Page 51 - JOA-august-23

Early Owego Antique Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary

OWEGO, NY – There is a hub of activity at Early Owego Antique EOAC has expanded to include live auctions on the lower level and
Center (EOAC), located at 43-45 Lake St. in Owego, NY. This year, the continues to build on a long history of professional service in the auction
business is celebrating its 10th anniversary and the Center recently industry. On Feb. 25, 2023, Mead & Sons Auctioneers hosted an
expanded to include live auctions. A multi-dealer antique mall, EOAC inaugural live auction. Jim explained that 70 individuals attended the first
offers antiques, vintage collectibles, memorabilia, furniture, clothing, live auction, and 50 of them walked away with a purchase. Since then,
books, jewelry and much more. Mead & Sons has held a consignment auction every month. In the near
Looking back, Jim and Cornelia Mead, long-time residents of the area, future, renovations are planned on the lower level to update restrooms and
wanted to bring new life to the iconic J.J. Newberry’s department store add a small kitchen, too; otherwise the spacious area offers plenty of room
location, so an antique mall was born. The property had sat vacant for for storage and extra chairs for the auctions.
some time, and also fell victim to extensive damage from the devastating The Mead family has an abundance of auction experience. Jim’s father,
flood of 2011. Better days emerged, and on opening day, February 14, Colonel Jerry Mead, founded Mead & Sons Auctioneers in 1946. Jim
2013, crowds of people gathered at EOAC to welcome the Mead brings six decades of experience to the auction
new antique mall. EOAC’s second floor opened in 2014. block, along with his son James Mead, and auctioneer
Owego is the county seat for Tioga County, and represents Lucas Kaczynski. Team member Fran Antalek is the
the gateway to the Finger Lakes from the Southern Tier. floor manager and brings nearly 30 years of professional
Today, EOAC is going strong with nearly 100 dealers industry service and experience. Jim reminisced about
on two floors with a waiting list for new vendors. Jim his father, Jerry, who held the role of Owego Chief of
remarked, “It was always our goal to do something of value Police in the early 1950s and also operated other
with the building, so the antique center is good for the businesses nearby including a bus stand where bus
Historic Owego Marketplace and good for the Village.” tickets newspapers, tobacco, and sweet treats were sold.
The Meads shared, “We are excited to be celebrating 10 Jim reflected, “Here I own a building just a few steps
years of providing our loyal shoppers with a broad assort- from where my Dad worked in his formative years.”
ment of ever-changing inventory with price points to fit In the near future, Jim envisions renting out vintage
everyone’s budget.” One part of EOAC’s success is the dedicated staff that bicycles to the public so that the Owego experience can include taking a
“make customers feel welcome and assist them in finding the right item.” spin around the village. Housed on the lower level is a collection of
Jim also credits his family, with a special nod to his wife, Cornelia, who balloon-tire bicycles. Once they are road-ready, Jim hopes to add this
has an extensive financial background, and is the “numbers person” of the unique transportation initiative to the community.
business. Jim added, “If you are burdened with an estate, or are downsizing, or
Another part of EOAC’s success is from “the efforts made by the have just a few items, call or text Fran Antalek at 607-239-8353, Jim
vendors.” EOAC offers the opportunity for local vendors to display a Mead at 607-725-6833 or Luke Kaczynski at 607-239-8009 to discuss
menagerie of items that appeal to all ages, ranging from every-day treasures your options.” The next auction is Thursday, July 27th at 5 p.m. To view
to the eclectic. For guests who walk through the front entrance for the very Auction lots, visit EOAC’s website, www.earlyowego.com, and follow
first time, or for those who return often, it’s always like a trip back in time. Mead & Sons on Facebook or AuctionZip (#52476).
The Antiques Center

of Red Bank

Voted
the Best New
Antique Center Since 1964 Stock
in New Jersey
by the Asbury Park Press 100 DEALERS ~ Arriving
& the Newark
Star Ledger Daily
ALL SPECIALTIES
Daily 11-5pm Sundays 12-5pm
226 W. Front St. 195 W. Front St.
(732) 842-4336 (732) 842-3393
(Fully Air Conditioned)
RED BANK, NEW JERSEY 07701
Exit 109, Garden State Parkway

11 Maple St., Rte. 117
Essex Junction, VT
802-878-6167
www.5cornersantiques.com
Open Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4

90+ Vendors • 21,000 Sq. Ft.

Open Daily 10-5 • Closed Tuesdays R070490

earlyowego.com • Owego, NY

Exit 64 off I-86 607-223-4723

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