For anyone renovating a historic house, The Jack Frost-Johnson Architectural Salvage Store (504 Hughes Blvd., 252-340-1106) operated by the Elizabeth City Historical Neighborhood Association (ECHNA), is an invaluable resource. Store director Rick Boyd notes that most of the inventory comes from houses and commercial buildings that date from the 1880s through the 1940s. From mouldings, beadboard and trim to old windows and old doors, this store services customers who are looking for replacement items that match the period and integrity of their homes. Store proceeds support the supply of free walking tour pamphlets that can be picked up around the city, restoration seminars, and a working classroom where local residents learn how to make repairs in their homes. Notable items recently spotted in the store’s inventory include a pair of 1940s stoves with warming trays and never-used globe lights from the 1950s. The Framery & Antiques (406 A-2 Griffin St., 252-335-1803) offers an impressive collection of Fostoria glassware. The boutique, which opened in 1998 and is owned by Mary Ann and Gene Scott, has a bit of everything including jewelry, silver, textiles, pottery and furniture from the late 1800s to the 1960s. With mentors that include her former office manager, Jane, and her friend, Neal Williams, Mary Ann became interested in antiques while residing in Alabama in the late 1960s and still has her first purchase: a Blenko glass vase that’s 30 inches tall. Citing her love of tiger oak furniture, she prefers to carry pieces that “have been well-used and well-loved with the original patina and good bones, not the prissy stuff” and believes antiques and vintage pieces enhance any décor. The store’s pewter tableware, brass hurricanes, American Drew cherry silverware chest and James Adams Floating Theatre settee will make the incorporation of antiques into contemporary rooms a breeze. The bi-level Tina Clancy’s Art and Antique Connection (116 N. Poindexter St., 252-339-3868), which opened in 2012, is chock-full of Depression glass, vintage china and furniture including Eastlake, Duncan Phyfe, Victorian and mid-century modern pieces. Tina, who is the sole proprietor of the business, began collecting privately 20 years ago, with her first vintage purchase of “a beautiful German hutch from 1910,” and views the local antiques community as “very knowledgeable” with “excellent people who are always willing to help and answer questions.” With a great appreciation for custom built furniture, especially “very rustic pieces from the mid-1800s constructed from solid wood with the use of dowels or square nails that are one-of-a-kind,” she sells these as well as fine veneer pieces. Tina believes in mixing wood types and eras, as is reflected in the room vignettes dotted around the store that are full of personality. Take your time meandering through the various rooms and aisles to see a Japanese-inspired cabinet with brass butterfly hinges, ornate mirrors, silver Art Deco tea services and a Queen Anne highboy. Read Everything Old is New Again: Antiques and Vintage Stores in Elizabeth City (Part 1) Simone Cooper is a publicist and branding specialist who is also a mid-century modern fanatic. When she’s not assisting clients with messaging, you can find her hunting for furniture and housewares from the 1960s. Liza Franco captures the moments of life that will one day be someone’s memories and links for generations to come. Her work includes, lifestyle, commercial, fine art and portrait photography.
For anyone renovating a historic house, The Jack Frost-Johnson Architectural Salvage Store (504 Hughes Blvd., 252-340-1106) operated by the Elizabeth City Historical Neighborhood Association (ECHNA), is an invaluable resource.
