MONROE - The old Eugene Hotel, built in 1924, is a natural fit for Wildflower Antiques and Gifts.
Even though it was raining when owner Ellie Morstad first looked at the building, "it felt cozy inside," she said.
Morstad and her daughter Martha Lewis moved their antique and gift store from the west side to downtown Monroe on Eleventh Street this month.
"We wanted a building with character," Morstad said.
Morstad likes an old picture of the lobby which she shows to people who come in. Not much has changed since that picture was taken; the same blue and white floor tiles, decorative wall light scones, wooden banister and fireplace are obvious.
Today the hotel lobby, staircase and upper hallways are home to hundreds of items, old and new. Tucked into every cozy corner and cove are candles and lamps, quilts and glassware, suitcases and wedding dresses, rugs and tapestries, books and childrens' toys, and more. Don't overlook the antique furniture. Holding the small keepsakes are tables, chairs, dressers and cabinets.
There's not much room for massive pieces of furniture. But Wildflower, known for its affordable prices, still moves a lot of furniture. One huge cabinet, transferred from the west side, sold in one day, just after Morstad had filled it with accent pieces.
Morstad says she is, in a way, recycling, selling antique furniture that has retained its character, charm and craftsmanship.
She also selects well-made, unique items by local craftsmen to incorporate into the store's inventory.
Morstad and Lewis had considered moving their store for some time, and kidding each other, 'if we could get a building next to Baumgartner's.'"
"This is the best of both worlds: right around the corner from Baumgartner's and this space has so much character," Morstad said.
The store is getting more foot traffic, and Morstad expects that to pick up.
"It's a positive with what downtown is doing," she said. "The whole idea of the Square being renovated, that's going to draw people."
Morstad admits she's not a conventional salesperson; sometimes she finds herself talking people out of buying.
But she has a tremendous connection with her customers; she becomes friends with them. Regular customers came in when the store moved just to give her hugs.
When Lewis had a baby, she received cards from people she didn't know. Those are our customers, her mother told her.
"When people get done looking around (the store) and they say, 'Oh, I feel so much better," that makes me feel good," Morstad said, touching her heart.
The lobby has a large couch in front of the fireplace for customers to lounge, and Morstad is happy to have them.
A sign behind the counter says, "Let me drop everything and work on your problem", and Morstad means it.
Wildflower Antiques and Gifts is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 1517 11th Street.
Even though it was raining when owner Ellie Morstad first looked at the building, "it felt cozy inside," she said.
Morstad and her daughter Martha Lewis moved their antique and gift store from the west side to downtown Monroe on Eleventh Street this month.
"We wanted a building with character," Morstad said.
Morstad likes an old picture of the lobby which she shows to people who come in. Not much has changed since that picture was taken; the same blue and white floor tiles, decorative wall light scones, wooden banister and fireplace are obvious.
Today the hotel lobby, staircase and upper hallways are home to hundreds of items, old and new. Tucked into every cozy corner and cove are candles and lamps, quilts and glassware, suitcases and wedding dresses, rugs and tapestries, books and childrens' toys, and more. Don't overlook the antique furniture. Holding the small keepsakes are tables, chairs, dressers and cabinets.
There's not much room for massive pieces of furniture. But Wildflower, known for its affordable prices, still moves a lot of furniture. One huge cabinet, transferred from the west side, sold in one day, just after Morstad had filled it with accent pieces.
Morstad says she is, in a way, recycling, selling antique furniture that has retained its character, charm and craftsmanship.
She also selects well-made, unique items by local craftsmen to incorporate into the store's inventory.
Morstad and Lewis had considered moving their store for some time, and kidding each other, 'if we could get a building next to Baumgartner's.'"
"This is the best of both worlds: right around the corner from Baumgartner's and this space has so much character," Morstad said.
The store is getting more foot traffic, and Morstad expects that to pick up.
"It's a positive with what downtown is doing," she said. "The whole idea of the Square being renovated, that's going to draw people."
Morstad admits she's not a conventional salesperson; sometimes she finds herself talking people out of buying.
But she has a tremendous connection with her customers; she becomes friends with them. Regular customers came in when the store moved just to give her hugs.
When Lewis had a baby, she received cards from people she didn't know. Those are our customers, her mother told her.
"When people get done looking around (the store) and they say, 'Oh, I feel so much better," that makes me feel good," Morstad said, touching her heart.
The lobby has a large couch in front of the fireplace for customers to lounge, and Morstad is happy to have them.
A sign behind the counter says, "Let me drop everything and work on your problem", and Morstad means it.
Wildflower Antiques and Gifts is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 1517 11th Street.