SPOTLIGHT ON MEMBER DEBBIE KEYS OF WHITE RIVER SALVAGE, CENTERVILLE INDIANA

[C. Dianne Zweig Editor's Desk]

 SPOTLIGHT ON MEMBER DEBBIE KEYS OF WHITE RIVER SALVAGE, CENTERVILLE INDIANA

Introducing White River Salvage

Hello, my name is Debbie Keys and I owe and operate White River Salvage in Centerville, Indiana.  My shop is located right on Historic US 40 in two 1800's vintage building.  The buildings themselves are rich in history.  Originally, they were a general store and an Odd Fellows Lodge. 

Historic Centerville "Jody's Buildings"

Centerville was a lively trade center in the later half of the 1800's serving customers on the first floor with dry goods, etc.  Boarding rooms were on the second floors and the Odd Fellows met regularly on the third floor (the members would climb the back stairway.  At the top of the stairs there was a door with a viewing window.  They would have to knock and give the correct password!).  Later the buildings became known as 'Jodys Buildings' after a restaurant named 'Jody's that was in operation for almost 50 years. 

Lining Up For Apple Dumplings

People would line up around the block on Sunday afternoons for Apple Dumplings which was one of their specialties (the owner stated she made 33,000 apple dumplings in one year!).  The restaurant was family owned and they raised their family on the second floors.  They retired after 47 years of business.

  

Buying The Building In 2004

   I bought the buildings in 2004.  They needed everything!  New roofs, plumbing, heating, electrical, brick work, painting inside and out, rebuilt stairways, etc.  They now feature the original wide plank wooden floors, exposed brick walls and tin ceilings.  When I opened in 2005 I filled the buildings with architectural salvage, vintage lighting, old store fixtures, display cabinets, stained and beveled glass windows, statues, china, glassware, jewelry, vintage toys, kitchen islands, hundreds of door knobs, door plates, locks, floor grates, cold air returns and vintage clothing....everything you need to make a house a home.  I did not have to supple the buildings with the happy spirits that occasionally make themselves known on the second floors.

 

Quaint Centerville, West Of Richmond Indiana

 

    Centerville is a sleepy little town located just 6 miles West of Richmond, Indiana.  Many of the school children walk to and from school.  The church bells ring every afternoon and twice on Sundays.  Richmond offers a wide variety of activities, many good eateries and several nice bed and breakfast inns.  Centerville is a destination, a long enjoyable weekend stay.  Many couples will visit annually to celebrate their anniversaries.  Centerville is also a regular stop for antique dealers as they travel to and from the annual shows in Springfield Oh, Dayton OH, Cincinnati OH, Indianapolis IN, Louisville KY, or Chicago IL.  Traffic is never stressful.

 

    I will send you images in a later email.  Thank you so much!

-- 
Debbie Keys
www.whiteriversalvage.com

Reclaiming & recycling the Best from the Past

104 West Main Street

Centerville, Indiana 47330

[phone] cell

[phone] shop 

Hours - Fri & Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun Noon to 5pm or by appointment

Located on Historic US 40, Antique Alley

[Sherry Miller]

I'm with you, Debbie.  All the best buildings are the old ones with stories to tell.  The character of floor boards and stair rails with years and years of wear -- all those steps, all those hands, and layers of paint.  History every time you inhale.  I would love to see your place.