Residents open antique store

LAKE CITY -- Eight local residents combined resources to open Mississippi Mercantile, an eclectic antique and gift store.

"We're not your typical antique store," co-owner Mavis Hawkins said. "We carry a variety of items old and new, vintage to antique. We're unique in that we have almost a museum quality. People, especially older people, seem to enjoy browsing the store and seeing items reminiscent of their past."

According to co-owner Joleen Close, Mississippi Mercantile provides many opportunities to Lake City residents and visitors.

"We don't specialize in one type of product, but carry a variety of products including local hand-made items and artwork," she said. "We search out hard-to-find, unique items providing another little niche to our community."

Mississippi Mercantile currently has numerous coin-operated items, such as jukeboxes and slot machines.

The Adly Easy gambling gumball machine, circa 1902, maybe one of the more unsual items in this category.

Each gumball had a piece of paper in the core that could have a payout on it. Some of the original gumballs are still inside the machine.

"I wouldn't try chewing one," Dave Close said. "They're about one hundred years old."

The merchantile also has a few consignment booths where collectors sell items.

The store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. It is located at 106 E. Center St., Lake City.

Tags: business news, lake city, antique store, business