Ricky Pritt had a passion for antiques. He also had a calling for auctioneering.
So, it is no surprise that Pritt wanted a business where the two could go hand-in-hand. That is where Sugar Hill Auction and Antique developed.
Pritt passed away in June before he could witness the Main Street business take off.
However, a group of vendors have joined forces to keep the business going in memory of Pritt.
“Ricky had just gotten started up on the street during the beginning of 2012. He then moved the business to where it is now in April,” said Ricky’s wife, Robin Pritt. “Vendors wanted to keep it going because they know Ricky wanted it so bad.”
Robin Pritt recalls going antique shopping with Ricky after they were married.
“We always went antique shopping,” she said. “I remember when he wanted to go into the auction business. He ordered an auctioneer tape and listened to the chants.”
While Ricky Pritt has passed on, the group of vendors, along with his wife, will look to keep his memory alive through the 235 Main St. business in Brookneal.
The Department Store Antiques & Collectibles will hold a grand opening and open house Saturday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Entertainment, sidewalk sales, refreshments, door prizes and food from the Drug Store Grill will be on tap for Saturday’s event.
The regular store hours will be Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
“The very opportunity of what they are trying to do means a lot,” Robin Pritt said. “They are putting a lot of effort into it, from getting booths ready to advertising. I am grateful for what they are doing because keeping it going is what Ricky would have wanted.”
J.D. Puckett, who has helped head the project, said first and foremost they want to honor Ricky Pritt’s memory, but at the same time bring business and life back to Main Street.
The following is a bio on the vendors who will be at the grand opening events and have items for sale during the following months:
Vashti’s Vintage
Vashti’s Vintage is owned by Tamera Sprouse. The business began in 1994 and has been located in Bedford, Lynchburg, Forest and its current location in Halifax. The business specializes in primitives, McCoy, Shabby Chic and vintage holiday decorations. “ I have been selling since 1982. I sell unusual and interesting objects, not just the items you see at every antiques shop. I have a wide knowledge of antiques,” said Sprouse.
Sugar Hill Antiques
Sugar Hill Antiques is owned by Robin Pritt. Ricky started the Auction Company and had been selling estate items and antiques since the 1970s. The business specializes in country store items, signs and collectibles. Ricky had been selling antiques for over 40 years. “We wish to see Ricky’s dream of having an antiques mall in Brookneal come true.”
Old Country Accents
Old Country Accents is owned by Sandra VanDerBurgh. The business began in 1970 in San Francisco and sells antiques and folk art items. The business specializes in hand-painted items. VanDerBurgh has been selling antiques for 42 years.
Hickory Creek Antiques and Crafts
Hickory Creek Antiques and Crafts is owned by J.D. and Nona Puckett. The business began by their love for refinishing and making furniture, collecting antiques and receiving items that were family heirlooms. Eventually they started selling antiques and making corn shuck dolls. The business specializes in oak furniture, some primitives, glassware, Depression glass and china, tobacco-related items and vintage items. “We have a diverse range of knowledge about antiques and the history of them as well,” said Puckett. “We have been selling antiques at Smith Mountain Lake, Lynchburg, Halifax and currently in Charlotte Court House, as well as selling online. Now our focus is to fulfill the dream of Ricky Pritt with an antiques mall in Brookneal.”
Twin Oaks Antiques
Twin Oaks Antiques is owned by Connie P. Carwile. The business began in 2004 from items purchased at estate sales and auctions of past years. The business specializes in antiques, vintage and giftware. Carwile has been selling antiques for eight years and has had shops in Appomattox.
Old Cupboard Antiques & Collectibles
Old Cupboard Antiques and Collectibles is owned by Ray and Brenda Pool. The business specializes in antiques, old cookie jars, kitchen cupboards and Coke items.
Threads Run Thru It
Threads Run Thru It is owned by Lori and Steve Clayton. The business began in 2004 from home, then expanded into a 2,000-square-foot quilt shop in 2010. The business specializes in fabric. The business has over 3,000 bolts of fabric, books, patterns and notions, as well as a Gammill Statler Sticher long-arm quilting machine. The business has four employees and sells online. Threads Run Thru It has everything that is required to make a quilt.