Sun-Kissed Country: A Building with History
How It Started
Sun-Kissed Country Store began simply. Just a few handmade items at a basket auction/craft show. That was back in March of 2013. Things began to take off from there. In September of 2013 the first store front opened.
This store front was on Philadelphia Street in Indiana. While business was doing well, they soon discovered they would need a bigger location. They found a wonderful three story building that needed a little TLC. After some hard work they held their grand opening in July of 2016 at their current location.
A Building with History
In 1924 John Klingensmith opened his new Country Club and eating house called “Twin Gables”. The building changed hands a few times until the 1930’s.
In the 1930’s Mike Shaheen, known as Mike Mike, renovated inside and repainted the outside. He also renamed the business to “The Village”. In 1932 they opened The Village Tennis Club.
By 1933 The Village was known as “a popular roadhouse”. It is easy to understand why it was so popular. The ball room attracted many orchestras and dancers. The tennis courts were always popular.
Some of the better known bands included: Joe Stadmiller Orchestra, Silver Lear Harmonists, the Rainbow Orchestra, and the all girl orchestra Pearl’s Novelty Orchestra.
In 1934 this popular amusement spot was nearly lost. A fire broke out in a second story bedroom when a stove overheated. The fire damage was repaired and business carried on.
New Owners Bring New Life
In 1935 the Yanity family purchased The Village. They eventually called it The Village Inn. The Yanity family owned and operated it until 1975.
In 1975 the Yanity family sold it to AMBAM Inc. They reopened it later that year as the “Rusty Nail”. They expanded the dining to the second floor and repurposed the basement. The basement had been used for selling and displaying antiques, but it was converted into an area for banquets and meetings.
After being the Rusty Nail, the location changed again into a Chinese Restaurant. After a while, it changed to a German restaurant called Hofbrauhaus. Hofbrauhaus closed in 1999. Evidence of the German restaurant can still be seen in the basement.
Sun-Kissed Country Today
The owners have done a wonderful job of fixing up the building and filling it completely with antiques, primitives, crafts and furniture. I am always amazed by how much different stuff is in this building. While each room is full, they are all easy to walk through and well organized.
While antiques abound, there are also many item that would be great for re-purposing. Door handles, spindles, boards, and other bits-and-bobs are all over just waiting to be used for a new purpose.
Some creative folks have already done some very crafty work. As a result, shoppers can find barn wood outfitted with hooks for coat racks, or handmade signs. Other craft items are soaps and candles of a variety of scents and colors. Hand made rugs fill one of the rooms.
There may just be something for everyone at this store. Prices are fair and pretty affordable. Some of the antique items may carry a heavy price tag, but only because that is their market value.
Something new and unique is the addition of Uncorked Winery LLC. It can be found in the basement section. There are many wines from which to choose. Prices on the wines are very reasonable.
While you are wandering around keep an eye out for the shop cat. A fluffy cat that can be found almost anywhere in the shop. We found him sleeping in one of the rooms.
Anyone interested in learning more or viewing more pictures can check out Sun-Kissed Country’s Facebook page here. If you are interested in exploring the out doors after your visit you can check out my post on trails found in Indiana here.