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Passion for primitives
Noel and Judy Hatfield opened Simply Primitive Antique Mall in Hamburg about six months ago. Call it an expansion … into a space to sell their creations as well as create them.
“We do custom built primitives and reproductions, and sell a lot of it,” said Noel. By “we,” he’s including Judy, who does painting and staining.
“She kicked me out of the paint room about a year ago,” said Noel with a laugh.
That’s what sometimes happens when one does what one loves, Noel’s primitive creations began as a hobby. He started with “barn-board” — furniture made from old barn materials — calling it, “Our niche in the primitive market.”
“It progressed from there,” Noel said. “We (then) switched over to benches, hutches, shelves, dry sinks and harvest tables.”
Simply Primitive occupies an old Masonic building “built in 1858,” said Noel, With 17 dealers and 4,000 square feet, he believes he is part of a “big primitive movement” as demand has been brisk.
Still, even if there wasn’t a movement, Noel would be enjoying himself. “It’s not like work; it is fun. I set my own pace and really enjoy creating something new.”
Noel and Judy are still looking for dealers and always welcome new customers. The mall is open Wednesday thru Sunday. Call 712-382-1595 or go to www.primitivefurnituresales.com for more information.
Tragedy in Boone (March 2009)
A man on his way to work first reported the fire. By the time firefighters from Boone, Ogden, Madrid and Ames got the Feb. 3 early morning fire under control, one man was dead and three downtown Boone businesses totally destroyed, including Iron Horse Antiques.
Benjamin Ziegenmeyer, 25, lived in an apartment above the shop. “A man lost his life,” said Helen Bergman, owner of the Iron Horse. Fire investigators believe the fire originated in Ziegenmeyer’s apartment.
“And the fire totally destroyed the store, I lost everything,” Bergman added.
Her 4-level shop had 25 dealers, 10 consignment dealers and a tearoom. The building was over 100 years old added Bergman, who has been in the antique trade for over 40 years. “It was my retirement job, antiques are a part of my life.”
But Bergman is not one to dwell. She ahs met with her dealers and talked about the future. “I asked them, ‘Do you want to follow me?’” The answer was an overwhelming “yes.”
Bergman said she would reopen on Story Street in downtown Boone at a location yet determined. “I know it will be a slow process to rebuild,” she said.
In thanks to the community and firefighters, Bergman sent out a note card thanking everyone involved in fighting the fire, and helping people and the businesses rebuild. Included was thanks to her dealers “for their words of encouragement to me.”
Bergman continues to run her ad with Discover Mid-America. Look there for news of the Iron Horse reopening.
Saving wild Iowa (March 2008)
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has embarked upon “the largest single private campaign” ever launched for the protection of wild areas. The goal is to protect some 15,000 acres of relatively untouched land.
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| Limestone cliffs on the Upper Iowa River (photo courtesy of Iowa DNR) |
At least 7,500 acres in the Mississippi River bluffs land region and the Upper Iowa River are on the foundation’s wish list. Rugged limestone and sandstone bluffs, with caves, sinkholes and springs, dominate the area along with trout streams.
Another 6,000 acres is in the Loess Hills of western Iowa and 1,500 acres of shoreline along the Iowa Great Lake and Clear Lake in the northern part of the state.
The estimated cost is $40 million. So far, $3 million has been raised from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, which protects wildlife areas in the United States.
For more information, call 515-288-1846 or visit www.inhf.org.
Best of the Bluffs
I was pretty excited; I work hard,” said Jan Gardner, owner of Jan-Tiques antique store in Council Bluffs.
What
got Jan happy was having her store named Best in the Bluffs by The
Encounter Magazine. Based in Omaha, the publication designated
Jan-Tiques — through Internet voting — the best antique
store in its Sept/Oct 2007 issue.
Jan-Tiques specializes in American antiques, particularly quality oak furniture. Said Jan. “You won’t find reproduction merchandise in our store.”
Jan said her inventory is “hand-selected.” Helping out, no doubt, are Jan’s 10 brothers and six sisters. Jan is number 14 from a family of 17 children.
“I have siblings spread all over America. They buy for me. I have eight buildings of stuff.”
Jan-Tiques is stand-alone shop, no dealers. Jan thinks the antique business is great. “The best part is refurnishing furniture for other people,” Jan said. “I like to see the looks on their faces when they get it back.”
For more information, call 712-323-6624 or go to www.jantiques.net.
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