Browsing Barn re-opens on Sparta Highway
Published 10:00 am Friday, September 12, 2014
- Browsing Barn owner Jerry Ellington admires the cast iron, which is some of his favorite pieces for sale. He says he's also partial to glassware.
The Browsing Barn is celebrating its grand reopening on Sparta Highway.
Jerry Ellington first opened the business in 1980 and then closed it down in 2004 when he moved away. When he moved back to Milledgeville, he reopened the business in a smaller house next to his original location, but when the larger home came up for sale, he bought it and is moving his business back to its original location.
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Ellington got into the antique trade because of his love of collecting.
“I collected myself out of a home, almost,” Ellington joked.
Ellington and his friend and co-worker Wendell Barr can often be found at estate sales, and they will also buy from local residents.
“Sometimes people will call and sell things, so we’ll check it out and buy it,” Ellington said.
The Browsing Barn has well over 1,000 items for sale, including furniture, toys, jewelry, collectibles, rugs, lamps, fine china and much more. Prices range from $1 up to more than $2,100.
“I love the cast iron pieces,” Ellington said, “and I’m very partial to glassware.”
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Ellington’s glass pieces include Depression glass, cut glass, carnival glass, fine crystal and china.
Some of the oldest pieces for sale include a sofa from 1890 and a table from the mid to late 1880s. Ellington even has a table that once belonged to the Baldwin Hotel.
“We have things for men, women and children,” Ellington said.
Those who visit the Browsing Barn will also notice a staircase with a pre-height requirement banister. Ellington said he hopes to have the upstairs area completed by Dec. 1 so he can display the many Christmas items he sells.
Barr said what’s now upstairs is only a third of what Ellington originally had to offer.
“He only kept the stuff he was really attached to,” Barr said.
Though the Browsing Barn already displays hundreds of items, Ellington said he tries to put out new pieces every week.
Store hours are mainly 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, but hours can vary.
“If we’re here, we’re open,” Ellington said. “But we’re happy to meet by appointment as well.”
The store is located at 169 Sparta Highway, Milledgeville, and can be reached at 478-452-6538, 478-452-0976 or 478-456-1854.