With the cost of living on the rise, everyone needs a side hustle to bring in some extra income. That includes the Technical Director of the Performing Arts Center, Michael Frank, and his wife, Pamela.
While their adoration for antiques was at different levels, Frank also had an interest in antiques. His love was fueled by Pamela’s interest.
“I started collecting antiques when I was 12. My mom would say, ‘Why are you spending your allowance on that old junk?’” Pamela said. “My parents didn’t see the value, but [Michael] also liked antiques.”
They built up a unique collection from the beginning, furnishing most of their first home with antiques.
“It got to the point where our daughters would bring their friends over and they’d walk in the front door and they started calling the house the museum,” Frank said.
Although Pamela had a bigger love for antiques, both enjoyed the experience and eventually began to wonder if they could make some money off this hobby.
“I am the bigger addict of the two of us, but I rely on his expertise to fix up old furniture and repair small vintage items,“ Pamela said.
While the couple was spending their time buying pieces at flea markets, garage sales and the occasional thrift store, they began to sell their selected finds originally starting at Eastown Antiques until the store shut its doors.
Eastown unfortunately shut down due to losing their rent amidst covid.
Since Eastown Antiques closing, the pair has begun sales at Wally’s Treasures Mall located on 28th street. Compared to Eastown, where they could sell much bigger items, Wally’s is ideal for the smaller items.
“Wally’s Treasures is a store that provides, apparently, spaces for a variety of people with an interest in antiques,” customer Bob Zomermaand said.
The couple sells paintings, glassware, clothing and a little bit of everything.
“It’s mostly [Pamela], not me. If she gets furniture or something like that, I’ll repair the furniture,” Frank said.
Even though the couple loves their antiques they both share different loves within.
Michael’s favorite piece is the mantle clock gifted to him by his wife many years ago.
“That same summer I gave him a mantle clock. I said, ‘This is to count all the years ahead for us.’ He cried. I have only seen him get that emotional three other times in the over 30 years we have been married,” Pamela said.
Michael and Pamela pick up new pieces on the daily, sometimes finding one to keep as often as once a week, or as casually as once a month.
“I kind of joke around once and awhile, saying this is how my wife gets her shopping fix, and then we actually get paid for her shopping fix,” Michael said.
The pair’s all-time favorite piece within their personal collection happens to be a china cabinet from Manistee that dates back to the late 1800s.
“Instead of clear glass door panels its got leaded glass with little triangles of green glass in it, both in the bottom and in the credenza on the top,” Michael said.
Anyone interested in supporting the couple and their antiques could find some of their pieces in booths at Wally’s for sale.
