Clayton Collectibles
A family business!
By Cindy Ladage
Judy and George Clayton opened Clayton Collectibles with their son Lee and his wife Vici five years ago. Opening their own store in an old gas station in Murrayville, Illinois, the shop already had a personality and history before the Claytons added their own special antiques.
"We've always loved antiques and collected them," Judy Clayton said. "George has been collecting since childhood."
When asked what they collected, Judy said their passion was Autumn Leaf Jewel Tea dishes.
Besides the Jewel Tea, Judy added, "My husband loves farm antiques and tools."
Clayton Collectibles carries a wide variety of items. Judy said, "We try to have everything with all price ranges. We want antiques to be affordable for everyone. We even have customers that are children."
Being part of a small town of less than one thousand Judy added, "We want this to be a pleasing place."
Clayton Collectibles is located in Murrayville south of Jacksonville, Illinois, along Route 267. The Clayton family works together sharing shifts. "We talked about doing this when we retired. But we did it before retirement," Judy said.
Currently besides the shop, Judy and George also farm. Working at the shop the Claytons found has also been an antique education as well as a pleasant business. "We freely ask customers questions and have a wonderful exchange of information."
While the shop has personality plus, there is just one downside, the shop is turning out to be smaller than the Claytons want. "We added on a porch then last fall closed it in. In two to three years we want to add another porch and room for furniture."
Inside while they want to expand to make room for more furniture, outside is George's domain. Outside of the shop is used for George's beloved primitive antique items like stationary engines, farm plows and such. "You never know what you will find," Judy said.
The shop is stock full and shoppers can browse at their leisure seeking out jewelry, glassware, bottles, paper weights, oil lamps, and Budweiser steins. The shop also carries a variety of pottery like Shawnee, Hall, Hull and White Hall. "We also have crocks, military stuff, Depression glass, enamel pans, and useable items like iron skillets."
Judy always enjoys it when someone comes in and buys something they can use at home. Judy expanded on the variety they have adding, "We have it all. We even have belly dancing accessories!"
The Clayton crew's secret to a successful antique shop is keeping their stock interesting and new. Shopping at auctions and other places, they are always updating what you will find in the shop.
Located at 116 Main Street, Murrayville, Illinois, 62668 they are right on Route 267. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Claytons Collectibles is also open on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The Claytons have also been known to open early or stay late for specific requests or customers that can't make it within these hours.
Call 217-882-3115 if you have questions. Depending on which day it is, you will get Judy, George, Lee or Vici, but it will be a Clayton ready to talk collectibles!
|
|
