Local store houses the past

At Auntie Bellum’s Attic, an antique store located at 110 N. Wayne St. in Milledgeville, treasures can be found throughout. A lace dress, a Beatles record, a tribal mask and a print of “Gone with the Wind” can all be found in the store.

Since its opening in May 2007, the store has boasted antiques, collectibles, vintage items and gifts.

“Auntie Bellum’s Attic has lent its hand in making Milledgeville an antique destination,” said Belinda Washlesky, former executive director of Milledgeville Main Street. “There is something there for the whole family.”

Auntie Bellum’s Attic acquires its rare and odd objects from auctions, estate sales and their 25 dealer-run booths. Century-old furniture, rare glassware and pre-Columbian items can often be sighted along with common antiques such as decor, plates, toys, books, clothing, coins and pictures.

According to Larry Houston, owner of Auntie Bellum’s Attic, the store has reasonable prices for antique collectors and college students alike.

“We have the lowest prices between Atlanta and Florida,” he said.

“Some of the college students I know like to shop there for their dorm rooms,” Washlesky added. “It is so affordable and it is like a treasure hunt.”

As far as the antiques themselves go, Houston is “never surprised by what someone will buy or bring into sell. The rarer and stranger, the better.”

One of the rarest items the store has seen, according to Houston, is a book.

“We once sold a book for $5 and after we sold it they (the customer) told us it was worth $1,200,” he said.

Aside from that one thrifty customer, Auntie Bellum’s Attic is visited by many regular clients once a week.

“We get customers that make regular antique stops through Georgia as well as a lot of locals,” Houston said. “We have even had customers that have been on ‘Antique’s Road Show.’”

According to Houston, there are no popular items; every customer is unique.

“You have people who collect angels, people who collect rock music memorabilia and people who collect unusual glass wares,” Houston said. “As for myself, I like to collect kitchenware from the 50’s and 60’s.”

Many students often frequent the store.

“It reminds me of my great grandmother’s house,” sophomore chemistry major Maci McKneely said. “My favorite purchase from Auntie Bellum’s Attic was a handful of vintage t-shirts.”

As for the future, Auntie Bellum’s Attic anticipates further growth. A new store, Auntie Bellum’s Emporium, is in the midst of opening in Putnam, Ga.

“After we had to downsize in Milledgeville, because we closed Auntie Bellum’s Attic Two, we have wanted to start another store; another offspring,” Houston said.

Posted by Amanda Brodzik on Nov 18 2010. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.