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Missouri News
History lost (April 2008)
Events in Cooper and Saline counties in February have alarmed historian Gary Gene Fuenfhausen of Arrow Rock. The researcher has studied the slave plantation era in Missouri and sought to protect the architectural reminders of that sorrowful time period in the state.
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| The Prairie View plantation house in Cooper County, built c. 1857-59, was damaged by fire in early February. |
A fire severely damaged the historic Prairie View plantation, also known as Crestwood, in Cooper County in early February. The large Italianate house that burned was the center of this estate built c. 1857-1859 by John Taylor that once encompassed 4,600 acres with 19 enslaved African Americans. One of the four slave quarters still stands today, wrote Fuenfhausen in an email to Discover Mid-America.
The Betteridge family purchased the property in 1900, which “always took such great pride in their family’s historic home and were actually in the process of preparing the house for the new year’s tour season,” Fuenfhausen wrote.
That same week the Obannon plantation in Saline County was bulldozed to make way for a commercial development. The now-gone “big house” was the center of a 700+ acre plantation that held as many as 29 African American slaves in bondage, according to Fuenfhausen.
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| The historic Obannon big house in Saline County as it appeared in March 2007 before being demolished in February 2008 to make way for commercial development. (photos by Gary Gene Fuenfhausen) |
“Located in the heart of Missouri’s slave and hemp belt, in a region historically called ‘Little Dixie,’ slave owner Minor Obannon was the embodiment of the typical southern gentleman yeoman planter, building his brick big house and plantation to mirror other slave estates located all across the Upper South.”
According to Fuenfhausen, Missouri is the last state among the slave states to do research on its slave/plantation era.
These losses, wrote Fuenfhausen, “coupled with others like the destruction of the historic Slusher slave cabin at Old Oaks this fall in Lafayette County, tells us that at this present rate not many of these historic sites will be left to talk to us about Missouri’s slave era past.”
Antiquer leaves us (March 2008)
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| Besides the antiques trade, Ray Cummings was (obviously) into fishing. (photo courtesy of Susan Cummings) |
Ray Cummings, co-owner of Cummings Corner Antiques in the 45th & State Line antique district with wife Susan, died Jan. 25 of a heart attack. Cummings was 60 and considered one of the most knowledgeable antiquers in the Midwest. Cummings Corner is a premier antique shop in the Kansas City area.
“He always talked about how it was great doing what he was doing, how antiques was both his job and his hobby,” said Susan.
Susan and Ray meet when both operated shops in the 45th Street district. Their shared love of antiques blossomed into a love of one another.
Susan has no immediate plans to close the shop. Cummings Corner is at 1812 W. 45th St.; call 816-753-5353 for more information.
Antique mall rehab (Feb. 2008)
Back in October, Karen Kessler opened Heritage Antiques at the location of the former Country Meadows Antique Mall in Independence. And she hasn’t looked back since.
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| Karen Kessler of Heritage Antiques likes to offer tips on home decorating |
“So far, I’m very pleased,” said Kessler. “A lot of loyal customers follow me wherever I go.”
Kessler closed her store in Grain Valley when it became known that the city was going to do extensive road construction downtown. She knew it would affect business.
Kessler’s store is known for “wonderful turn-of-the-century” pieces, she said. In search of pieces “that capture the beauty and quality craftsmanship of years gone by,” Kessler particularly looks for furniture not found elsewhere. Many of the pieces she finds are refurnished or reupholstered before being put out on the floor.
Interacting with her customers and other dealers adds to her knowledge said Kessler. “I learn when someone tells me something I don’t know. It’s better than reading a book,” she said.
Helping with decorating issues and offering ideas to give a home a “fresh new look” also is one of Kessler’s talents.
She said she is planning on holding an official Grand Opening in March in conjunction with a Spring Open House. For more information, call 816-350-1308.
New shop in Lexington (Feb. 2008)
“We had a soft opening,” said Margot Allen, manager of Enigma Rarities, a new shop in Lexington, which opened in the week after Christmas but before New Year’s.
Not having a “loud” opening fits the shop, which is owned by Lexington resident David Clark, and the atmosphere it projects.
“We just have a place that is comfortable, calm,” said Allen. “You can come in and read the newspapers, and have a cup of coffee. We look a lot like an art gallery.” Sometimes brownies or cookies go with the art and coffee.
Enigma Rarities carries Civil War-era newspapers — along with the more timely ones — Asian porcelain, old and rare books and pottery. But what Allen likes to point out, with her background in retail, sales and art history, are the sketches and lithographs. The shop carries originals, said Allen, of Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall and Paul César Helleu, priced from $700 to $10,000.
Every third Thursday, from 6:30-8 pm, Enigma Rarities holds a discussion period. The topics vary, said Allen, adding that a recent one spearheaded by Clark dealt with preserving old documents and books.
“(But) It’s hard to say what we will talk about, it’s wide open,” said Allen.
Allen says the shop fits the Lexington environment, one that attracted her to move there from the Kansas City area.
“You can hear the birds here,” she said. “One of the things I tell people is that the downtown district of Lexington is as close as I’ll get to a Norman Rockwell painting. There’s a sense of civic pride here and people you don’t know or really don’t know you, wave.”
Enigma Rarities is at 1117 Main and is open 7 am-5 pm, Mon.-Sat., and 8 am-4 pm, Sunday. Call 660-259-6444 for more information.
Found art, founded business (Jan. 2008)
At what point does an artist decide to also become a business owner? Or does it really matter?
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| “Listen,” by Chari Roberts Peak, made of found wood and air-dry clay |
Chari Roberts Peak has been “into” art for seven years. Call that an “official into” since she also said, “I’ve always been creating stuff, making stuff all my life.
“I’ve taken classes, been in an artist coop and developed a style. It’s taken me this long to find out what I really like doing.”
That would be found art, reassembled or created mostly as figurative.
“I am captivated with the human form,” Peak said. “I utilize a variety of reclaimed materials for my sculptures, such as broken furniture, found objects, wheels and unusual things others might see as junk.”
She finds her material most anywhere. “I go to all kinds of antique shops,” Peak said. “Also once-a-month events like Good Ju Ju and Urban Mining; and I find things on the street. I recycle things.”
On Dec. 1, Peak the artist also became a business owner, opening Find, located in the 45th & State Line antique district of Kansas City. There, she sells her work, represents four other artists and conducts classes or what she calls “Assemble – A Gathering of Creative Souls.” One such gathering will be a jewelry class on Jan 5, from 10 am to 2 pm.
For more information, call 816-401-1411 or visit www.kcfindit.com
New in Neosho… (Dec. 2007)
Five antique shops cluster around Neosho’s historic square. New ownership came to one and another opened recently in an old photography studio.
Remember When is Rodney and Shawna Whorton’s first antique shop.
“We started working the space in June…cleaning, stocking,” said Shawna. “There wasn’t much renovation needed. It had nice lighting — being a photography studio — and wallpaper.”
The couple had a booth in Bentonville, AR for 12 years. But then Bentonville just got too big and hectic. They like Neosho and decided to move. Opening an antique store “seemed like the natural thing to do,” Shawna said.
“Neosho is a good place because of its historical downtown and older homes. The tourists do come.”
Shawna says their shop handles a general line of antiques and “older” collectibles. But the specialty is antique furniture.
“We ask our dealers to maintain at least 95% antiques. We try to stick with antique furnishings.”
Both Shawna and Rodney are optimistic about the antique business. “There will always be a need to see a piece of history, and everybody wants something grandma had or something that reminds them of grandma.” Contact Remember When at 417-451-7272.
New ownership came to the Big Spring Antique Mall in June. Gary and Susan Hoxsie, originally from Tulsa, OK, took over what Susan says is the oldest antique store in Neosho, housed in a former department store.
“We’ve dealt in antiques for 25 years or better,” said Susan. “Since we’ve bought the building, we’ve started specialty rooms, including for furniture. We now have 40 booths operated by different vendors.”
Susan says Rodney collects and restores vintage racecars, and old Chevrolets. Susan attraction is a little more unusual, even with her being a nurse.
“I collect surgical instruments and medical bottles,” she said.
Susan admits finding antique surgical instruments aren’t easy and a physician’s estate sale is a good place to look.
“Surgical instruments go back centuries, mostly knives. I have a 1600 scarficator with 12 small blades,” Susan said.
One could say that a scarficator was a step up from leeches during the time bloodletting was considered a standard medical procedure.
Susan says Neosho feels like home and she likes the fact that the residents believe in shopping “Neosho first.” Big Spring will have sales through December. For more information, call 417-451-1500.
An 1889 Victorian Inn (Oct. 2007)
The Stone-Yancey House Bed and Breakfast in Liberty has completed its restoration and is open for guests. Carolyn and Steve Hatcher decorated the historic Inn with antiques, including an oak bed, claw foot tub.
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| The Stone-Yancey House in Liberty. |
"We took a year and half to restore the house, which was built in 1889," Carolyn Hatcher said. "In restoring the house, we stayed true to the time period. We chose authentic period wallpaper for the rooms, put in ceramic tile in the bathrooms, but the tile is appropriate to the time. Even the kitchen, we chose cabinetry that goes with the era of the house. We bought antique light fixtures and replaced modern fixtures, although, there were three original light fixtures in the home."
The three guest rooms feature private baths, a sitting room and a workroom with Internet access, television and DVD players. The guest parlor features a fireplace, piano, library and games.
"I wanted to do this for more than 20 years," Hatcher said. "I love to entertain, cook and I like housework. Both of us stayed in hundreds of B&B's around the world, I've been keeping notes of likes and dislikes. Both of us worked in the computer field, my husband still does. I run the B&B full-time, he's my assistant innkeeper on weekends. We live in the house; it's our home. The furniture, many pieces are family pieces."
The Inn's three-course breakfast includes homemade breads and muffins, cereal, a main entree such as lemon soufflé pancakes, caramel French toast and an omelet roll.
The Stone-Yancey House is totally non-smoking. For more information,
call 816-415-0066 or go to
www.stoneyanceyhouse.com.
Blue Goose Pie anyone? (Oct. 2007)
The New Weston Cafe has been restored and redecorated, and the owners of the historic eatery have hired new staff as well.
That would include Samantha (Sam) Llewellyn, who operates the cafe owned by Verna and Bill Kowertz.
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| The New Weston Café, home of the Blue Goose Pie and remembrances of old motorcycles |
The historic cafe, with its old tin pressed ceiling and hard oak floors, has been accented with photos of old motorcycles.
"I have a picture of my Grandfather on his 1912 Harley Davidson, when he asked my grandmother to marry him," said Verna Kowertz.
"A friend of mine let me make copies of his Uncle's photos of his friends and Harley Davidson bike shop. I had all these wonderful old Harley Davidson pictures taken in the 1910s and the cafe was the perfect place to showcase them."
And the photos keep coming. “Not a week goes by when another local brings us a picture of their motorcycle to hang on the wall,” said Llewellyn.
The menu features a new item — Blue Goose Pie. In fact, the chef special orders gooseberries and blueberries for the pastry recipe. Llewellyn has been a cook/restaurant manager for over 25 years.
The café, located at 407 Main, is open weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Call 816-640-2224 for more information.
Second anniversary at Cockrell’s (Sept. 2007)
As many a husband and boyfriend knows, a shopping day at Cockrell’s will get a woman in a good mood.
With five cottages, barns and 115-year-old general store, Cockrell Mercantile Co. of Lee’s Summit is a venerable shopping institution, devoted to the finest in cookware, bakeware, linens, home decor and other specialty items that draw discriminating shoppers like hummingbirds to honeysuckle.
And what makes this happen? Basically, it’s simple — a large and varied selection of quality products, coupled with a customer service approach missing from big-box retail segments.
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| Becky Glaze, co-owner with her husband Chris, of the Cockrell Mercantile Co. The shop foregoes computers, opting to maintain an old-fashioned approach with hand-written tickets. (photo by Bruce Rodgers) |
“We have something for everyone, and another thing that’s very important for us is customer service — something the big stores don’t necessarily have,” said Becky Glaze, Cockrell’s proprietor along with her husband Chris.
The couple bought Cockrell in September 2005 from John Perucca, the Westport businessman who put Pryde’s on the map in Midtown Kansas City. Becky managed Pryde’s in the early 1990s before moving to Colorado.
“It gave me the business background I needed,” said Becky.
Though the history around Cockrell is a little murky, Becky said Perucca bought the place in 1999 when the general store sold feed and other bulk foods. At one time, the store also held a post office and a blacksmith shop was nearby, said Becky.
The Cockrell name supposedly came from a Confederate general named Francis Marion Cockrell born in Johnson County, MO in 1834. A distinguished CSA officer, Cockrell fought for the South from 1861 to 1865, including engagements at Carthage, Wilson’s Creek and Lexington in Missouri. Over those years, he was wounded six times. Cockrell later became a U.S. Senator and reportedly worked to heal the nation’s wounds after the Civil War.
Perucca infused Cockrell with his business approach and philosophy. Much of that involves carrying quality products and many lines that support small and local vendors. Becky and Chris stay with that success, adding their touches here and there, particularly to gourmet foods.
“I encourage local vendors to come out on a weekend and serve our customers to see their response (to their product),” Becky said.
It’s an approach that ensures a high standard of quality and one that gauges customer appeal.
“It’s hard not to have something someone asks for,” said Becky.
The couple lives on the 4-acre property, with husband Chris deemed the “super maintenance guy” in charge of upkeep. Cockrell employs 22 people and is open seven days a week. Special touches include complimentary gift-wrapping and custom-created gift baskets. And clerks use hand-written tickets.
“No computers,” said Becky. “I think people appreciate that,” adding, “If our customers are comfortable here, they will come back.”
“We’re a great hangout for women, and you can spend a day here and not see everything.”
Many a husband and boyfriend can attest to that, especially in the gourmet food aisle.
Anniversary time (Aug. 2007)
Judy and Richard Perry, along with over 50 dealers at their Main Street Mall Antiques & Collectibles in Grain Valley, want it known that the invitation is out. It’s time to celebrate 25 years in the antique business.
It all started in Sept. 1, 1981 when Judy and her late mother-in-law Chris Perry opened “Judy Ann’s Bargain Shoppe” on Front Street in a small 800-square-foot building. It was Chris who suggested going into business, and Judy went along after earlier helping out at garage sale in Blue Springs.
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| Judy Perry, co-owner with her husband Richard of Main Street Mall in Grain Valley, is celebrating their 25th anniversary throughout the month of August. (photo courtesy of Judy Perry) |
“I really enjoyed being with the public again,” Judy remembered.
The pair outgrew their location and moved to a bigger space on Main Street two years later. A few years after that, the business name was changed to Main Street Mall Antiques & Collectibles.
The expanding didn’t’ stop — there were a couple more and now the Perrys manage over 6,000 square feet of quality antiques and collectibles along with the dealers that sell merchandise as varied as Carnival Glass, Toys, Primitives, Westmoreland, Depression Glass, Furniture, Fenton, Lefton, dolls, clocks and jewelry dealers. Some have been with the Perrys for over 10 years.
Judy and Richard have taken note of the trends through the years.
“Ironically, it’s been the giveaway items that have turned into some of the most collectible antiques,” said Judy.
“Most collectors like things that remind them of their childhood. Some pieces they lived around during childhood or something grandpa used that are now nostalgic,” continued Judy.
“In the 1950s, I remember my grandfather, who was an auctioneer in Iowa, speaking of antiques in the 1800s; now, we speak of antiques of the early 1900s, and collecting is strong for items from the 1950s era.”
The invitation is out; come by and say hello. Throughout August there will be refreshments, entertainment, giveaways, drawings and sale items. Main Street Mall is at 518 Main in Grain Valley. Call 816-224-6400 or visit www.mainstreetmallantiques.com for more information.
A new reDeux (Aug. 2007)
Housed in an 1885 Victorian Cottage, Parkville newest addition to the town’s eclectic collection of shops is reDeux Interior Ideas – Furniture, Antiques and Home Accessories located at 307 Main.
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| reDeux is located in an 1885 Victorian Cottage in Parkville. |
Seven merchants — or perhaps better named as artists — present shoppers with unique, one-of-a-kind items from antiques, chandeliers, and art and sculpture. The list includes Shades of Shabby, Beyond the Door, The Mississippi Squirrel, The Country Store, Pigg, Architectural Salvage and The Chandelier Ladies.
reDeux’s well designed and easily to use website has an abundant sampling of wares from these merchants/artists. Go to www.redeuxinteriorideas.com or call 816-437-7717.
One year and then some
It’s been just pass a year since Ed and Vida McEndollar became owners of Countryside Antiques & Collectibles in Camdenton. The couple left St. Louis and settled into the Lake of the Ozarks community to begin planning a retirement lifestyle while continuing their passion for antiques.
“We have been collectors for 25 years,” says. Vida.
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| (l) Countryside Antiques customer Linda Campbell, shown here with co-owner Vida McEndollar, likes the “Campbell’s Soup” cookie jar she found at shop. (photo courtesy of Countryside Antiques & Collectibles) |
Vida has experience in the marketing and retail sector, and knows about quality merchandise and display environments. Her and Ed’s knowledge and straight-ahead approach attracted dealers to the shop, currently 50-plus, says Vida.
“Our goal has been to have a variety of merchandise and though it took some time, we feel we have succeeded,” Ed says.
Vida is expanding the shop’s line of items, adding a small market, which features jams, salsas and other foods created locally. They are also looking into adding a restaurant and expanding the space for antiques .
“Our only problem now is that we are bursting at the seams and have started working on expansion plans,” says Vida.
Countryside Antiques & Collectibles is open Mon.-Sat., 9 am-6 pm, and Sun., 10 am-5 pm. For more information, call 573-346-5454 or visit www.countrysideantiq.com.
Kramer’s Best in its 20th year
In March 1987, John T. Kramer of Sugar Creek, and a wood conservator, bottled the first two cases of his all-natural concoction. The wood care and restoration product, Kramer’s Best Antique Improver, was 20 years old in March.
The first case of 12 bottles was purchased by Jeanne Fishman at Black Flag Antiques on The Square in Independence, MO, making her the first dealer for the product.
“I wish we had a count, like McDonald’s, so we could say how many bottles have been sold,” said Kramer. “We now have over 500 dealers in 47 states.”
Kramer describes his Antique Improver as a “product from the past,” a curative for both wood and finishes that also can be used as a furniture polish. He said his interest in history, antiques and the old ways of working with wood led him to his formulation of this all-natural product.
The product line has expanded to include two other specialized products: Blemish Clarifier for heavy cleaning projects and Wood Food Oyl for use on any wood that will be in contact with food.
For more information on Kramer’s products, visit www.kramerize.com.
Protecting historic sites
A newly formed organization, Citizens to Protect State Parks and Historic Sites, or CPSPHS, wants to educate the public about its mission. The group was formed in January 2007 by citizens of Arrow Rock in response to the threat of air pollution emanating from CAFOs — Concentrated Animal Feeding Organizations — near Arrow Rock and other Missouri state parks and historic sites.
CPSPHS seeks legislation that will create a buffer zone around the state’s parks and historic sites.
For more information, visit www.ProtectParks.org or contact the group at Citizens to Protect State Parks and Historic Sites, PO Box 32, Arrow Rock, MO 65320.
Westmoreland collectors
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| Harold Mayes is holding a Westmoreland 1776 Colonial 15-inch milk glass swung vase decorated with roses and bows. It’s considered a rare piece. The other is a Westmoreland small candy dish. (photo courtesy of Main Street Mall) |
Harold and Doris Mayes got into Westmoreland glass in the 1950s by browsing around a jewelry store in the Englewood shopping district in Independence. They really didn’t know much about the small Old Quilt candy dish in milk glass they bought. It was only later, Harold said, that the piece “turned out to be the most expensive in our household.”
Westmoreland Glass Co., based in Grapeville, PA, produced quality glass from 1890 to 1984. The company made a wide variety of patterns, colors and decorations for selected pieces, including “old carnival” from the late 1900s to the early 1920s.
“Westmoreland stressed quality on their glass,” said Harold. “For example, all pieces were fire polished to remove the mold marks and glass flashings. You can even find bowls, tumblers and other pieces with ground bottoms to assure they sit flat.”
What really got the couple into Westmoreland was in 1988 when they found an Old Quilt milk glass in a shop in Weston.
“From that time on we were hooked on collecting Old Quilt,” said Harold. They joined two Westmoreland clubs, one in Pennsylvania and another in Iowa.
They have been at Main Street Mall in Grain Valley for 14 years and are hoping to pass along their enthusiasm for Westmoreland to others. Booth 7 is considered the “Westmoreland Glass Headquarters” at the Main Street Mall. For more information, call 816-224-6400.
Dealing in memories
Jesse James Antique Mall & Furniture Gallery in St. Joseph is one of those must-stop-and-shop places with its more than 250 dealers and 400 display booths. Four of those booths are maintained by one of the malls newest dealers, Audrey Hart from King City.
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| Audrey Hart in front of one of her display cases at Jesse James Antique Mall, I-29 & 71 Hwy, St. Joseph. (photo courtesy of Jesses James Antique Mall) |
Audrey says she always like antiques. Growing up in a family of eleven during the hard times of the Depression years, the closest thing to an antique the family had would have been a Fire King, which they used everyday. She recalls shopping at the local five and dime in homemade feedsack clothes.
Audrey started collecting in her teenage years. “Antiques are different from other stuff you buy,” said Audrey. “They can’t be duplicated, different from other stuff — something you can’t go to Wal-Mart and buy.”
Still at it, Audrey searches for the rare item, focusing on kitchen glassware from the 1940s. “It reminds me of growing up,” she said.
The four showcases at Jesse James are a mere sample of what is a lifetime of accumulation. “My personal favorite to collect would be shakers and dripping jars,” said Audrey.
Fire King, McKee, Jeanette, Hazel-Atlas, Federal Glass, Pyrex and more are available through Audrey. Twelve-year-old granddaughter Cherith carries on the family tradition by collecting jadeite and Hazel Kitchenware.
Every couple of weeks Audrey hits the road, sometimes traveling as far as Pennsylvania. “Daytripping — that is the fun-est part (about antiquing),” said Audrey. “I like finding that rare thing and carrying something different.”
Audrey welcomes interested collectors and dealers at Jesse James, and at her eBay store (user name ojh91). Who knows, mention that you learned of her by reading about her in Discover Mid-America and you might get 10% off your purchase. Call 816-232-0099 for more information.
Back on the block
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| Susan Cummings with an 1880’s Victorian icebox that she likes to call “an original mini bar.” (photo by Bruce Rodgers) |
For decades, the 45th & State Line area in Midtown Kansas City has been an antique shop haven of sorts. The tidy, working class neighborhood dotted with sturdy mercantile one-and two-story buildings holds a quaintness complimenting the love of antiques.
Susan and Ray Cummings have be part of that draw for years. Susan opened a shop in 1976; Ray had one right next door. Neighborly talk centered on antiques, of course; later an entryway connecting the shops was opened to ease the shopping experience. Then romance blossomed and the coupled married.
Their combined antique knowledge deepened the couple’s reputation. Yet, they left storefront retail behind for a while and worked shows and sold out of their home. Recently, Susan and Ray have returned to the 45th & State Line with their shop Cummings Corner Antiques.
“This is a wonderful area and the dealers all work together,” said Susan. “When we had a recent Open House, people said, ‘We’re glad you’re back.’”
Susan said the focus is on American antiques — “not Americana.” There’s also a blending of French furniture as the Cummings took over the remaining inventory of European Express, a shop that previously had the space.
“But we have a wide diversity,” said Ray, pointing out washboards, Meissen plates, light and ceiling fixtures, “hunting lodge” antiques and antique fishing tackle. “And I just love advertising,” adds Ray.
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| Susan and Ray Cummings are back behind the register after an absence of a couple of years. (photo by Bruce Rodgers) |
One of Susan’s favorite items is a Victorian icebox originally part of railroad sleeper car from the 1880s. Made of porcelain and walnut, Susan calls it “an original mini bar.”
Susan’s attraction to antiques began with family heirlooms. “I like the beauty of antiques, how well made they are and the history behind them,” she said.
Also, said Ray, “It’s doing something you like. We think about it all the time.”
The Cummings point out that there are 20 other shops in the immediate area, plus a café across the street from their shop. The area’s business association is being revitalized, said Susan.
Cummings Corner Antiques is at 1812 W. 45th St. and open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Call 816-753-5353 for more information.
Into full ownership
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| Ingelore Smith and her husband, Dale, are the new owners of Beverly Hills Antique Center in Platte City. (photo by Bruce Rodgers) |
Ingelore Smith brings a natural European touch to the business of antiques. She was born in Germany, finding her way to America through marriage. Her heritage reinforces her interest in antiques.
“I like all the old,” she said. “How they stay the same and keep their value.”
She began as a dealer in Leavenworth, KS, then took the experienced gained to Beverly Hills Antique Center in 1995. The antique mall with 30 dealers sits at the junction of 45 and 92 highways in Platte City. To the west is Leavenworth, and to the north is Weston, MO.
By 1998, Ingelore had bought into Beverly Hills as a part owner. This past October the transition was completed. Encouraged by her husband Dale, Ingelore became full owner of Beverly Hills. And with help from her son David and daughter-in-law Tish, owners of Acorns, Antiques & Gatherings in Weston, she is putting her mark on the mall.
“I love what I’m doing,” Ingelore said. “It’s a good opportunity, and I have some real good dealers.”
One of mall’s specialties is silver plating and sterling matching. Ingelore also likes to point out the military items, hunting and fishing antiques and antique tools.
“We also have some European furniture which is hard to come by,” she added. In addition to furniture, Ingelore is also attracted to Rosewell, Rookwood and Van Briggle pottery. At least once a year she and husband Dale go off on a buying trip to New England.
“The key is a little bit of everything,” she said, “and customer service and cleanliness is equally important.”
Beverly Hills Antique Center is open daily 10 am to 5 pm. Layaway is available. Call 816-330-3432 for more information.
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