Antique Store Virginia Found Goods Kicks Off Monthly Auctions

Shannon Kelly | Altavista Journal, August 2018

On Monday, August 6, local antique store Virginia Found Goods held its first of what will be monthly auctions. The barn-turned-business in Hurt was packed with people as curiosities and antique items of all kinds were sold. Glassware, pottery, unique decorations, ceramics, vintage toys, weathered chests, and more found new homes.

Virginia Found Goods opened last Thanksgiving. Relocating from New Jersey after going back and forth between their Virginia home and Jersey home, owners Deborah and Marc Sirockman established the business in an expansive, re-purposed barn. Wandering through, unique items of all sizes, colors, and ages attract the eye. From vintage books and furniture, to license plates, antique toys, ceramics and pottery, antique kitchenware, and hand-crafted items, the store is an antique lover’s paradise. “I love junk,” Deborah says. Her husband loves junk, too. Although it was not originally in their plans, the couple decided to create a business pursuing their passion. “My plan was just to have a spot at an antique store,” Deborah explains. “However, when this became available, my husband was all over it.” When a friend suggested using some of the space to hold an auction, Deborah thought the idea was brilliant. “I thought it would be a great idea, because I used to love going to auctions,” she says. “At that point we weren’t using [that space], and it certainly would be good for my business as well. So we figured we’d give it a go.” Indeed, the auction was good for business; an estimated 120 to 140 people packed the barn, bidding on a myriad of items including pottery, vintage cookware, and lot boxes containing a variety of trinkets, such as glassware, toys, decorations, and more.

Cammy Spearly, a veteran auction participant, enjoyed attending the event after visiting the store a few times before. She likes the thrill of an auction. “You can get [items] cheaper, maybe,” she says. “But then sometimes it can fall back and hurt you, too.”

Deborah wants to thank her community for their support and kindness. “We’re so grateful of how the community has welcomed us and been so supportive,” she says. “From the bottom of my heart, I’m really happy with how sweet people have been.”

The store is open Wednesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This auction marked the first of what will be monthly affairs. With the exception of next month’s auction, which will happen Monday, September 10, the auctions will occur the first Monday of every month unless otherwise indicated.

To keep up with the latest at Virginia Found Goods, they may be followed on Facebook.