ANTIQUING IN GREENVILLE
By Suzanne Frances
Just a few miles down Highway 89 from Lake Almanor, you may find yourself taking a step back in time as you enter Greenville. Beautiful Indian Valley scenery paints the back drop for this quaint, old western town. The Way Station, an old style tavern stands tall on the corner. Indoors, you’ll find interesting memorabilia including a statue of the legendary John Wayne. The hardware store in Greenville (Hunter Ace Hardware) brings to mind a shopping trip from Little House on the Prairie. They seem to have a little bit of everything so you’re sure to find something you can’t live without.
A seeker of fine antiques and ‘interesting junk’ will enjoy spending time in Greenville. Several antique shops feature all kinds of stuff, and the trip through this historic town is bound to get you in the mood for antique shopping.
MSA Fine Jewelry & Home Decor
213 Main St. Greenville
530 284-7334
Open 7 days a week and positioned in a 105 year old Saloon building in downtown Greenville, this stop looked to me like a step inside the finest shop in San Francisco a hundred years ago. Beautifully selected antiques are elegantly placed with replicas and other fine home decor for a finish well worth the short walk up Main St. While fine antiques create the ambience, owners Bink and Josh Huddleston (father and son) admit that their fine jewelry business has taken center stage. I find that no wonder as large, well lit glass cases house one of the most unique and beautiful collections of fine jewelry I have seen. Gourmet items, amazing candles and other small treasures along with a host of most interesting accents for the home make it a great place to pick up even a small gift, perhaps for yourself! They also have nice candies, body and bath products and aromatherapy.
Bidwell Street Antiques:
127 Bidwell St. Greenville
530 284-1959
Paul and Jayne Elliott of Bidwell Street Antiques advertise that they are ‘open on Saturdays and other days by chance…. especially during summer’. A call ahead might make sense if you are a seeker of vintage sports memorabilia, one of their specialties. They try to carry hunting and fishing collectibles and nautical items too. They advertise general store and paper collectibles, advertising, cowboy, western and native themes. You will find jewelry, depression glass and other glassware, stoneware and some furniture.
The Trading Post at The Sierra Lodge:
Highway 89 & Main Street, Greenville
530 – 284-6154
If you like looking around, allow a little extra time for this giant showcase of unusual antiques and collectibles. This giant building is packed from floor to ceiling with interesting artifacts. During summer, proprietor Ivan Coffman keeps it open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 until 4 p.m. An incredible selection includes Western art, jewelry, glassware, vintage clothing, guitars, gold nuggets, Native American, nautical, furniture, and much more when it comes to collectibles and antiques.
“Into the Woods” Presented by Bidwell Street Antiques
116 Crescent St. (Hwy. 89)
This shop is open summers, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 till 5. this store specializes in cabin furnishings and decor, Hickory furniture, artwork and collectibles. They feature general store theme, western and offer china, stoneware and furniture, among other things.
Greenville Cottage Antiques & Collectibles
147 Crescent St. (Hwy. 89) Greenville
530 284-7632
Open Sunday through Friday from 10 until 6, proprietor Gay Jacobs specializes in McCoy pottery, and soft goods such as vintage linens,chenille bedspreads, dolls, baby clothing and more. You’ll find postcards, china and all kinds of miscellaneous items including old magazines and newspapers. The wedding cake topper collection is something to see.
R. Wright Classics
325 Crescent St. (Hwy. 89) Greenville
530 394-7459
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 to 5, they also offer appointments. This one specializes in cool advertising signs (one of my favorites), game room collectibles, cash registers and even barber shop memorabilia. From carousels and statues to lots of collectibles, this is fun stuff.
