Hello! My name is Frank, and I am a Collector.
Some misguided friends and relatives think I am a hoarder, but I know better. I only save valuable stuff, not junk mail and empty food containers.
I cannot remember a time when I did not collect things, starting with postmarks, arrowheads, and coins in grammar school. The following is the story of Frank’s Old Stuff.
The establishment of this store is the result of many factors, but the primary one was a sermon delivered by my pastor, Joe Evans. His message one Sunday about “using the good bowls”, seemed directed especially toward me. Yes, I understand the phrase was metaphorical, but it has also become quite literal for me.
As was the custom in the late 1960’s for many newlyweds, my wife, Johnnie Ruth and I received lots of china, crystal, and silver. In our 41 years of marriage, most of it was used only once or twice. Johnnie Ruth and I also enjoyed attending auctions and collecting many things. Her enthusiasm for collecting increased when the antebellum home in which she grew up was struck by lightning and burned. We had several things stored in the house, as well as her family heirlooms, which were all lost. Maybe one reason I have so much stuff in the house now is due to our subconscious desire to replace things.
Five years earlier, in 1982, we had begun selling antiques in the Muletown Antique Mall in Columbia, Tennessee. There has been an “Old Stuff” booth continuously since then in Columbia, and often in other towns in Middle Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Florida.
Sadly, Johnnie Ruth passed away in 2010. We had often said we would begin selling things out of the house when we retired, (like we would also use the “good bowls” we had been saving for “special” times). It just did not happen, however, and until Joe’s sermon struck that nerve, I just restocked my booths with fresh purchases, still “saving” the good stuff for later.
April, 1947-March, 2010
The opening of the store, Frank’s Old Stuff, at 818 South Main in Columbia (between Ted’s and 822South), meant that the “Good Bowls” could finally begin to come out. I have dedicated this store to the memory of Johnnie Ruth Bellamy. Hundreds of the vintage jewelry items offered in FOS came from her auction wins on eBay with our user id, “franksoldstuff”. (Check our 100% positive feedback rating with over 3000 transactions.)
See the LOCATIONS PAGE for addresses of the other places to find great “old stuff” for sale.
See the HOME PAGE to find a listing of some of the various categories of “old stuff” offered.
You may also use the CONTACT PAGE to email me at: frank@franksoldstuff.com, if you have questions, or see an item of interest in pictures on this website.
THANKS FOR VISITING FranksOldStuff.com.
COME see me in Columbia, just off the square!