Antique Hunting in Downtown Westerly

Some people love antiques. They love them so much that they collect them and sell them to others. They create businesses around them and share their passion for antiques with others.

Antiques can have educational or historic value. Some have stories that connect us to our youth or remind us of days gone by – like childhood visits to Gramma’s house or spending time in Grandpa’s workshop.

According to the world wide web (www.dictionary.com) the word antique came into being between 1520-1530.  Its root word means “in front,” “existing earlier,” “before,” or “ancient”. According to U.S. Customs Law, an item must be at least 100 years old in order to be classified as an antique. However, cars are considered antiques at 25 years of age.

In modern times however, things can be less than a hundred years old and still be considered cherished antiques. It all depends on one’s personal preferences. A 1960’s kitchen table or a Steiff Teddy Bear can be just as valuable to some as an ancient Roman coin or tool is to another.

Let’s consider Westerly for instance. It was founded in 1669 and has plenty of history within its borders. Just imagine the items that once graced the homes of early Westerly, particularly within the fine houses on Elm Street or in the Watch Hill area. Some antiques have been passed down through families, with some eventually ending up in shops.

Downtown Westerly has three such interesting antique shops. Each business has its own manner of acquiring antiques which helps make a visitor’s antique hunting experience all the more interesting. There are more than three antique shops in Westerly, but for now, we will highlight the ones that help make the downtown area of Westerly the special place that it is.

The first is “Homespun Cottage Antiques and Collectibles” at 25 High Street. It is near Nigrelli’s Jewelers, just a few doors away from the post office. The business has been owned by Brian Birch and Bob Ward for twelve years. Miss Lucy, their golden cat who delights customers, joined their team ten years ago. Brian and Bob, also auctioneers, provide customers with a beautiful array of estate pieces and antiques.  Miss Lucy, who enjoys sitting in the front window watching people or greeting customers, has her own fan following on Facebook (Miss Lucy of Homespun Antiques) and provides good PR for the shop.

Brian and Bob would like people to know that antiques don’t necessarily have to be expensive and that their shop has something for everyone. Their shop is artfully organized and full of interesting items and furniture. Most items are from local estates and they will occasionally take items on a consignment basis. Homespun offers free local delivery and will ship items. Hours: Wednesday through Monday 10 AM – 5 PM and Tuesdays “by chance or luck”.  For further information, you can find them on Facebook, or via their website, or phone – 401-348-9800.

The second shop on our virtual tour today is Mary D’s Antiques and Collectibles, just a few doors away from Homespun, at 33 High Street. It’s hard to miss – just look for the image of the cow jumping over the big yellow moon on the front window. The owners are Lois and Bruce Miner, a friendly and welcoming couple, who have been in business for 27 years.

Their shop has items from a variety of antique dealers. Lois is very particular about the antiques she will accept from dealers and so customers know that what is in Mary D’s is in good condition, unique, and clean. They also do a great job displaying their merchandise. As Lois says, the business is “1,900 square feet from soup to nuts”. There are a few rooms beyond the main showroom so just keep walking towards the back of the store for more antique treats. Mary D’s has won awards throughout the years including the Editor’s Choice awards by “Best of Rhode Island” magazine. Mary D’s offers local deliveries. The shop is open six days a week beginning at 10 AM “until whenever,” and is closed on Tuesdays. Their phone number is 401-596-5653.

Last but not least is “Westerly Enterprises,” which buys and sells antique domestic and foreign coins, currency, and jewelry. It is an easy four-minute walk from Homespun and Mary D’s, so keep the car parked and enjoy a stroll.  Heading away from the Post Office towards Perks and Corks, bear left off High Street onto Canal St, and Westerly Enterprises is #8B, just across from “84 Tavern on Canal” and steps from the Savoy Bookstore.

The owners are Melissa and George Champlin.  George’s father opened the business in 1981. His dad’s passion was history and coin collecting so he and a friend opened Westerly Enterprises, and George came on board in 1999, eventually taking full ownership in 2009.

George and Melissa shared that their product “margins are razor thin,” which is a really good deal for the customer. “We do it for our livelihood but we also do it because we enjoy it,” George shared. There is an eclectic mix of items at Westerly Enterprises. George describes it as “a museum that you can actually buy things from.”  At the time of this writing George has some Roman coins from about 54 B.C. available for sale. You can contact Westerly Enterprises at: 401-596-2298.

If you are a lover of rare finds, old things, and surprising treasures, take a short trip to downtown Westerly. Visit these antique shops and take home a gift for yourself or someone else.  Talk to Bob, Brian, Lois, Bruce, George or Melissa, and definitely take a moment to pet Miss Lucy the cat. Take a step back in time without ever leaving Westerly.