Old Orland Recalls Simpler Times
Originally published October 26, 2014 (Submission copy)
Quaint shoppes; walkable destinations; hometown feel. Naperville – nope. Long Grove – not even close! Lake Geneva – you’re getting colder! This is downtown Old Orland!
The antique corridor, located at 143rd Street and Beacon Avenue, contains family owned, mom and pop businesses, combined with antique and consignment stores. It is interspersed with doctors’ offices and other professional services that complete the downtown feel.
Shop owner Kay Shelander provided details about the businesses before my visit. I had trouble accessing the Old Orland Antique Shops website. She explained they are updating the collective website, and it should be operational soon. Funny to think of integrating antiques and cutting edge technology!
I spent a day walking around the quiet, quaint area and thoroughly enjoyed my time. The shop owners and assistants talk, visit, and genuinely love their work. There are seven shops in the Old Orland Antique shop corridor.
The first is Beacon Hill Antiques, 14314 Beacon Avenue. Jackie Bogie was a wonderful store guide, and shared her vast knowledge, along with contact information of other vendors that provide services and expertise.
Kay’s Old Orland Marketplace, 14316 Beacon Avenue, is a consignment shop filled with beautiful treasures. I was greeted by Jacqi McClay who invited me to look around the store, and provided informational commentary while assisting guests.
Pam Benson Antiques and Fine Jewelry is at 14320 Beacon Avenue. “Donna” was behind the counter assisting an excited customer who was trying on jewelry.
For the gentleman, a “Mantique” shop! Player Piano Clinic & Emporium, 14322 Beacon Avenue, was loaded with masculine items. Shop owner Jim Jelinek explained that he had more “mantiques” than antiques in his store, which includes both musical instrument sales and repair; www.piano-rolls.com.
Anna B’s Antiques ‘n Things, 14330 Beacon Avenue, with shop owner Nila Rundle who provided historical details of the area and enthusiastic descriptions of the treasures in her shop. She shared that most of the shops do have “ghosts”, which was a theme often repeated. She also reminded that “the great thing about gifts purchased at shops like this – only you and the shop owner know exactly what you paid!”
Although not on the “antique” list, a quick trip upstairs to Country Cupboard, 14314 Beacon Avenue, finds owner Barb Dvorak assisting a shop full of “creatives” who traveled from as far as Crete, Flossmoor, and Manteno, to pick up supplies and receive advice on projects. She told of cross-stitch get-togethers for UFO (Un Finished Objects) and other events found on the website: www.shopthecountrycupboard.com.
On the west side of the train tracks is On the Road Again Consignment, 9925 143rd Street, and owners Nancy Plesha and Jeanne Gartland. This location is one of 16 designated Village of Orland Park Historical Landmarks. It was built in 1888, and has its own ghost! Nancy Plesha tells of how a group of ghost hunters visited the store last Halloween and verified that there is definitely an “energy” at the shop; www.ontheroadagainconsign.com
My last stop was Union Avenue General Store and Antique Shop, 14314 Union Avenue. Even the flowers growing wildly around this beautiful, old building had an heirloom look.
Other mainstays – Heine McCarthy’s, which has been preparing wonderful food and catering since 1978, is located across the street from the 143rd Street METRA station and provides the most delicious smells in the area (the fried chicken aroma wafts like perfume)!
Mitchell’s Flowers, 14309 Beacon Avenue, has been in Orland for 43 years (98 years in business) and provides another aroma that is so intoxicating! Their fresh flowers and beautiful arrangements will inspire you to grow, arrange, decorate, or simply “stop and smell the roses”! They are the premier wedding shop in the area.
Owner George Mitchell further explains, “We have worked for four presidents in their inaugural decorating – Ronald Regan, George Bush (41), Bill Clinton, and George Bush (43). We have also worked with Jimmy Buffet, Neil Simon, Tony Bennett, and Wayne Newton!”
Sadly, some businesses have recently closed. Style & Sport, which provided many Sandburg students with expert tailoring affixing patches on Letterman jackets, is no longer at their Beacon Avenue location. Phone calls are answered with “this number is no longer in service.” My kids’ jackets paid seasonal visits for eight years to the embroidery shop to have patches affixed.
Old Orland’s close proximity to METRA adds to the small town feel. Looking out over at the train station and the small water tower out in front seems like a snapshot back in time. Who would guess that four blocks away is one of our busiest intersections (143rd and LaGrange) and a plethora of major big box and national chains.
“A charming collection of antique shops that provide a unique shopping experience for seasoned collectors and hobbyist shoppers” – Downtown Orland Park website, www.dowtownop.com/shopping
Happy shopping!