Small Town, Big Store, Great Spring Sale!

Sale Creek, Tenn., may be a small town, but it is visited from people all across the country. A store named Small Town Antique Mall has vastly helped to become one of the most talked about locations Southeast Tennessee. Small Town Antiques is located in northern Hamilton County, on Hwy 127 between Chattanooga and Dayton. Sale Creek’s Small Town’s opening in 1997 was about the first big thing since its occupancy of the 6th Tennessee Infantry US from September to December 1863. Prior to that was the raid of the Evan Shelby troops in 1779, during the Chickamauga Wars between 1776 to 1794.

Many events have happened over the years since, but the opening of Small Town Antiques was huge – a BIG store sitting right off Hwy 127, that grew and when the present owners took it over in 2006, it continued to grow. Kathy & Randy Hudson bought out Small Town from Kathy’s mother, Darlene Sue Clark, after Kathy’s dad, Jim Lawson passed away.

Kathy grew up junking with her dad who loved antiques, and building and opening the store had been his dream come true. I recall stories of how Kathy and Randy and her dad would make a big game out of treasure hunting, just to see who could bring back the best find for the best deal. That is still a goal when Randy and Kathy go hunting today. They look to find the best and most interesting items, whether it’s furniture, glassware, collectibles or smalls.

Kathy told me they have 9,000 square feet to keep filled, and they have booths with great vendors who also constantly look for goodies to sell in the shop. She and Randy love vintage, primitive and antiques, and it’s not a surprise that many of their finds never make it to the shop. Kathy loves finding EAPG-Early American Pattern Glass, also known as “pattern glass, “pressed glass” or Victorian glass and Riverside Glass. There were at least 3,000 patterns of EAPG made. Much of that made in early 20th century is known as Depression Glass. Randy’s favorites are vintage toys and fishing collectibles, and you will not be disappointed in the incredible pieces you will find in these collectibles at Small Town.

Kathy said their most unusual piece might be the antique Victorian horn that they bought and sold. She said they have had several requests for paintings of Elvis on velvet. They have customers from all over the country coming to visit, then repeat visits. The well known and well televised Longest Yard Sale that takes place on Hwy 127 every August has brought thousands from around the USA, as well as folks who travel from abroad for the sale. This has gotten Small Town Antique Mall some wonderful exposure and they are very grateful.

After the sale is over and folks go home, Kathy says it’s amazing how The Busy Bee Trader continues to bring them customers. Many pick up the Trader at welcome centers and other shops, see their colorful and consistently changing ad showing many new ‘ole’ pieces in the store, and you know you need to visit this shop again. In fact, Kathy said, “Just last week we had customers from Alaska. We loaded their SUV down – they even had to remove their back seats out and leave for their daughter to get and keep for them.”

Small Town has the most exceptional selections of elegant glassware, such as Cambridge, Tiffin, Fostoria, Morgantown and others. Their huge selection of German porcelain and EAPG is exceptional and beautiful on display and all available for purchase. They also have some amazing highly sought after Fenton selections.

We could list many other items and fine furniture pieces, but we want to save some surprises for you when you visit them for Spring Open House March 21-22 where you’ll find awesome sales throughout the store. Lots of things go out as so much more comes in every week. That’s why folks love to shop regularly at Small Town Antique Mall located at 15103 Dayton Pike in Sale Creek. Be sure to check their monthly ad in The Busy Bee Trader. Like them on Facebook and watch for the dates of upcoming events. Tell them you heard about them in the Busy Bee Trader.

By Maxine B Jones, Ocoee, Tennessee