Since its early days, Georgetown Antique Mall has found appreciative new owners for old antique furniture, clothing, jewelry and home goods.
“I’ve had people, four generations now, of families coming in,” Owner Carolyn Martin said. “Grandparents started as a young couple, then their kids are coming, then their kids, then their kids...”
Ms. Martin has owned the business for longer than she can remember, but she estimates it has been more than 30 years. The store is set to close soon after the holiday season. She said deciding to close the store wasn’t easy.
“A year ago, I’d cry if anyone talked to me about closing my store,” Ms. Martin said. “I have enjoyed what I do so much, but it’s the right time to do it.”
The store on the Square has moved three times over the years. Georgetown Antique Mall first opened on Main Street, before moving to Austin Avenue and finally settling on Eighth Street, where it’s been for 21 years.
Ms. Martin ran the store with her husband, Thomas “Gene” Martin, until he passed away last year.
The eclectic store sells almost everything: furniture, art, fine jewelry, coins, records, pottery, hats, books and vintage glassware. There is also antique hardware that can be used to fix old furniture, porcelain figurines from Spain and World War II memorabilia — including a gun and a sword.
“I’m going to tell you a funny story,” she said. “When I first got the shop on Main Street, I saw two men arguing out front. I had swords hanging all over my wall. So I pulled one of those swords off — and I can’t believe I did this — I walked out. “I asked, ‘What are y’all arguing about?’ One of them said the man was looking at his wife. I then said, “Well that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Get in your car and go home!”
Needless to say, Ms. Martin settled the dispute and both men left.
Ms. Martin has never been shy about sharing the history of the items she sells. Early on, she had a TV show on Channel 10, where she highlighted merchandise and its story.
The items that attract interest have changed over the years. Store associate Barbara Burkhalter said kids today are always excited about the store’s collection of antique keys.
“Children are now fascinated by keys [because] they have keyfobs now,” Ms. Burkhalter said. “Parents will bring kids in and explain to their kids, ‘They don’t make them this way anymore.’ ”
The store’s business grew alongside the Square. Ms. Martin was heavily involved in the Downtown Georgetown Association in its early days, which she said helped make the Square the vibrant destination it is today.
“People love Georgetown,” she said. “They come here from other places and say ‘This is such a wonderful place, it’s like my hometown when I was growing up.’ I’m pretty proud of it. I hope we can keep it that way.”
She said she appreciated working with other vendors and collaborators over the years, like Glenda Overfelt, Lana Cagle, Conner Lindsey and Tommy Gonzalez. She also enjoyed working with shop employees Beth Kenefick, Mason Wakefield, Jan Kendall and Barbara Burkhalter.
Ms. Martin said she and her landlord hope that someone else will open an antique store in the location. She is also open to selling the business if someone would like to buy it and keep the tradition alive.
“Something I would say about an antique store is that it is a living thing. It’s always changing,” said Mr. Kendall, who’s an associate at the store. “This is not only Carolyn’s business. This is history.”
Georgetown Antique Mall is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To prepare for the store closing, there is currently a sale on select store merchandise and there will be an auction at an unscheduled time.