Editorials

Clinton Antique Mall

Clinton Antique Mall Voted Best Antiques Shop

Clinton Antique Mall in Clinton, Tenn., will celebrate 40 years in business this year.  They’re located in the former Historic Clinton Hardware and have three full floors of “ANTIQUES”. Judy Rhea, owner of Clinton Antique Mall said, “Many of our customers walk in the door saying, ‘A real antique store’!” They express how awesome it is to find a store where everything is really antique. It’s very rare that you’ll find a reproduction piece in our store and if you do, you’ll notice it is clearly stated such on the tag.”  

The Clinton Antique Mall sits upon the hill at 317 North Main Street in Clinton, and like many of the downtown buildings, is one-of-a-kind historic building. Judy said in the days of the former Clinton Hardware, you’d have found a pot belly stove in the center of the main floor, and most likely several customers sitting around it, talking and trying to solve their daily problems. They like for their customers to feel at home when they shop with them as well. Judy and her staff that includes Mary Duff, who has been with her from day one in business, greet you with a smile and hello and are always happy to assist you finding your treasure or helping load them for you to take home.

Judy said they decorate their booths at Clinton Antique Mall just as if its in yours or their own home. Judy, Mary and all the dealers look for the finest in antique and primitive pieces, and use antique and vintage décor to complete the look in their booths. When you shop with them, you will agree it’s very evident why they have been chosen (for the 12th time) as “Best Antique Shop in Anderson County, Best Antiques Shop in Clinton, and have been given the “Women Owned Business Excellence Award” by Anderson County Chamber of Commerce.

To get an idea of some of the rare and wonderful antiques and primitives that are waiting for you at Clinton Antique Mall, just walk in and shop on all three of the huge filled floors. If you want to purchase authentic antique furniture selections while they are still available, you must visit this store. It’s not every day you’re going to find antiques, some dating back to early 1800s, or even to the 1700s, and in an amazingly beautiful and useable condition. When I shot pictures last month, I was in awe at the fine mule chest, linen press, Jackson press, bow front chest, original harvest tables, old country cupboards, blanket chests, original hand painted country furniture, corner cupboards and flame mahogany chests with ornate legs. Add to that tobacco baskets, antique chairs including a complete matching set of eight Hitchcock chairs, a Haywood Wakefield wicker buggy, and rare spice drawer boxes, and walnut one drawer country tables, and a heavy oak hall tree.

There’s antique fire trucks, dump trucks, log haulers, Tonkas, and a handcrafted rocky horse. If they have not already left the building, they have great jelly cupboards, and an awesome vintage library table that still has the file cards in it. They like to find early country including French, American and English time period pieces. You’ll discover a wonderful corner cupboard that they purchased from Greenville, Tenn., that was all hand crafted. Ask to see the room with the princess dresser and oval mirror. Judy and all her dealers strive to find really nice items in good condition, and that make a statement about the history of its origin. If you don’t find what you’re looking for in her store, they’ll direct you to the other shops in historic downtown Clinton.

Plan your trip to Clinton and Clinton Antique Mall and mark your calendar for the Clinch River Antique Fair on May 6 and there will be other events in coming months. Check out Judy Rhea’s ad in the Busy Bee, and let her know you read about her shop in the Busy Bee Trader.

by Maxine Jones, Ocoee, Tennessee