By ERIC C. RODENBERG
AntiqueWeek Associate Editor GREENFIELD, Ind. — There’s a new kind of cat in the neighborhood – prowling Antique Alley, on the west side of this town, about 25 miles due east of Indianapolis on U.S. 40.
And if you’re real nice to this cat, Lou (maybe bring some high-quality catnip), he’s very likely to cut you a deal on a pretty piece of antique furniture or quality smalls.
Lou is the mascot and inspiration of Black Cat Antiques & Vintage Furniture, the new antique shop opened by Dan and Terry Forst.
Within local antique circles, Terry is well-known. She has been “hooked” on antiques most of her life, selling – and working part time - out of a Greenfield antique store the past 10 years. She and Dave, her husband of two years in March, cover a lot of ground, hitting estate sales, auctions and shows throughout Indiana and surrounding states.
Officially Lou, a “rescued cat” is the main greeter; however when he’s busy (or feeling cattishly aloof), young Angus MacDuff, a more earthy rescue Scottie pup from southern Indiana, fills in quite aptly. In all, the pets and Forsts make up an amicable foursome within their historic-laden setting.
Prior to becoming Antique Alley, this part of U.S. 40 cutting east-west through the heart of Indiana was the “Old National Road” stretching from sea to shining sea. In 1806, it was a product of the fertile mind of President Thomas Jefferson.
Since then, cities, towns and farms have sprouted along its route, accompanied by inns, and later “tourist cabins.” It is out of one of these tourist cabins – a part of the “Hoosierland Lodge” built in the 1930s that the Forsts operate Black Cat Antiques. It was Terry’s grandfather who bought what was left of the cabin back in 1963.
The remainder of Black Cat Antiques can be found in the Forst 108-year-home. Designated a “Hoosier Homestead,” the 100 acres has been in Terry’s family for 150 years.
Toward the east side of the property, is the primitive area, comprised of old advertising signs and displays.
In all, the two rooms of the shop comprise about 750 square feet of space. The Forsts opened the shop about a month ago after some heavy-duty remodeling (particularly on the old cabin). The response to the remodeling project (and the wares) “have just blown people away,” Dan said.
“We may not be the biggest shop,” he said. “But we’re really intent on focusing on quality. We do specialize in antique and vintage furniture, but have a lot of smalls … we want to have a little bit of everything.”
Black Cat Antiques is Terry’s “dream come true,” according to Dan Forst. “When we first met, I didn’t have much interest in antiques. But now that I’ve been to a few auctions and started to learn a little more, it’s really starting to grow on me.”
As the Forsts have “day jobs” – like many antique dealers – they are primarily open on the weekends, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings. And, as often as not, by appointment - of course with approval by Lou the black cat.
For more information, call 317-441-7106 or visit www.blackcatantiques-indiana.com |
