Finders Keepers Antiques & Collectibles Move to Bisbee, Arizona!  (August 2005)

"Moving 5,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles is not my idea of a good time" says Kathy Sowden, owner of Finders Keepers Antiques & Collectibles, "but we fell in love with Bisbee and the next thing we knew, we were on our way!".

After 12 years in the antique business in La Mesa, California, Kathy and her partner Deborah Grier loaded the contents of their La Mesa Boulevard antique store into a moving van and headed for Arizona. "We will miss our neighbors and customers in La Mesa Village", says Deb, "but we are excited about forming new relationships and building a quality antique business in our new location.  Many of our La Mesa customers and friends have promised to visit us in Bisbee since its only a 7 hour drive."

Bisbee is an old mining town that has evolved into a colorful arts and retirement community.   It has become a destination for those craving art, antiques, history and wonderful weather.   The downtown historic district looks much like it did in the early 20^th century with art galleries, antique shops, bed and breakfasts and gourmet restaurants occupying much of the real estate.  Sowden and Grier purchased 81 Main Street, which was originally a car dealership, and, in later years, a gymnasium complete with a 15 person Jacuzzi, sauna, and showers.   Remodeling has gone well and Sowden hopes to open mid-November.  The shop will have a different look than our shop in La Mesa,  largely due to the difference in architecture.  "We will still feature great vintage estate and costume jewelry, paper and ephemera, pottery, vintage furnishings, and gift items.  We continue to focus on the unique."  Recent acquisitions include a wonderful collection of 1930s and 1940s Mexican pottery and more than 50 hand-tinted photos by photographers like Nutting, Davidson and the Jones Sisters from the early 20^th century.

If their new shop is anything like the shop they had in La Mesa for 8 years, Bisbee is in for a treat!  Watch for information about their opening or contact Kathy and Deborah at 520-432-2900 or fkeepers@cableone.net

Kathy Sowden