Photo and Story By Lisa Carolin
Getting younger people to appreciate her selection of antiques is the goal of Alta Brown, who has owned Chelsea Antiques for the last nine years. The store, which has been around for 29 years, still exists Brown says thanks to people supporting their local businesses.
“I try personally to support local businesses and hope everybody else does the same,” said Brown. “I enjoy my local customers. They keep me looking for the stuff they want.”
During the summer season, Brown says her store offers a gardening collection. She also has been getting a lot of brides in the store who buy hankies, teacups, and jewelry to give as gifts.
“On Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26, Chelsea Antiques will have its annual summer bazaar in conjunction with the Sounds and Sights Festival.
“It’s not just antiques,” said Brown. “People are specifically invited to participate, and they can bring whatever they want—a little bit of everything.”
She says that some of her most popular items are vintage cameras, old compacts, art deco pens, and vintage jewelry.
“For me to sell something, it has to be unique,” said Brown. “When I look at something, I have to love it. If I can’t put it in my home, I won’t put it in my store.”
Her rationale is practical because Brown says that often when items don’t sell, she ends up bringing them home.
Chelsea Antiques is located at 407 North Main St. Store hours are Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
