A few months ago I did a post on the Kalamazoo Air Zoo as an example of what I called a local treasure—you know, one of those attractions right on our doorstep that visitors travel here to see. Most communities have them I think, and it’s good to pause every now and then and take stock. This is one of those times.
My love of travel and the open road often intersects with other interests—bike trails, historic homes and antique shops, to name a few. When it comes to the latter, I think southwestern Michigan is especially blessed. Rather than try to mention every shop in the area, I’ll list a few possibilities and give you hints on finding more. Topping the list for anyone seriously interested in nineteenth century furniture would have to be the Emporium in downtown Kalamazoo.
I bought my first piece, a 48″ round oak table, from its colorful proprietor (Bob Medema) in 1974. And though that original table has long since been traded away for other pieces, I have continued to do business with Bob. In fact, it’s still one of my favorite places to visit.
I have seen things at the Emporium that I have never seen anywhere else locally, including an exotic Wooton desk and a pristine bedroom suite that was snapped up by the Grand Rapids Van Andel Museum. The Wootons, also called Wells Fargo desks, were made in Indianapolis and prized by U.S. Presidents and giants of business and finance.
Even little Schoolcraft where I live is blessed with about half a dozen antique shops. Norma’s on Main Street has a broad general line and an extensive selection of glassware and coins. Travel a few miles south and east and you’ll come to Allen, the self-proclaimed Antique Capital of Michigan.
There are a couple of large antique malls in Allen and some freestanding shops. Allen is a good place to apply that old adage your mother probably used on you: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” In this case (and in frequent other antiqueing forays), it might translate: “Don’t think you can’t find treasures behind a junky or nondescript store front.”
Two other locations I’ve enjoyed recently are back to the West of Allen. One is the mall in downtown Niles and another is the eclectic sleeper of a shop opposite it called, most appropriately, “Across the Street.” There are also large malls just south of Niles on M-51 heading into South Bend.
For a more complete selection, consult one of the directories of antique shops available. Or you could pick up a copy of Antique Week, which bills itself as the “Weekly Antique Auction & Collecting Newspaper.” It’s usually available wherever newspapers and magazines are sold. It includes a directory of selected shops listed by state.
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