MOUNT VERNON — Crickets on South Main is looking for a new home in downtown Mount Vernon.
The antique store at 120 South Main St. closed its doors for the final time on Saturday.
Building owner Knox County Properties is selling the property.
Crickets store partners said they intend to open another antique store and would like to stay in downtown Mount Vernon, though they’re still searching for retail space.
Store partner Ann Laudeman said maintaining a presence downtown was an important factor in opening in 2017.
Buying the building isn’t feasible, Laudeman said.
“We’re taking a break and hopefully something might come up in the future,” Laudeman said.
Tim Neviska, of Fredericktown, has visited Crickets on South Main for quite some time, he said. He came into the store for its display of unique items.
“I’m very sad that it’s closing,” he said.
According to Crickets on South Main internal records, the antique brick building has changed hands several times since 1894.
The earliest shop was a Queens ware store in 1894. Since then, 13 businesses have found their home at 120 South Main St.
A look into history
Store partner Barbara Gottschling will miss college students visiting the store to explore antique history.
“It does my heart good that they’re interested in history,” Gottschling said.
Selling and collecting antiques is “the love of my life,” she added, explaining that she feels like she “rescues items and gives them a new purpose.”
For example, selling an antique tea set to a young adult is particularly rewarding.
“That’s what does my heart good,” Gottschling said.