RelicRocket opens on West Main Street

Whether you’re looking for a table and chairs from the 1950s, an antique globe or an unusual letter opener, chances are you can find what you’re looking for at RelicRocket, located at 405 West Main Street in Hillsboro.

Owner Tim Clark, who recently relocated from Germantown, Ohio, has been preparing the store since moving to the Hillsboro area nine months ago.

“Getting started has been an uphill battle, due to the sheer volume of items and other obligations,” Clark said. “I’ve had so many people come in and say how glad they are that we’re open now, and the librarians have been super supportive and encouraging along the way.”

Clark said that he has always loved historical artifacts and antiques, particularly obscure items, and has collected such items over a period of 25-plus years. Five years ago, Clark decided to start selling parts of his collection, so he opened a shop and gallery in Middletown.

Clark said that he is particularly interested in selling unique, historical architectural accents, including windows, cupolas and doorways. He also enjoys metalwork and hopes to begin selling some of his pieces in the future.

Assisted by Beth Long, Clark has revamped the former site of the Green Roof Restaurant/Motel to include wall-to-wall merchandise, with special displays being set up frequently.

“It’s not your grandma’s antique store,” Clark said. “We are your source for obsolete, cool stuff.”

“We sell memories,” Long added.

In addition to traditional antiques, RelicRocket features interesting, unique, and “weird” items, said Clark.

“Definitely come in if you’re looking for a strange or unusual gift or an odd piece for your home,” Clark said.

While Clark said that it would be nearly impossible to list all of the antiques and other items for sale at RelicRocket, the store’s wide selection of merchandise currently includes antique and retro furniture; antique cigar boxes and other tobacco-related items; other antique collectibles; birdcages; vintage clothes; porcelain-top tables; restored bicycles; vintage cameras and equipment; and suitcases, which Clark and Long said have been extremely popular.

“We have an ongoing circulation of inventory,” Clark said. “It’s always changing.”

The store’s spring hours are Thursday through Saturday from 2-7 p.m. or by an appointment, which may be made by calling (937) 661-0186. Hours will be extended on holidays or weekends with special events in town, such as the Festival of the Bells.

For more information, search for “RelicRocket” on Facebook.