WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (WVDN) – Antiques are fascinating items. They are unique and collectible, and they bring a piece of the past into the present. These pieces have survived throughout the years to keep various aspects of history alive. Stepping into an antique store is often akin to stepping into the past.
Maple and Birch, a charming antique store nestled in the heart of White Sulphur Springs, offers a unique shopping experience for collectors, history enthusiasts and casual browsers alike. With its vast array of carefully curated items, Maple and Birch provides a glimpse into the past, transporting visitors to a bygone era.
Maple and Birch’s owner, Jim Harvey, opened the store in 2022 after years of collecting antiques. Harvey’s passion for history and his keen eye for detail are evident in the quality and authenticity of the items on display. The store offers a diverse selection of antiques that cater to a wide range of tastes and interests.
The project began in September 2022. According to Harvey, the building that now houses Maple and Birch had previously been a beauty shop. He renovated the space and began formal business in December.
Harvey noted that the initial inventory came from his own collection. Additionally, he said he acquired three extensive collections that are now in the store.
Referring to the inventory he said, “I originally set the business up with pieces that I had collected over the years and was contacted in March of this year by a local collector who made his lifelong collection of antiques available to me which significantly upgraded the quality of merchandise available in the store. This included rare glass pieces from Italy and marigold pattern carnival glass from the 1920s from the United States. There are items now available from all over Europe, as well as the United States.”
He stated that they have a motto for the Maple and Birch, “From jewelry to grand candles, there is something here for everyone.”
Maple and Birch’s knowledgeable staff is always on hand to assist customers with their inquiries. Harvey stated, “We have a very customer-oriented staff who are pleased to serve those who choose to visit the store in any way possible. We feel that we have integrity and the quality of those items being sold. Worldwide delivery logistics services are available.” In addition to those services, Harvey said Maple and Birch is accepting a limited amount of consignments.
For Harvey, his journey into the world of antiques began with piano marketing and restoration in the 1990s. He also noted that he has been involved in antique furniture restoration and marketing over the last 20 years. However, there is always a moment that sparks that initial interest. For Harvey, that moment came while a physician assistant student at Alderson Broaddus College in the 1980s. He purchased a piano but still needed a bench. His search for a bench led him to Michael Bodnar. According to Harvey, Bodnar had an impressive collection of antiques.
Whether you’re an avid collector or simply looking for a unique gift, Maple and Birch is a must-visit destination for anyone with an appreciation for history and craftsmanship. With its ever-changing inventory and welcoming atmosphere, this antique store offers a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience that is both educational and enjoyable.
The store is located at 531 West Main Street in White Sulphur Springs. Maple and Birch is open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more information contact Jim Harvey at 304-667-9564 or by emailing maplebirchwv@gmail.com or greenbrierlogistics@yahoo.com.
