Seattle Press on Line - Greenwood and Phinney Ridge: Antique Mecca

Greenwood

Greenwood and Phinney Ridge: Antique Mecca

By Julie Reinhardt

2nd Hand Hube and Upper Level Antique Mall. Julie Reinhardt photo.

Oct 25, 2001 -- I usually start making birthday presents and Christmas gifts months ahead. Then, about two weeks prior to the due date, I realize the crafty item I've conjured is far beyond my artistic abilities to realize the project. I dash out to shop in a panic to have something to wrap on the day. One method I have found to beat the impersonal quality of the rushed gift is to visit a few of my favorite antique and collectible shops. In these times when commercials no longer ask us to buy their products on merit, but rather as an expression of our patriotism, I cannot in good conscience tell you to "Go out there and shop, Soldier!" I can suggest you take a relaxed stroll through Phinney Ridge and Greenwood, havens of the unusual, the tragically hip, and bargains. As you browse antiques far from the malls and megastores, you might even find a gift for someone whose birthday is, say, in July, or even, dare I hint at the most obligatory holiday of all, the perfect stocking stuffer. You might just find something that makes you laugh, and laughter is at premium right now.

Daily Planet Antiques boasts something for everyone, especially if it's funky. Formerly residing in Fremont, now at their 60th and Phinney address for three years, the store carries a well-rounded collection of furniture, Roseville pottery, World War II memorabilia, and, naturally, all sorts of Elvis stuff. They try to "follow the collecting fads," said the shopkeeper, but sometimes collecting isn't even on the customer's mind: "People come looking for dishes to break to make tables." Looks like I'm not the only one making crafty gifts. Open Thurs - Sun, 10 - 6, 6016 Phinney Ave. N, (206) 633-0895.

For those who want less kitsch and more Martha Stuart in an antique store, take a trip to Johnson & Johnson Antiques. Their specialty is turn-of-the-century American oak and vintage fixtures. Set up in sections of the home, they even had a platter of fake croissants displayed on the buffet. A magical wooden horse beckoned me to take him home and I appreciated the multiple croquet sets throughout the store. Open 11-5, Tues - Sat, 6820 Greenwood Ave. N, (206) 789-6489.

Now we reach one of my favorite hubs, the 72nd & Greenwood block. Stop the car, park the bike, or slow down the stroller because the treasure hunt is here.

Keith Shockley and Puget the cat of Antique Odyssey. E. Grace Dager photo.

2nd Hand Hube spills out on the street enticing you to browse their 16 jam-packed dealer spaces. It has everything I like in an antique store--humor, kitsch, and serious antiques. Sandwiched near an English walnut dresser and a stack of vintage linens is an 8mm reel of "I was a Teenage Werewolf"(for only $25, I might add!) If you collect anything, I mean anything, even if it's eggbeaters or satin decorative military pillow covers, you just might find it here. I was surprised to see so many affordable prices, and I nearly bought a clown oil painting, a Lightning Hopkins LP, and a postcard stamped with Elvis in a moment of weakness. Open daily, 12 - 6, 7217 Greenwood Ave. N, (206) 782-7335.

Next door you can get lost in the aisles of the Couth Buzzard, a bookseller of used, rare and out of print books. Mon - Thurs, 12 - 8, Fri - Sun 10 - 6. (206) 789-8965.

Oh My Glass may not be an antique store but it embodies the Northwest glass tradition. Owner/artist Cindi McManus started it as a solo studio shop 13 years ago, but soon added other artists' work. "I don't just sell the stuff, there is a story about every piece," she says. Even Miss Piggy, her live African clawed frog, floats amidst glass sculpture. She'll be setting up her smoking cauldron as usual for the Phinney Halloween night on Oct. 27. Open 11 - 6 Tues - Sat, 12 - 5 Sun (206) 782-1282.

Loreen and Fred the Fish at Clara’s Attic. E. Grace Dager photo.

Across the street visit Clara's Attic, which features "recycled home furnishings", but not before you refuel with coffee and fresh baked pumpkin bread or pastries at Greenwood Bakery. Whether you stop for a short break, or take the whole cake home for Sunday dinner, Greenwood Bakery has the goods.

The stores have been playing musical chairs at 85th and Greenwood since the spring. Antika moved diagonally and now resides in the old Pelayo space on the corner of 85th and Greenwood. They now have ample room for their myriad wardrobes, kitchen hutches and cool deco sidebars. Leaded glass windows circle the entire store above. Mon - Sun, 11 - 5, (206) 789-6393.

Next door, Amber B, a new kid on the block, caught my eye with four stone frogs in the window. The two artichoke sculptures kept me there a little longer. The owner specializes in painted furniture and the store feels like a hip restoration shop. Open daily 11 - 6, (206) 781-0508.

Traverse Pelayo's expensive cornucopia of imported furniture, paintings, and County Pine at their new 76th & Greenwood store, open seven days a week from 10 - 6.

I'm a fan of Cobblestone Used Furniture, across the street, for a number of reasons: quality workmanship, affordable pieces, and I appreciate that they say "used" rather than "antique" even though much of what they sell is the same as everyone else. Wed - Sat, 11 - 5, Sundays 12 - 5. (206) 789-0853.

True Americana at Charlie Finds Great Old Stuff. Julie Reinhardt photo.

Next door is another newbie--Antique Distributors. Every piece of the all-imported European furniture has two prices on it: What you would pay elsewhere, and the discount price, which is close to half off. Wed - Sat 11 - 5, Sun 12 - 5, (206) 297-7226.

Greenwood Antique Mall houses 20 dealers and has a feminine touch with so many pretty painted chairs, vintage linens, silver and pottery. Open Tues - Sat 11 - 6, Sun 11 - 5.

Charlie Finds Great Old Stuff, aptly named, has transformed the old Antika store into the wide open space to which a cowboy or girl is accustomed. Their Western goods set them apart. Sink into real cowhide furniture, try on some boots that were made for walkin', or pick up the steerhorn platter that I would guess is for serving beef. Co-owner Tina Sutherland summed up the Greenwood experience perfectly: "It's nice to be in a group setting, antique stores don't really compete because we all have different things." Open Mon - Sat 10 - 6, Sun 12 - 5. 8532 Greenwood Ave. N, (206) 706-0800.

I've left out many a deserving shop. So go out there--er, I mean, have an adventure treasure hunting in the antique haven of Greenwood.

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Karen Bush	Dec 17, 2001	Richmond, Mo	Quilter/quilt design/collector
Great article with tons of information! Thank you!!