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PITTSTON — Sherry Nace calls her love of collecting all things vintage a “hobby gone crazy.”

So, the 46-year-old Pittston resident decided to share her passion with her community with the opening of her shop, Junction Antiques, located at 669 N. Main St.

“I’ve been collecting all my life,” she said. “I inherited it from my father.”

The store features a variety of items dating from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, but Nace said she seeks items from any era.

“If it catches my eye, and I have to have it, that’s how it starts,” she said.

The store held a soft opening about two months ago and its grand opening Jan. 21. Nace said 90 percent of the store’s inventory was from her personal collection. She estimates that amount has dropped to 20 percent, with the remaining merchandise coming from estate sales and auctions in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

“It was hard (to let go of) certain items,” she said.

Nace said there are certain items she refuses to part with, like her grandfather’s decanter commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization.

However, there are items she purchases to use for display purposes that unexpectedly sell. One of those items included an 1800s pump organ in “mint condition” that sold for $400, she said.

Nace said she looks for pieces featuring detailed craftsmanship in good condition.

“I don’t do anything to the items I sell except clean them up,” she said. “I won’t refinish antiques because it will ruin them.”

Nace also offers consignment. She estimates to have between 1,500 and 1,800 pieces at the store, with new items coming in weekly. She will also scout items in her travels for customers.

“If a customer is looking for specific items, I will call them if I find it,” she said.

Nace, who also has a full-time job at Mohegan Sun Pocono, said she keeps in touch with the Greater Pittston Historical Society, to which she has donated a few items already.

One item was a Pittston stove manufactured by Pittston Stove Works from the 1800s. Nace also has a Rambler bicycle with its original tag stating it was built in Pittston, which she plans to donate to the historical society. Rambler bicycles, developed by the Gormully & Jeffery Manufacturing Co., were made in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

“It started its life here, so it should end its life here,” she said of the bike.

She also likes to find pieces relating to the coal mining industry to reflect the area’s heritage, though she admits those items are “hard to keep,” as the demand is high.

Nace believes it’s important to remember and reflect on history — especially for the younger generations.

“I had some children in here over the weekend,” she said. “They walked by the (rotary) phone I have, wondering what it was. They couldn’t believe phones used to be attached to the wall.”

Sherry Nace walks through her store, Junction Antiques, located at 669 N. Main St., Pittston.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_TTL012417antiques1cmyk.jpg.optimal.jpgSherry Nace walks through her store, Junction Antiques, located at 669 N. Main St., Pittston. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Sherry Nace, owner of Junction Antiques in Pittston, collects and sells items dating from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, but admits she will buy items from any period, as long as it catches her eye.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_TTL012417antiques2cmyk.jpg.optimal.jpgSherry Nace, owner of Junction Antiques in Pittston, collects and sells items dating from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, but admits she will buy items from any period, as long as it catches her eye. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader
Junction Antiques held its grand opening Jan. 21

By Sarah Hite Hando

[email protected]

JUNCTION ANTIQUES

Junction Antiques, located at 669 N. Main St. in Pittston, is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Monday. For more information, call 570-430-7620 or visit the business Facebook page.

Reach Sarah Hite Hando at 570-704-3945 or on Twitter