Rosalia duo re-opens Oakesdale antique shop

Margaret and Pete Leonard pose next to a phonograph at their country attic store.

Two Old Hammers in Oakesdale is under new management.

Newly dubbed “The Country Attic,” the place has seen a few pick-me-ups in the past month.

A corner in the main store is being converted into an espresso stand, and the aisles in the building are clearer after the last close-out sale.

Former owners Suzanne and Terry Hammer sold the building to Margaret and Pete Leonard of Rosalia in early November. Suzanne Hammer said the business was doing well, but she and her husband sold it to spend more time with their family.

The Leonards have spent the last two months re-arranging the 1927 historical Oakesdale building.

The store will be open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Approximately 20 vendors were selling their wares in Two Old Hammers when it came time to close. Most of those vendors, Margaret Leonard said, chose to continue selling their wares under the new owners.

When the Leonards heard the Hammers were closing up shop, they immediately took an interest.

“I just hated to have another death bell toll for another small business,” Margaret said.

They re-opened the store Nov. 4.

A quick trip around the building reveals some items previously offered and some new items. For example, they have a phonograph that can still blare 1950s tunes. There is a complete five-piece porcelain pitcher and bowl set and a sign for a tire shop from the 1920s.

Margaret attended her first auction as an antique dealer in early November. She said she went to the auction telling herself she would just watch. However, as the antiques were brought out, she found herself getting more and more excited.

“I had a little notepad, and I’m writing down what everything sold for,” she said.

Soon, a charming little pincushion doll, pre-1950s, came up. She couldn’t resist.

“Yes, I didn’t have any idea if I paid too much or got a great buy,” she said.

She plans to visit more auctions in January or February, she said. She and Pete have spent most of the time fixing up the drafty back portion of the building.

The espresso stand will open in early January, if all goes according to schedule.