3 Great Ohio Spots for Vintage Decor
Michael Free II, owner of Fremont’s Dillon House, offers a few great spots for eclectic finds.
Ever since Michael Free II purchased the historic Dillon House in 2013, he has been treasure hunting at antique shops, vintage stores and estate sales for furniture and accessories that perfectly fit the setting of the 1873 home, while reflecting his personality and love for all things vintage. From farmhouse finds to Victorian heirlooms, antiques that are well preserved or ready to be restored or repurposed are plentiful in our state. Here are a few favorite spots Free frequents — and what he has found there.
White Birch Gifting and Antiques: This is where Free found the 9-foot-tall secretary hutch (so named because of a desktop that slides out) where he displays some of his collection of colorful vintage Fiestaware. White Birch Gifting and Antiques owner Kassi Stotz refinished and used slate-blue chalk paint to give the hutch its standout look. “She definitely has an eye for purchasing furniture,” Free says. 118 N. Arch St., Fremont 43420, 419/680-6095
New to You Consignments: Free uses a vintage oak cabinet he found at this shop to store his collection of pineapple-shaped drinkware. (The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality and welcome.) He is currently in the process of stripping the cabinet’s finish to let the original oak shine through. “What I like about New to You is the surprise you get when you walk in,” Free says. “They are constantly adding new old items.” 202 E. State St., Fremont 43420, 419/515-4235
Erlin Trader: The Dillon House dining room has a long table with two different sets of chairs mixed together to create a modern vintage vibe. Four of them are more than 100-year-old, quarter-sawn oak chairs from this shop. Free says he likes hunting for treasures at Erlin Trader because, “it’s kind of a hodgepodge of things. They have Amish furniture, antiques, oddities. It’s in an old armory, so it’s kind of an interesting setting.” 701 N. Main St., Clyde 43410, 419/547-0441
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