New antique shop to open on square

Monday, August 6, 2012

The time has come for Bill and Lynn Martindale-Sullivan to finally open their own antique shop, Vintage on Franklin, on the Greencastle Courthouse Square in their location at 5 W. Franklin St.

The couple, who recently moved here to renovate Lynn's childhood home, have been antique dealers for nearly 30 years.

After owning several booths in antique malls as well as several stores over the years, the couple believes that Greencastle will be the perfect location.

"We can't help ourselves," Bill said. "I've been a picker for 30 years and she's been an antique dealer for 30 years. We're just out of control and we're looking to be antique dealers."

The Sullivans began renting the building from the Senior Center Wednesday and they have already accomplished a lot such as painting the walls and doing some remodeling in the inside of the shop.

"The downtown is perfect for antique shops," Lynn said. "We still have a little ways to go yet, though."

Over the past few months Bill and Lynn have been "picking" as much as they can to fill their shop with a variety of quality items. After placing an ad in the Banner Graphic, the couple has also received several donations.

"People have been calling like crazy," Lynn explained. "We've also been going to auctions and flea markets."

In the end, they will divide roles and Lynn will be the one working in the shop.

"Bill does most of the buying. He calls himself a picker, but we both pick when we can," Lynn said. "I really like people and I love to talk to them so it's easy for me to be in a shop."

The shop will feature larger items, including furniture, and smaller items, like vintage clothing, costume jewelry and old travel maps from around the world.

"It's going to be more high end," Bill said. "We don't want it to be a junk shop. We're going to spend the money it takes to have good inventory."

The store will also feature a hand-painted sign by a Greencastle artist.

It is unclear exactly when the shop will open as the building is set to be one of 14 properties involved in the Stellar renovations.

"When the sign is out, we'll be open," Lynn said. "I really think this will work. I do."

For more information on the antique shop or those interested in selling items contact bandlsullivan@cinergymetro.net.

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