Hobson’s in Ooltewah

Oldest Established Antiques Store in Area

Hobson’s Ooltewah Antique Mall, located at 9316 Lee Hwy in Ooltewah, Tenn., is the oldest established antique store left in the Ooltewah and Collegedale area. Larry and Phyllis Hobson have owned the store for over 30 years; they have been in the antiques and collectibles business for more than 40 years. Even with 2020 being one of the most difficult years for all businesses, the Hobson’s have kept it going and continue doing what they love.

Larry has a great eye for finding beautiful selections of antique furniture, and much of it unusual and hard-to-find. During my recent visit to Hobson’s, I wasn’t surprised to find numerous items – quite rare and still priced very well. A beautiful mahogany china cabinet with Queen Anne legs is waiting for its forever home, as well as a fine walnut server that is one-of-a-kind. A must see antique Gone With the Wind Parlor lamp with prisms, and a gorgeous green and black cocktail serving pitcher with stirrer and stems by Carlo Moretti made in Italy are waiting for their new home, too. There’s so many interesting selections for both men and ladies. The huge Texaco lighted sign would be great in a man cave or antique car collector’s garage.

One of the most interesting and rare pieces is the Dantesca arm chair – this is called a scissor chair or an x chair, made and shaped with an x-shaped frame. They were known to have been used in Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, and made during the medieval Italian Renaissance period, which would have been between 1400 and 1700. The Renaissance furniture we find today would have been made in late 1700s or early 1800s.

Phyllis Hobson loves vintage and antique jewelry, and finds some beautiful and well made pieces. She often has antique compacts, tear catcher necklaces and pins, and other items worn and used by the ladies in the 1800s and early 1900s. You’ll want to check with Larry if you are interested in military memorabilia. He often finds rarities in those items as well. I could list numerous unique and unusual finds, some quirky, some funny, and others make you want to find out more about them; all very cool! You just have to go see for yourself.

Be sure to ask Larry if he knows the history of items of interest; some may be local to the area. Larry is recovering from a recent illness, so if you stop and he’s not there, call the store at 423-238-5000. Their regular hours are Mon-Sat 10-5. Larry is another rarity in his store as he has seldom ever taken off for illness, and only very few short vacations – nothing keeps him down long. Send prayers for a full and fast recovery. Be sure to ask about available vendor space, too.

By Maxine B Jones, Ocoee, Tennessee