite shops are combining efforts to bring you a unique experience in vintage music and literature. Bookmamas (owner Kathleen Angelone) and their new addition Irvington Vinyl (owner Rick Wilkerson) are just south of Washington Street at 9 South Johnson Avenue. Thousands of used and collectible books and LPs, 45 and 78 records are available along with vintage music posters, tour programs and assorted paper collectibles. Hoosier fare is a specialty here with over 200 LPs from Hoosier artists and a nice selection of books by Indiana and Irvington authors.
Not your run of the mill second hand shop, ReTULLEd Consignment Boutique on East Washington offers a large selection of once worn prom dresses, wedding gowns and evening wear. Owner Amy Bonham has set up a beautiful shop with the feel of the finer bridal and formal wear venues in Indy……but at a fraction of the price. A nice grouping of vintage handbags, shoes, jewelry and other accessories make this a one-stop vintage shopping experience. Men’s wear is gradually being added and they offer tuxedo rental and alterations.
The Antique Mall of Irvington, located at the corner of East Washington Street and Ritter Avenue, is the oldest location for retro and vintage shopping in Irvington. Owners, Jack and Jill Lashbrook have assembled a large collection of windows, shutters, corbels, gingerbread and stained glass windows, many of which are originally from the east side of Indy. One of my favorite areas is the basement where re-purposing projects fill every corner.
Watch for more retro and refurbishing information in this special section, the third week of each month in the Weekly View. Next month we will take a look at the popularity of pop-up Vintage Markets in central Indiana. Until next time…………Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation constant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the valuation of estates and may be reached at 317-429-7887 or lkennett@indy.rr.com