Antique Hunting: An Unexpected Good Find In Volo, Illinois

Part of me would like to keep the best antique shopping locations to myself, but by sharing my adventures in antiquing with you, I’m hopeful you will share your favorite places with the rest of us.

Last weekend we went antique hunting. It’s what we do often. While garage sales, flea markets and estate sales are choice places to shop, they are mostly warm weather events and in cold weather we prefer indoor auctions and antique stores and malls. Wifey had scheduled Saturday for our first outdoor auction of the season, but with temperatures in the 30’s, no sun and a chance of rain, we decided to go to plan ‘B’, and explore new territory. Since we had plans for the evening I did not want to travel a great distance, but felt we should check out a place we had not hit before, and believe me there aren’t many.

Our choice was an antique shop in Volo, IL., The Volo Auto Museum and Antique Mall, located at US 12 and state road 120, a place I had passed by years before while on my real job but did not stop.

Leaving early for our drive that took a bit over an hour, we arrived just as they were opening the doors at 10:00 am. We were greeted at the door by one of their many friendly personnel that explained the layout, offered us a shopping basket to carry our finds and gave us a note card to write down case numbers we wanted opened.

We found these amenities almost unnecessary as help was always nearby to assist, answer questions, open locked cases, and carry our purchases to the check-out counter. Watching what our interests were, they even pointed out ‘like’ items in other booths. But no fear, these were not overbearing hoverer’s, just efficient staff.

We knew we were in for a long day; this mall is filled with great dealers, good variety, quality items, and price ranges to insure great hunting for all. We found some super items.

I spotted this item early in our hunt. It’s a convention badge marked S.N.P.J. Lodge 38 (Kenosha, Wisconsin)and when I brought it to the counter, one of the staff members gave a call to her hubby and got us the name of the group it was from. (What dedication to customer service.)

Too small to use, without starving while making a full meal, we assume this waffle iron is a salesman’s sample. It’s marked Stover Junior #8.

Featuring a Mother Of Pearl front face, this large shiny metal compact signed Volupte’, came in a black cloth carry bag with Lucite comb in a pocket, and unused powder puff.

Now, who can live without this aluminum napkin holder, Not Wifey. Great design work.

I spotted this woodworker’s plane, small in size but not unusual, till I inspected the material carefully. To my surprise the body is black thermoformed plastic called Bakelite.

Too wonderful to pass up, this copper inkwell and pen holder features a cast nude figure holding an urn. Splashes of ink on the base confirm its age. Wifey wants to stick a candle in the urn and display it on the mantle (there is no room on her desk.)

To my embarrassment, I missed this item when I went through a booth, but wifey spotted it with ease.

It’s an old waffle iron with ceramic top. In need of cleaning but the top is very nice. To explain another reason why we will be back often, a member of the staff searched diligently for an electrical cord she felt was with the item.

Now please do not fret, with the items mentioned above and an arm load of other gems, carried to our car by another helper, we still left tons of antiques and collectibles for your shopping pleasure.

Map

In business since 1964, this well run mall is directed by managers Lisa, Marilyn and owner Carolyn. If you’re in the area, (50 miles West of Chicago) this place is worth a visit. Check with Marilyn or Carolyn at 815-344-6062, if you need directions , want to confirm holiday openings or have questions. Their hours are 10 to 5, 7 days a week.