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Antique store ‘Rooster Hollow’ offers a vintage style

Date: 2/12/2015

By Chris Goudreau
cgoudreau@thereminder.com

WILBRAHAM – A new antique store called Rooster Hollow recently opened its doors last fall at 757 Main St.

Cathy Hensley, owner of Rooster Hollow and a native of Ludlow, told Reminder Publications she has always been interested in running an antique store and she fulfilled a life-long dream when the store opened on Oct. 30, 2014.

Before she started Rooster Hollow, Henley worked part time at a Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store in Ludlow for seven years. Prior to that, she worked as a secretary.

Rooster Hollow is located behind Rice’s Fruit Farm, which is slated to reopen sometime in April after renovations are completed.

Hensley said her antique shop used to be an old machine shop of Rice’s. She is leasing the building from Anthony Maloni, owner of Rice’s Fruit Farm.

The store offers a variety of items, including vintage furniture, books, typewriters, lamps, and other antiques.

Typically she said she purchases most of her inventory at auctions, estate sales, and flea markets. Customers frequently purchase items such as small night stands, cupboards, and tables.

“[I research] everything that comes in that has a name on it,” she added. “If it’s antique or vintage; there may even be some newer pieces in here, but if I like the look of them and I think people would like them then that’s what I buy.”

Hensley’s inventory also consists of an 1890s Empire style dresser, a vintage blue hurricane style lamp made of brass dating back to the 1920s, a china cabinet also from the 1920s, as well as Victorian style teal and white colored doll house with three floors.

“The little windows open and close,” she added. “The doors open and close. There’s stairs inside. It’s really kind of cute. It was one of my first auction purchases. I’d been to other auctions before, but [this was the first time I went to] actual auctions buying things for the store. It was sitting as you walked into the place and I just had my eye on it the whole time and when they auctioned it off I had to make sure I had it.”

Other antiques include a Remington Portable typewriter and a LC Smith Corona typewriter, a copy of a Stradivarius violin, several painting prints, and a painting from P. Bethel from 1975.

Hensley said she knows nothing about the artist P. Bethel, who she has tried in research, but has yet to find any information about. 

“I tried to look [the artist] up and I think it might be someone like myself or you who one day sat down and decided to paint a picture,” she added. “He painted a bunch but I don't know that he was famous.”

An antique spinning wheel and a 1911 Singer sewing machine with a gold flower design  are also featured in her shop's inventory.

“It’s very cool,” she added. “It’s very clean and it’s never been electrified. It’s a foot pedal [operated sewing machine] and I just put a new belt on it.”

Henley said she also sells handmade jewelry often made with repurposed vintage brooches. Crocheted baby outfits, hat and head bands, and several paintings were also made by Henley.

Rooster Hollow is open Wednesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., Fridays 2 to 7 p.m. and weekends, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/RoosterHollow.