BONNERS FERRY — This Old Trunk, owned and run by Heather Bailey, is a local business specializing in home decor, both new and vintage. The store has spaces for local artists and businesses to display their products and wares. With 15 local vendors and room to grow, Bailey says that she is a ‘retail babysitter’ so that community members can rent a space to display their wares without being present for their sales.

Among the vender booths on the main level and basement, there is a Yoga class held in the upper level of the building run by Alicia Braden.

Bailey’s mother helped with the idea for the business by introducing Bailey to the trade at a young age with booths that were set up at flea markets and antique shows.

After 30 years experience and a career in Human Resources, Bailey decided that she needed a change in scenery from the big city of Atlanta, Georgia. Her husband and her had visited Bonners Ferry a few times over a 15 year period and loved the area and its beauty. They then decided to purchase land in the Upper Pack River Valley to retire about five years ago.

During the dip in the economy and layoffs, they decided to move to their land and build a house. In lieu of the move, she decided to take her experience and open a store to cater to local artists and businesses in order to offer the opportunity for people to display wares without having to be present for every sale. After about a year, she has built a solid vendor base and clientele from all around the area.

This Old Trunk has everything from handmade dollhouses and furnishings, collectables both old and new, and locally produced items of many sorts. “There is a little bit of everything, for everyone,” said Bailey.

There is a booth that attracts fishermen of all classes featuring rods, reels, and bait hooks both old and new. Also featured are local artists, one of which sells hand crafted rugs, another showcases home spun yarns and handmade soaps, and yet another that sells refurbished and hand painted furniture. There are also paintings, quilting and embroidering supplies and products, and other various hand crafted items as well as collectables such as antique glassware.

One of the vendors is Anne Regehr who features colorful glassware and other collectables. She has always loved antiques and has collected many items over the years. As her collection continues to grow, she decided to sell some in order to make room.

Another vendor is Deborah Davis whose booth is at the front of the store and features restored furniture painted with chalk paint.

“If a piece can be restored, I try to restore it, or if it can’t I try to figure out what else we can do with it that it still has a place,” said Davis. “There is a great variety here and Heather keeps everything clean and neatly laid out in here.”

Bailey is accepting new vendors to join their vendor family. The store is located in downtown Bonners Ferry next to the Boundary County Museum.

Visit them on Facebook, or call 208-267-8700