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Those who were joining her behind the ribbon
included her sister Betty Jo Lessen and husband Brad, brothers Dick
and Owen Reiners, sister-in-law Angela Reiners, and other family
members Lori and Craig Lessen, Angie Arya, and Asher Lessen. Also
behind the ribbon was Alberta Helman representing the Emden Village
Board.
Adams was born and raised in the Emden community but has spent the
last 49 years in Indianapolis Indiana where she shared her life with
her late husband.
Last week, speaking about her new business in Emden
and her return home, she said that after her husband passed, she
felt a desire to come home and be close to friends and especially
family.
Adams had been a seller of antiques and collectibles in
Indianapolis, and said she brought most of her inventory with her
when she moved home.
She knew that she wanted to get back into the business, and she
wanted it to be close to home. She said she was looking about for
someplace when a friend told her that the old Farmers Bank building,
owned by local resident Kent Cross was empty and available for rent.
She said it was the perfect size, and she immediately
fell in love with the old bank vault door. She felt the small, cozy
space was an ideal setting for the lovely collection of items she
would be offering for sale.
Adams said there is not a whole lot of retail in Emden, so it
created an automatic laid back relaxed atmosphere for her business.
She has set her hours to attract visitors who are in town for an
evening at the Stag-R-Inn across the road or the Dovetail Inn just
down the street.
She said the goal is that folks will come out to one
of the local eateries then take a little stroll down the street to
Village Vintage & Crafts to kind of walk off their dinner, and enjoy
a little shopping.
Adams specializes in all things pretty. She carries a expansive
variety of antique and vintage glass as well as art and some locally
made craft items.
In the craft and artisan room she offers locally made balms and
salves by Sylvia Klockenga. Her solid wood charcuterie boards are
made from wood cut by her brother Lee Reiners and finished by her
brother-in-law Brad Lessen. She also has handmade rugs and a
selection of artisan soaps.
Adams said she will buy items from individuals, but she is selective
on what she accepts. She wants everything in her shop to reflect the
quality of merchandise that is already there. She said that she
switches inventory in and out on a regular basis so shoppers can
come more than once and see different items offered.
Thursday evening there was a very festive atmosphere in the room as
the family gathered along with a number of friends who were there to
watch the ribbon cutting and wish Adams well in her endeavors.
There were cookies in the main shopping area and savory snacks and
beverages in the artisan room.
During the cut, it was mentioned that Adams was a hometown girl who
was returning home and the room cheered.
Alberta Helman was asked if she would like to say
something on behalf of the village and answered that the community
is happy to have Adams back, and excited about her investment in
Emden.
Lori Lessen said that it was just good to have Adams back home
again, and again everyone agreed.
Adams was asked if she would like to say a few words,
and she commented that she was happy to be back in Emden. She was
grateful for all her friends and family and the support they had
shown her on her return and in establishing her new store. She ended
by saying she wanted to invite everyone to come and shop.
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The group then stood for the posed picture and then
everyone helped with the traditional three, two, one snip and Adams
snipped the ribbon on her new shop.
Afterward, the whole group lingered to visit and
enjoy the refreshment.
The Village Vintage and Crafts is located at 115 Lincoln Street in
Emden. Store hours are typically 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday,
and Saturday. Adams said shoppers can also make an appointment for
other times or day, or sometimes she can be caught “by chance” at
the store, as she spends time there, even when she is technically
closed.
If you love pretty things and have a particular passion for glass,
then a visit to Village Vintage & Crafts might be something you want
to put on your ‘to do’ list for the near future.
[Nila Smith]
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