Historica Plus Antique Gallery-Clearfield
Historica Plus Antique Gallery is located in the heart of Clearfield. Country Fox has been visiting this wonderful antique store for many years. As a result, we have found quite a few of our favorite pieces here.
Once upon a time…
In 1882 Mr. A.E. Leitzinger and Mr. J.F. Leitzinger joined with Mr. H.A. Kratzer in his business. Kratzer had taken over the business his father began in 1845.
In 1892 Mr. Kratzer sold his interest in the business and the store was renamed Leitzinger Bros. In 1901, the Leitzingers built a three story building at their current location.
After a few years, they had become so successful they needed to add a further two floors.
Department Store Heyday
During its existence as a department store, the building had five floors open for shoppers. Large front windows allowed for displays visible to passers by.
On the first floor shoppers could find candy, cosmetics, jewelry, gloves, scarves, shoes, luggage, handbags, greeting cards and fabric (till the late 1950’s, early 1960’s). Shoppers found Men’s wear on the Mezzanine. Ladies fashions including hats, infants and children’s clothes and lingerie on the second floor. The third floor was carpeting, window shades, curtains and bedding. The fabric was moved here in the late 1950’s or early 1960’s . On the fourth floor was furniture, dinettes, lamps, pictures and records. The fifth floor was every child’s favorite, it had toys. There were also small appliances, books, games and fine china. There were stairs and an elevator that allowed shoppers to go from floor to floor.
Historica Plus Antiques Move In
The department store operated for 95 years in this location. It closed its doors in July of 1996. Henry McConnon opened Historica Plus in 1999.
Historica Plus Antique Gallery is a cooperative of antique sellers. There are around sixteen vendors who rent spaces. To find out more information about renting a space, visit their website here.
When visitors enter the antique store, they will find a nice wide open floor plan. Booths are well organized, tidy and clean. I have visted many antiques stores that have items tossed on top of each other with treasures buried in debris. At Historica Plus each booth is well laid out and organized.
Historica Plus Antique by the Floor
First Floor
The first floor has glass cases holding small items like coins and buttons. Post cards, books, and antique tools can also be found here.
The elevator is no longer operational. It is still visible though.
On the stair case to the second floor there is a small landing. On the wall visitors can still see the old time cards that workers used during its department store days.
Second Floor
The second floor has a wide variety of goods. There are magazines, glassware, furniture and vintage clothes. Shoppers can find small trinkets to larger pieces. There is a pair of bathrooms located on this floor as well.
The second floor used to house the ladies fashions. Here visitors can see the original mirrors that shoppers would have looked into when trying on new fashions.
Third Floor
The third floor houses larger items. Bigger pieces of furniture and paintings are on display here. It is also home to the pneumatic tube system that had been used in the department store days.
In 1950, Leitzinger’s installed a trolley system that transported little cars containing payments and receipts to the cash department. They would return any change due. However, these were very attractive to shoppers dogs and had to be removed. The pneumatic tube system was installed in 1951.
In Conclusion
The Historica Plus Antique Gallery is history wrapped in history. It is one of my favorite antique stores to visit. If you are interested in seeing more photos and receiving updates you can follow them on Facebook.
Interested in reading about another one of my favorite antique stops? Visit my blog here.