Black Cat Antiques Acquires a Piece of Groton History
Posted by Dustin Horton // October 2, 2013 // Local Business
By Shannon R. Myers
Black Cat Antiques celebrated its first anniversary in July, 2013! What better way to celebrate than to return a piece of Groton history to the area!
Karen and Barry Shaw, owners of Black Cat Antiques, received a phone call from a Peckville, Pennsylvania resident who inquired whether anyone would be interested in a sign manufactured by the Groton Bridge and Manufacturing Company in 1890. Once a local bridge decoration, it had been stored away in his father-in-law’s garage for many years, and was only discovered when the garage was demolished.
The Shaws immediately made the trip to Pennsylvania to bring the sign back to its place of manufacture. It is now on display their shop. It joins many other pieces manufactured in Groton. The Groton Bridge and Manufacturing Company had a long history in the manufacturing of steel bridges, which were shipped as far away as South America. One of those bridges remains in Groton today. While the sign itself is not for sale, the Shaws hope many local residents will stop by to see it.
Black Cat Antiques continues to focus on the unusual, but has expanded its inventory of primitives in response to customer interest. The Shaws are constantly on the hunt for new inventory, and there is always something new at Black Cat Antiques. In fact, the shop has recently acquired and now offers for sale several ride-on children’s toys, an antique 1900 bicycle lamp, a miner’s lamp, and a woodworking plane manufactured during the Revolutionary War. Also available are antique tools, railroad, postcards, photos, ironstone, quilts, Fenton and cranberry glass. Karen and Barry Shaw will also continue to do their best to locate various items upon request.
They are currently in the process of renovating the second half of the barn that houses Black Cat Antiques, and expect to use their new addition to accommodate a larger selection of antique furniture, postcards, and ephemeral.
It’s never too early to start browsing for your holiday gifts or for a new item for your own collection! Stop in and visit Karen and Barry Shaw and browse their shop or visit them on the web at BlackCatAntiques.webs.com. You may also contact them with any questions by calling (607) 898-2048 or by e-mailing them at BlackCatAntiques@CentralNY.twcbc.com. Black Cat Antiques has changed over to its winter hours: Friday and Saturday, 10:00 to 4:30, or by chance or appointment.
