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| The store's historic outdoor signage stands out on historic Route 66 |
Molly Monroe
“You name it, and you can probably find it here,” says Dorothy, the charming yet quiet grandma that greeted me at one of Tulsa’s most historic antique malls. Aptly named Generations Antiques, the store’s items collectively represent years of history. A few items date over 50 to 100 years old. Dorothy’s right—they have just about anything. “We got signs, pottery, jewelry…” she says, trailing off. There’s a plethora of selection. “Whatever it is you’re lookin’ for, it’s probably in here,” she says from behind the storefront desk. “I just don’t know where you can find it.” What at first seems to be an unorganized mess of just stuff, turns out to be a methodical arrangement of individual booths, owned by various people. There’s about 80 booths at Generations Antiques and they’re all filled to the brim with little pieces of history.
Dorothy is one of those booth owners, but today she’s working behind the desk. She explained to me the intricate process of booth renting, and shows me the fancy computer
system that keeps all the individual revenues organized. “Times change, gotta keep up!” she says.
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| Dorothy works two days a week-- "Just enough to get me out of the house," she says. |
In one of the back corners of the building is Dorothy’s booth—a collection of objects she’s gathered from auctions, garage sales, and her own home. “I paint,” she says, pointing out her latest work—a vintage piece of luggage with the face of a sheep painted on it. It’s darling. Her booth is sprinkled with Christmas ornaments, decorated tea cups, and delicate trinkets. It feels like walking into grandma’s hidden closet of knick-knacks. “I like the cookie jar theme. I already got Easter cookie jars lined out,” she says, pointing to her favorite one. “You gotta think ahead!”
Pretty much all of the booth renters are buddies despite the friendly competition. Kirk is another booth renter at Generations with an impressive assemblage of records. He takes me to his extensive collection with numerous genres. He explains to me the proper storage conditions, the price ranges, and his organization process. Unlike Dorothy, who’s booth is quite and hidden away, Kirk’s booth is in prime real estate. His records are right at the front of the store, and to the left of the jewelry. “Everyone looks at the jewelry,” he says. Then, they look at his records. It’s deliberate system that he undoubtedly takes much pride in. Kirks’s other booth, which is set up only a couple sections away, is an assortment of miscellaneous items. Vintage coffee mugs, model cars, and empty brandy bottles line the shelves. “It’s best to keep a variety,” he says.
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| Kirk shows off his collection's latest addition--The Return of Roger Miller |
Business is good at Generations Antiques, but not as good as it used to be. Kirk blames it on the declining gas prices. “Things are a little slower than they were two years ago,” he says. But like Dorothy said, things change. “If grandma has to buy the kids toys, then grandma can’t spend any money on antiques.”
Yet, if history speaks for something, it seems unlikely that business will ever stop entirely. The large, retro sign outside of the building has been successfully attracting visitors for decades. “We’ve been here for years,” Dorothy says. “I don’t even know how long. But long enough that we’re part of Tulsa’s history.”
Located on 11th and Yale, and historic Route 66, Generations Antiques is a charming mall of various antique items and helpful staff. You might not know what you’re looking for, but at Generations Antique, you can probably find it.
Generations Antiques
4810 E 11th St
(918) 834-7577
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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