Angie Ehling is meeting with a prospective
seller, keeping an eye out for the latest
treasures for her shop,Maddy’s Antiques.
September/October • 2021 • GASPARILLA MAGAZINE A
Maddy’s Antiques
We began our journey at Maddy’s Antiques.
One online reviewer of Maddy’s reported,
“Of all the antique shops on Oak Street in
Arcadia, Maddy’s Antiques is my favorite. The
most expensive antique I ever bought came
from this store. I bought a vintage ice box
which is now the focal point of my kitchen!
When you walk in the door, the fi rst thing you
notice is the delicious aroma from scented
candles that work perfectly with this store’s
carefully curated early Americana country
kitchen antiques.”
The review goes on to mention how well
the store is arranged, so that you can walk
around the store without the fear of knocking
glass knick-knacks on the fl oor. Anyone who
frequents antique stores knows that is a
hazard that comes with the territory. Maddy’s
Antiques is open, organized, and spacious
with everything showcased to its best
advantage. A great deal of love and care has
been put into every corner of this adorable
store.
Angie Ehling, who runs the monthly
antique fair in Arcadia, moved to Arcadia
from Ohio because her grandfather bought
the property, and hoped that work would be
easier to fi nd in the Arcadia area. Maddy’s
Antiques has been a staple in the community
for 29 years, and was started in 1992 by
Angie’s mother, Flo Rife. Angie was by her
side for 20 years, helping her with the store.
“My building was family owned and
operated for decades as an optometrist offi ce
for Dr. Clement,” explained Angie. “He was
a local gentleman who truly cared about his
patients.”
Sadly, Angie’s mother passed away in 2020.
She had always dreamed of Angie or Angie’s
daughter one day taking over the business.
“It’s not the way I wanted to take over,” said
Angie, “but I honored her memory and
her wishes by keeping the shop going and
maintaining a high standard of quality.”
What makes Maddy’s Antiques stand out,
besides Angie’s staging and organizational
skills, is her genuine love for primitive
Americana, and an even greater love for her
customers.
“We strive to bring unusual pieces and
meet new people. It’s a family tradition that
has been passed on for four generations,”
Angie said. “Arcadia has such a rich history
and a quiet serenity within it. This antique fair,
which is put on by The Antique Association
of Arcadia, has so much to offer. We bring
in antique dealers from all over the country
and place them smack dab in the heart of our
antique district. It is one of very few that run
year-round. Vendor numbers may be down
during the hot summer months, but we pride
ourselves on a consistent group of vendors
that always manage to bring something
unique and different each time.”
Angie admits that she believes what
attracted her to the antique business was a
strong desire to see history kept alive.
“The simpler times and ways are just so
refreshing in the hustle and bustle of the
technological society we live in,” she said.
“The values that most now consider to be old
fashioned have been proven to withstand so
Inside the Rosin Building courtyard on a Saturday afternoon. much.”