Turning the page

Disco music plays throughout the crowded store as people zigzag their way along the haphazard aisles, the scent of yesterday in the air. A steady stream of curious window shoppers mingle with folks walking in with an exact item in mind — such as the boot-clad man looking for pictures frames, with or without the glass.

The calendar is approaching the final weekend of Page’s Pastiques, the 28-year-old “antiques and uniques” store nestled between Winter Garden and Oakland.

A woman looks through the white and yellowing doilies, pondering what she could create with the aid of Pinterest.

Another left with an armful of embroidery hoops.

One man flips through some loose pages that have come separated from a photo album as old as the music overhead.

“Some things are meant to sell; some are not,” he says, shrugging his shoulders.

SAYING GOODBYE

Jennifer Page and Judy Bergmeier, co-owners of the shop for nearly three decades, have decided it is time to sell their inventory, retire and enjoy life.

“This has been my most fun job that I've ever had,” Page said on a recent Saturday. “I never really worried about selling anything, because eventually it sold. But now I have a deadline and it's making me nervous.”

Page’s Pastiques is closing its doors Saturday, April 22. Most of the items have been marked down to 50% off. Page is hoping someone will come forward with an offer to buy the remaining inventory. What doesn’t sell will either be taken to their home in Montverde or sold at auction.

There are shelves of lamp bases and lamp shades, vintage clothing, aprons, tools, knickknacks and tchotchkes and trinkets, vinyls, jewelry, a brass and copper Turkish cooker. The shelves and racks themselves are for sale, as well.

Page grew up with eight siblings, so money was tight, and she developed an appreciation for things that could be repurposed.

“My dad would come home with something he found on the street,” she said. “We never had anything new.”

When she was in her early 20s, she began refinishing furniture in the evenings as a side job. One thing led to another, and she eventually opened her store.

Page and Bergmeier have made a living selling used items. They have stocked their inventory through the years by making trips to the Webster Westside Flea Market and, occasionally, Renninger’s Flea Market and Antique Center in Mount Dora. Phone calls to the shop inquiring about some items someone wanted to sell prompted a visit to the person’s home.

“We buy things outright,” Page said. “I pride myself in being honest with people. If I didn't think I could get something out of it, I would tell them, and I think they appreciated that.”

Some unusual merchandise has found its way to the store, including snow toboggans, a bicycle with an ice cream box in front and an old florist’s handcart. They all sold.

“We have people who come in almost on a daily basis,” Page said. “Some come in weekly, some monthly, some when they come into town. We get to know them over the years. They come in and know what they're looking for.”

The weather Saturday afternoon drew folks to outdoor festivals and events, and customers wandered into the store to take a peek. Among them was Dennis Mahler, who once opened the shop with Page each morning. On this particular day, he sat in a nearby rocking chair, watching the owners ring up purchases on a mid-1800s cash register.

“We've had lots of assistance from close friends and family over the years, and it's been very much appreciated,” Page said.

At 70 and 68, she and Bergmeier are ready to freely enjoy their days and explore. They have plans to hit the road in their new motor home, having already put more than 4,000 miles on it when they tested it out in the first month.

Andy Butler, of Decologics, will be acquiring the property on Tildenville School Road and adding a second Winter Garden location.

Until April 22, Page’s Pastiques is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or anytime by appointment. Call (407) 877-3845 or (407) 760-9075 for an appointment or to discuss purchasing the remainder of the inventory.

Contact Amy Quesinberry at [email protected].