Treasures and memories fill Hidden Hill Antiques
Published on Tue, Dec 15, 2009 by Beckye RandallRead More Business
Hidden Hill Antiques, located in the heart of Marysville on historic Third Street, is a treasure trove of memories. Strolling through the cozy store's artful displays is a nostalgic trip through time, rediscovering long-ago joys with the glimpse of a familiar vase or beloved toy.
Owner Ron Martinez is accustomed to the reactions of customers who spot that perfect object among the bountiful shelves. After all, he's been in the antiques business since 1978, although he confesses that even as a child, he was "drawn" to old things.
In 1980, after a move to Portland from Los Angeles and no luck finding a job, Martinez decided to capitalize on his passion for antiquities and opened his first store.
"I didn't have any inventory of my own, so I just started buying," he said. "I realized right away that I needed to learn more about the items I was handling, so the research began."
Over the years Martinez estimates he's spent "thousands of dollars" on books and research materials. His expanding knowledge led to more business opportunities, from weekend flea markets to regional antiques shows.
In 1985, the New England native moved to Renton and opened the first antique mall in King County. "I thought I invented the concept of renting spaces to other dealers," he said with a laugh, "but found out later that others had been doing that for years."
A few years ago, Martinez acquired five acres in the Sunnyside area of Marysville and established Hidden Hill Antiques in a 3,000-square-foot shop. The property also boasts an art gallery and orchard. But Martinez had his eye on a store in town, and was especially drawn to the building that was formerly the home of Gatherings, between Finders Keepers and Oosterwyk's Dutch Bakery.
When Gatherings closed its doors a few months ago, Martinez moved quickly to secure the location. After officially opening on October 2, business "has been gangbusters," said Martinez.
Martinez acknowledges that the staff at Hidden Hill Antiques is one reason for the store's success. He is happy to share his considerable knowledge with his "guests," and employees Shel Nelson and Chris Burke offer friendly assistance to help customers find the perfect item for their collections or home décor. Jackson, the Cairn terrier who serves as the store mascot, is always available for a pat on the head or scratch behind the ears.
Browse through displays of pottery, sterling silver, jewelry, art, textiles, candlesticks, miniatures, salesmen's samples, folk art, and one of the largest collections of antique toys in the northwest. With very few exceptions, everything in the store was made in the 1940s or earlier, and most items are more than 100 years old.
In addition to antique sales, Martinez offers his services for estate sales, appraisals, restoration referrals and more. After serving as president of the Washington Antique Dealers Association for three terms, he has developed a reputation for integrity and professionalism.
Hidden Hill Antiques, at 1515 Third Street in Marysville, is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Phone (360) 659-0100 or visit http://hiddenhill.net for more information.
Owner Ron Martinez is accustomed to the reactions of customers who spot that perfect object among the bountiful shelves. After all, he's been in the antiques business since 1978, although he confesses that even as a child, he was "drawn" to old things.
In 1980, after a move to Portland from Los Angeles and no luck finding a job, Martinez decided to capitalize on his passion for antiquities and opened his first store.
"I didn't have any inventory of my own, so I just started buying," he said. "I realized right away that I needed to learn more about the items I was handling, so the research began."
Over the years Martinez estimates he's spent "thousands of dollars" on books and research materials. His expanding knowledge led to more business opportunities, from weekend flea markets to regional antiques shows.
In 1985, the New England native moved to Renton and opened the first antique mall in King County. "I thought I invented the concept of renting spaces to other dealers," he said with a laugh, "but found out later that others had been doing that for years."
A few years ago, Martinez acquired five acres in the Sunnyside area of Marysville and established Hidden Hill Antiques in a 3,000-square-foot shop. The property also boasts an art gallery and orchard. But Martinez had his eye on a store in town, and was especially drawn to the building that was formerly the home of Gatherings, between Finders Keepers and Oosterwyk's Dutch Bakery.
When Gatherings closed its doors a few months ago, Martinez moved quickly to secure the location. After officially opening on October 2, business "has been gangbusters," said Martinez.
Martinez acknowledges that the staff at Hidden Hill Antiques is one reason for the store's success. He is happy to share his considerable knowledge with his "guests," and employees Shel Nelson and Chris Burke offer friendly assistance to help customers find the perfect item for their collections or home décor. Jackson, the Cairn terrier who serves as the store mascot, is always available for a pat on the head or scratch behind the ears.
Browse through displays of pottery, sterling silver, jewelry, art, textiles, candlesticks, miniatures, salesmen's samples, folk art, and one of the largest collections of antique toys in the northwest. With very few exceptions, everything in the store was made in the 1940s or earlier, and most items are more than 100 years old.
In addition to antique sales, Martinez offers his services for estate sales, appraisals, restoration referrals and more. After serving as president of the Washington Antique Dealers Association for three terms, he has developed a reputation for integrity and professionalism.
Hidden Hill Antiques, at 1515 Third Street in Marysville, is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Phone (360) 659-0100 or visit http://hiddenhill.net for more information.
