Hamburg Hardware reopens as antique center

HAMBURG-When Hamburg Hardware closed its doors for the last time after doing business for more than 100 years, the 8,000-square-foot building lay empty, leaving everyone wondering what would become of it. It seems only fitting that the space has now been filled with antiques which blend nicely into the 1860 building. And the "Hamburg Antique Center" sign over the door looks almost as if it's always been there. Owned and operated by Richard and Rachael Travis and George E. Howell, Hamburg Antique Center opened in May after extensive work on the old building. "It took us six months to do the renovations, and we removed 13 tons of junk from the premises," said Howell. "We left as much of the original building as possible; we just had to bring it up to fire code," he added. The location of the former hardware store at the busy intersection of Routes 23 and 94 made it an attractive proposition to the partners when they were looking for premises. "I just loved the building. It has great character and it was available," said Rich Travis. The Antique Center has two floors and currently has items on sale from 40 dealers with room for 40 more. "We operate for the dealers and we have been collecting ourselves for over 25 years. We have nothing newer than 1960 and offer a large selection of furniture, lighting, jewelry and collectables," added Travis. Audrey Gilbert of Chester was browsing the isles of the Antique Center this past weekend. "This is my second visit to the shop and I find it very easy to navigate and it's bright and open," she said. The store hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 11-5. The store is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information, call 973-823-9700.