9/13/2006 8:10:00 AM Find an 'old friend' at the
'What's New?' antique store
Owner Craig Newhouse stands outside the second floor entrance of “What’s New?” antique store south of Burr Oak on Hi
By Lisa Brainard
It's a question you ask day in and day out… a common greeting: "What's new?"
Ask that question of Craig Newhouse of rural Burr Oak and you'll find he has a lot more to discuss than simply the weather. "What's new?" could be a primitive table, a Fenton bowl, an advertising piece or a farm collectible.
Newhouse is wrapping up the first summer of having his "What's New?" antique store located at the farm where he and his wife, Marilyn, live. The store is located south of Burr Oak on Highway 52, then around one mile west on 350th Street. It's on the south side of the road.
Around six years ago Newhouse found himself involved with an antique store in Cresco. He wanted to strike out on his own and soon opened "What's New?" antique store in downtown Decorah.
Jump ahead a few years and you'd find Newhouse looking longingly at an old barn by his home. He had a vision of a nice, large, antique store right there.
The barn, not in good shape, was torn down and "What's New?" arose from its foundation. Newhouse chuckled and said that sometimes people will think it is an old barn when inside, due to its three-level layout.
It's a large building with a big shed connected to the back. Newhouse said, "If you can't find what you're looking for inside, try out here." That area features items that might need fixing, as well as some outdoors items.
All in all, that's a lot of antiques.
Newhouse said he enjoys the primitive outdoor antiques a lot, frequently picking them up from auctions at old farmsteads. He used to go to tractor auctions with friends and inevitably found himself drawn to the antiques. A few items he pointed out at "What's New?" were garden accents, garden pots and machinery.
He said his store is a good stop for people wanting to decorate a home and perhaps needing that one, perfect item. There are a lot of kitchen items, lamps and fixtures, as well as tools, fishing and other sporting goods.
Still more items might include a stereoscopic viewer from 1895 to 1905, jewelry pieces, soft goods and books. There are also tables, chairs and other furniture pieces.
In planning the store, Newhouse put renowned rosemaler Teresa McCue of Orr, Minn. - who exhibits in the juried shows at Nordic Fest - to the test. He showed her the space available in the three-level building and wondered if she might like to decorate it for the opening one week away. She thought about it, called in friend and fellow decorator Karen Hankee of Viroqua, Wis. - and they both rosemaled and marbled parts of the walls.
McCue's items can still be found there, including a handsome, rosemaled church pew.
Marilyn Newhouse also has a special spot in "What's New?" She creates the stylish and comfortable "Chic Chenille" vests. Each is hand-sewn and has its own identity. Look for special sports team vests.
Newhouse is happy with the rural location of "What's New?" antique store and looks forward to meeting fellow antique enthusiasts and shoppers during business hours of Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 until 4 p.m. Also, Newhouse can set up an appointment or provide more information on "What's New?" antique store by calling (563) 735-5766; (563) 735-5672; or his cell phone at (563) 380-0214.
Also check out the store at: www.whatsnewantiques.com
