Lodi: The place to discover yesteryear’s treasures today
Antiques are in abundance in this area, whether you’re looking for an old-fashioned dining room table, some decorative glassware, garden gates or costume jewelry. You may find something you didn’t expect to see such as a piece of china that you remember seeing in your grandmother’s cabinet.
Downtown Lodi has plenty of antique stores filled with treasures, and some stores are tucked away in what is known as the “Archway District” on Pine Street near Lodi’s historic mission-style arch.
Abigail’s Cottage has been in operation for three years. It is the only New England-style store of its kind in the area, according to owner Scott Harring. He wanted the store to be reminiscent of an old-fashioned New Hampshire general store. When you go in the store, don’t forget to check out the upstairs area.
The theme of the store is rustic America, and Harring travels to various places including conventions and estate sales to handpick items for the store including hand-painted signs, old pictures, old fences and ironwork.
“I like architecture,” he said.
The store also carries new items made to look old, or “shabby-chic.”The name Abigail comes from Abigail Adams, wife of the second president of the United States, Harring said. In that area of Massachusetts, Harring liked the old New England look and wanted to carry the theme to the store.
The store is located at 6 W. Pine St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Another store tucked in close to Abigail’s is Alicia’s Antiques. The space inside is well-lit, and the displays are placed in a decorative fashion, all done by the owner, Alicia Bentz.
“I have a little bit of everything,” she said, adding that she carries home decor in addition to antiques.
Bentz finds items at estate sales, antique stores and auctions, and she does consignments. Her store has been around for five years, and she has been collecting antiques since the 1960s.
Alicia’s also has an area downstairs with bed frames, tables, chairs and doors. The shop includes china, cabinets, side tables and other items that seem to go together.
Bentz is mostly amazed with local people who step into her shop for the first time. Even though they may have lived in the area for a while, they don’t know about the shops on the side streets, she said.
“It’s a nice way to know people all-around,” she added.
Alicia’s Antiques is located at 14 W. Pine St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Old Town Antiques is more visible to passers-by on School Street, as it is across the street from the post office. Nine different dealers offer a wide variety of items including plates, armoires, saws, pictures, toys, games, jewelry, figurines and perfume bottles. There is something for everyone.
“The customers say it’s the best selection in town,” said owner Tim Vallem, who used to own a bookstore in the same location.
Vallem was always interested in antiques, and he says antiques are something a retail store would not sell.
While he can’t pinpoint anything in his store that is unique, he says that unique is subjective.
Old Town Antiques is located at 121 S. School St. and is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When looking for something that you think is unique, keep your eyes open to the stores tucked away on the side streets, whether you’re traversing in Lodi, Lockeford or Clements.