J L Kirkman's Antique Mall — Local services in Bridgeton

Well, I enjoyed my visit here enormously, including my chats up front with the delightful woman who has managed the Mall, who now largely sits comfortably up front to greet people while her daughter was handling the cash register. Her mom was talking about all the stuff she had that she was going to put up for sale one of these days. Unfortunately, I know collectors of this dear lady's nature, and that day will never come. Her daughter knows it, too.

I was scouting for 78 RPM records, but also looking at LPs and used CDs. At establishments like these, most of the LPs have worn covers and the titles/artists are common. There was a preponderance of country and country-crossover artists, not surprising given that this is North Carolina.

However, I did find some things of middling interest to a jazz collector, which were worth picking up at a couple of bucks each, and there were some very inexpensive CDs.

A footnote for collectors: There were also some Edison cylinders there, many of them in good shape and in their original sleeve cartons. Predictable selections. In the same area are many piano rolls, but none of interest dating to the 1910s or 1920s. Most were of more recent manufacture, with many identifying the prolific J. Lawrence Cook as the pianist. If you've a player piano and just want rolls to play, there might be some bargains for you here.

Next time I'm visiting the in-laws, I will go back for a return visit. It's only a few miles across the bridge over the Neuse...

The store itself was a great place to visit and look around at all the stuff. I found a long wooden bowl I wanted almost as soon as I walked in and my husband found some albums he wanted. Throughout the store, there are signs stating "green dot items are 50% off." I never saw a green dot item anywhere throughout the store and neither did the other three people who were with me. When I went to purchase my items, I asked, "Hey, can I get the green dot price on this bowl?" The clerk says no, which is fine, but I asked where these green dot items are and never really got an answer, just that the item I was purchasing was NOT a green dot item. Then she says to me, "I'm not stupid!" to which I advised that I never accused her of being stupid. I'm thinking they get offers all the time, why not just say, sorry-no can do, or for that matter, just no! She didn't have to be such a cranky-pants. But overall, the store was fun to look thru. Glad she didn't sour it for me until we were...

This antique mall has a little bit of everything. It's pretty large with a lot to look at, so make sure to give yourself time to not rush through. We have been here twice now, and both times we have found unique pieces at great prices. The staff is friendly and helpful, and you can tell they take pride in the store. My only complaint, and reason for knocking off a star, is that both times we have visited this store it feels like the air conditioner is on the fritz, both times have been quite warm and a little uncomfortable, but it's not a deal breaker and we...