Denizens of the antique world are a determined lot, drawn from quaint high-end specialty shops to a rummage sale at the side of the road, constantly and inexorably in search of their object of affection and Revelstoke has several new-to-you and antique stores for this often eccentric and motley crew. It is as if objects from the past carry with it their very own tale. To have made it this far into our modern world, these individual items – fragile or strong – have not only stood the test of time but somehow embody that ineffable sense of the distant past treasured by the relentlessly searching antiques collector. “We’ve got a little bit of everything,” said Betty Pinko, proprietor of Auntie’s Attic on the corner of Mackenzie and First St., the hub of Revelstoke’s historic downtown. “Like all antiques the time that they’ve been around compared to a lot of modern stuff that falls apart, each item has it’s own character and soul almost,” Pinko said. “Our store has things you can’t find in Wal-Mart.” These little shops of wonder and bemusement enjoy the natural appeal from the wayside traveler as well as the ardent dedication of repeat customers. Indeed, as the name suggests, once one steps into the store objects of a by-gone era shimmer brilliantly from floor to ceiling and from side to side as if they’ve not just entered a door into a 21st Century shop but into their aunt’s home 100 years ago. “We try to sell for everybody,” said Pinko. “We have lots of glassware, I have no idea how many pieces, and really, really precious things like chandeliers, old china, …everything.” “People are always looking for pieces to replace old, discontinued china patterns to replace Grandma’s tea set,” said Pinko fondly of the various customers from across Canada and the world that peruse the stores precious items. In a room filled with reliquaries from the past one may wonder at the value placed on the flotsam and jetsam of another person’s life. Pinko enthusiastically states, “Oh boy, I like everything, I can’t put my finger on any one thing. But most of all it’s the people, people from all over the world who now make Revelstoke a stop on their trip that are the most rewarding aspect.” Auntie’s Attic contains thousands of unique pieces due to the nine different vendors that search various auctions and estate sales. Each with their own special interest and tastes contribute to the vast array of objects and styles found in the three level space charmingly adjoined to a coffee shop next door. Just two blocks beyond Auntie’s Attic on Mackenzie is the newly renovated historic building called Main Street Café. Above the café on the main floor is a twee loft containing items that range from the prosaic to the precious. “The building is over 100 years old and is a big draw for people and it’s an extra bonus to find an antique store upstairs” said Shelley Gibson, the daughter of owner Rosalyne Nelles. Main Street Café’s clientele are especially focused collectors. “They’ll hunt you down, they know where to find you.” “A lot of things are old, but they’re new to you,” said Gibson. “When you find an antique you love, you know it has a story and it makes your day.” The Main Street Café’s selection of antiques run the gamut from dish sets to little figurines and even little ‘pee-pots’ from long ago. “We’ve got everything like pots and pans, jewelry, everything you desire. Lots of peoples’ treasures.” Gibson is especially fond of tables and mirrors of which there are several to admire and choose from. Revelstoke’s historic past and architecture provide the perfect backdrop for anyone interested in delving further into the lives of our pioneer forefathers by their surprising treasures left behind that so uniquely portray the region’s singular mystery and charm.

Revelstoke Times Review