Vintage On Franklin: Antiques & Collectibles, located on the square at 5 W. Franklin St. here in Greencastle, is hungry for more DePauw customers. Owners Bill and Lynn Sullivan opened this quaint shop about four years ago.
When outside looking through the shop windows, one may not expect to find all the unique period pieces that rest on the shelves and hang on the walls.
“Every item in this shop holds value," said first-year Ellie Locke, who recently visited the shop. "There is a story attached to everything and something truly special about just visiting such a cool shop.”
Almost everything in Vintage on Franklin will catch your eye. Ranging from military items, vintage clothing and linens, pottery, architectural bits and anything old and interesting, you will be amazed at what you can buy.
“Well I’m from the twin cities–my wife actually grew up in Greencastle and her dad was once the head librarian of Depauw,” Bill said when asked about the startup of his shop. He looked around the room, smiling, and pointed to various pieces of art and jewelry. “I have been doing this for 35 years. …I solicit to people and honestly go door-to-door asking for things.”
He thinks the shop is unique in that it contains something for everyone to discover.
"“The store was set up with the intention of DePauw students… [but] we have things for students and for their parents,” he said, adding that he doesn't want people's ages to limit them from coming in and exploring the history behind the antiques he has collected over the years.
Locke does not feel limited by her age in the slightest.
“I bought this really neat original pocket watch with stenciled-in historical markings. It reminded me of something my grandma used to own and I used to beg her to wear,” Locke said. “I also found the awesome vintage Elvis posters I can’t wait to put on the wall in front of my desk in my room. I think it will really help me with my homework!” she added, laughing.
Sullivan would like to see more consistency with DePauw faces in the shop.
"DePauw students will come in once and then I won't see them for a year,” he said.
When asked if there was one thing he could say to the DePauw campus Bill said, “Hey, 10 percent discount to all DePauw students! We’ve got some great stuff here.”
He encourages students to stop by Vintage on Franklin to buy items for for the next themed party, birthday, anniversary or any other occasion. The shop is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every Wednesday through Friday. Any questions about merchandise may be directed to Bill at (612) 751-2989 during store hours.
