An Antique Store that Car Buffs Can Get Revved Up About

Steve Whitten, co-owner of Prescott Antiques, says his store draws happy shoppers because there is something for almost everyone, including a unique collection of automobile memorabilia.   

Aside from the classic cars for sale in the car lot across the street, Whitten showcases items related to classic cars, trucks and hotrods in the shop.

Prescott Antiques features antiques and collectibles from 35 vendors in two buildings: one three-story building and one two-story building. The main building also has a bakery in the basement, complete with a classic jukebox. Pastries, muffins, cookies, breakfast sandwiches and coffee are among the offerings.

The antiques and collectibles include autographed baseballs, vintage baseball card packs and sports memorabilia, as well as jewelry, coins, glassware and Western regalia such as saddles. Prescott Antiques buys entire estates and collections.

Whitten, who opened Prescott Antiques about three years ago with his wife, Rhonda, said he has enjoyed antiques since he was a teenager.

“I always liked antiques and the classic cars. It was always the plan to have the classic cars along with the antiques. I loved going to garage sales as a kid and my dad got me interested in cars. For years, I was a buyer, not a seller. It was a hobby and three years ago we decided to turn it into a business,” he said. “We have a little bit of everything.”

Whitten also finds the business side interesting, as he’s been collecting items for 30 years. “The fads change every 10 years. Some items cost four times as much as 10 years ago. The prices of some antiques will go up, while others will go down.”

Whitten also sees the generational changes. He said many people are more interested in the collectibles from the 1970s rather than the 1920s. He adds that Tonka Toys prices “are going through the roof” because they are popular right now. “It’s whatever people are buying or collecting at any given time.”

In the family business, Rhonda is often at the cash register, while their sons Cole, 19, and Clay, 17, help out. For Steve, it’s a labor of love. “People who come in here don’t want to rush back home. They want to spend time and money. And I get to be around what I love all day. It’s just fun.” QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Prescott Antiques is located at 915 E. Gurley. For more information, call 928-800-9776.

Photo by Stan Bindell: Co-owner Rhonda Whitten greets customers at Prescott Antiques.