Antique Village Article

I wrote this article recently for Vintage Indie. This mall is one of my favorites!

The Antique Village located in historic Hanover County just north of Richmond, Virginia offers 10,000 square feet filled with booths, showcases and independent shops. Approximately 50 dealers provide a spectacular variety of paper ephemera, glassware, jewelry, primitives, Civil War memorabilia, advertising items, old store stock, toys, vintage clothing, furniture and more.

The mall originally opened in November 1971 and will be celebrating its 38th anniversary this year. It was the first multi dealer antique mall in Central Virginia. Three dealers have been with the mall since 1977 including John Whiting of Whiting's Old Paper. The original owner sold the mall in 1980 to a couple who now lease the mall to Joe Lipscombe, a dealer and the mall's manager. The building is well lit and offers a rest area for weary shoppers complete with vending machines, a water cooler and hot coffee.

My personal favorite shop within the mall is Whiting's Old Paper. Packed full of everything paper related, Whiting's is known as "the oldest, largest and most complete paper memorabilia store in Central Virginia." It definitely lives up to that title. Whiting originally taught college level history when he started collecting picture postcards but the seeds were planted in early childhood. His sister Suzanne says, "Your shop is like a giant version of your bedroom from when you were a child." In 1976, Whiting opened his paper business originally setting up at shows. After awhile, he realized he needed a more permanent location and opened his shop in the Antique Village.

Shoppers will be amazed at the variety he stocks. Vintage magazines, post cards, posters, catalogues, trade cards, newspapers, advertising, labels, books, photographs and greeting cards are just a few of the many items overflowing his shelves. Set decorators have often called Whiting's in search of old letters, receipts and magazines for regional as well as Hollywood movies. Several 1950s magazines and scientific journals were purchased by a set decorator for the movie A Beautiful Mind. Whiting states that he is "as eclectic as his shop and once a collector always a collector."

Two other dealers offer an extensive collection of vintage post cards. Another dealer, Sylvia Regelson, has the best African arts collection in the area as well as collectible art pottery.

Location: 10203 Chamberlayne Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116 (U.S. Rte. 301- 4 mi North of I-295)

Phone: (804) 746-8914

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9-5, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-6, Closed Wednesday

Special Events: Antique Village has an annual anniversary weekend sale every November including a pancake brunch and visiting dealers set up outside the building. The mall also hosts a Patrick Henry Birthday weekend in May with sales, a pancake breakfast, outdoor vendors and a band. Several dealers have also conducted Antiques Appraisal Fairs to benefit local non-profit groups.