Stacy Heckathorn

By Laurie Lechlitner
Staff Writer

ROCHESTER — “I love antiques,” stated Stacy Heckathorn, Rochester. “Whether it’s antique furniture, glassware, china or pictures, each item has a story to tell. Many of them have been passed down from generation to generation. They’ve not only stood the test of time but have their own unique character.”

Heckathorn owns Craft Crossing & Antiques in Rochester.

Heckathorn loves greeting and getting to know her customers. “One thing so many of our customers will mention is their memories of a particular item. One might say, ‘My mom had one of those.’ Another, ‘I remember grandmother displaying that during the holidays.’ Still, another, ‘I had one of those lying around my house. I wonder where it is.’ All that reminiscing brings a smile to my face.”

She believes many people find antique stores therapeutic. “People who are having a bad day can come into our warm environment filled with music and memories. Somehow reminiscing about the past makes the present and future look brighter.”

Antiquing is something Heckathorn and her husband J.D. enjoy doing together. “Our home is furnished with antiques. Some of them were passed to us from family members. Other things we’ve picked up when we travel to stores or attend estate sales and auctions.”

Although antiques are supposed to be 100 years old, people are not always looking for the item because of its age. “I’ll have people come in and tell me they’re looking for a particular glassware item they got from their grandmother and broke. They could be looking for a piece to complete their set. Of course some want good, sturdy wood furniture. Anyone who owns pressed board knows that when they move it, it often disintegrates.”

Seasoned items have a unique beauty, even if they show wear. “The story of where they come from is sometimes included and enhances the rare uniqueness. Of course, people’s preferences are varied. Some want the original hardwood. Others take it home and stain or paint it.”

In this day and age, the minimalists don’t always appreciate fine china or glassware. “Often, they’ll come in and want to sell their family china. They’d rather eat on paper plates.”

One of the highpoints of her career was appearing on the Antique Roadshow in 2016. “We got the tickets from a friend. Of course, just because I was going, I didn’t expect to be picked. However, I was chosen. I had brought a baby pram, an old-fashioned baby buggy. At the end of the judging, I was told the item was worth around $1,800.”

Heckathorn has seen a lot of changes in the 28 years she’s been in business. “I opened the store so I could bring my babies to work. Now they’re grown and I’m able to bring my grandbabies.”

According to Heckathorn, being a grandparent is the greatest job on earth. “I love my three boys with all my heart. Now that they’re grown and I have grandchildren, I have a whole new heart of love. The grandchildren live close, so I am blessed to see them almost every day.”

Her hobbies include scrapbooking, reading, and of course spending time with her family. “As a native of Rochester, I enjoy meeting and talking with new people from all over at my store.”