Relics of the past whisper their history to those seeking vintage treasures

Although nothing appears to be unusual, a treasure awaits those willing to search the thoroughfare. Actually, several treasures can be found. Cerro Gordo Street is a popular address for several antique shops and flea markets. The owners often refer to their location as Antique Alley.

Antique dealers and vendors with various types of products rent space in one of the four shops, as well as a consignment shop, to sell their wares.

"There are many interesting things down here," said Liz Ballog, a partner with the Wabash Depot Antique Center. About 14 years ago, Ballog and her family began the first antique mall on the east end of the street after they restored the old railroad depot. Now, merchandise from 45 dealers is found inside the 10,000-square-foot building.

Ten years later, Never Forgotten Thymes moved in next door.

Each store has its own appeal, including special events. While the Wabash Depot has anniversary and holiday celebrations, Never Forgotten Thymes has a party every fourth Saturday of the month with a live band.

Although businesses typically compete for revenue, the owners of the antique shops have found other techniques work better.

"It is to our benefit to help our neighbors," said Terry Yantis of Never Forgotten Thymes. "It is to our advantage and to theirs."

The shops not only house antiques, the buildings are also historical. Two plaques can be found on the interiors walls of the Firehouse Flea Market, noting the significance to Decatur. Outside the building is a plaque stating Firehouse Number Two. According to Diane Hedden, owner of Firehouse Flea Market, the building is thought to have been built in the 1800s. Hedden tried to keep the business' character when she took over ownership Jan. 1.

“We have a variety of stuff, vintage, antique, modern deco,” she said. “I like to use the word eclectic.”

Hedden painted, rearranged and cleaned the building, putting her own touch on the already established business. She added a mixture of collections, including a furniture room.

According to Ballog, the Wabash Depot Antique Center was never anything but a depot until her family purchased the building. Until 1985, it was a passenger station. The owners refurbished the entire building after using it for storage.

“It was pretty run down,” Ballog said. “Amtrak painted the whole thing a putrid green, including the marble.”

When the family decided to start the antique store, they found other historical pieces to use as storage. They found cabinets from Post Jewelry, a popular store with historical significance in Decatur. The light fixtures hanging in the first floor were originally from an old Lutheran church in Decatur.

“They look like they've always been here,” Ballog said.

Other stores have only recently moved on to Cerro Gordo Street but still have a reputation in town.

Tiffany LeGrande, co-owner of the Flea Market farther down the road at 140 E. Cerro Gordo St., moved into her building in February. Two years earlier, LeGrande and her husband originally began their business in the old ice house building at Eldorado and Van Dyke streets. After the building was sold, the couple wanted to keep the business and moved to Cerro Gordo Street.

"The street and the market are getting popular," LeGrande said.

Although the Flea Market is open on weekends only, it has a similar reputation to the antique malls with individual vendors.

The Lutheran School Association's Resale Shop has been housed in several locations, including very visual spots on Eldorado Street. According to Judy Gross, LSA Resale Store manager, the business is still just as busy. The merchandise is different than the shops a few blocks east. The store is supported by volunteers who prepare lower priced items, such as used toys, clothing and household goods.

Although the products may be different, the customers are the same. “Their customers trickle down down to us,” Gross said. “And our customers go to them.”

With Cerro Gordo Street just a few blocks long, a few of the shops are within walking distance of each other. The store owners encourage customers to check out the others.

“We get along really well,” Yantis said.