By Marla Ballard
Reporter
FORT PAYNE, ALA - Vintage pickers, collectors, vacationers, visitors, locals, and looky-loos are just some of the assortment of folks who visit the Big Mill Antique Mall. Some come to see the architecture of yesteryear, while others find the mall to be a picker’s paradise.
Part of the attraction is the historical charm. The Alabama Builder’s Hardware Manufacturing Company Complex opened in the late 1800s when Fort Payne was experiencing an economic boom. The mill was purchased in 1909 by hosiery executive W. B. Davis and converted into a factory providing ribbing, knitting, and looping. Later the operation was expanded to include; dyeing, shaping, and packaging for hosiery products. At that time the mill became the largest employer in Fort Payne.
The building is currently owned by Dr. Steve and Lynn Brewer and since 2011 Lynn has operated the Big Mill Antique Mall. Renee Lyons is the manager of the mall, which features over 50 vendors who sell a large selection of merchandise. “I am fortunate to have Renee as my manager,” said Lynn. “It takes a lot of work to keep up with this much inventory.”
The spacious room on the main floor is accompanied by more levels via the large staircase near the front door. A generous portion of the products sold are home furnishings, however personal items such as jewelry, handbags, and garments are sprinkled throughout the vendor booths. It is the perfect place to discover items no longer found in a department store.
Adjacent to the mall is Vintage 1889 restaurant. “When visitors sit in the restaurant they have no idea that at one time there was no floor and no ceiling, you just saw dirt and sky,” said Lynn. “It’s a lot of work, but keeping the business alive is what keeps the building alive. We see ourselves as just the caretakers of a building that will most likely outlive us and go on to another caretaker after us.”
The building also offers a rented space for gatherings. “In our rented space we have had class reunions, Christmas parties, wedding rehearsal dinners, weddings, wedding receptions, and more,” said Lynn. “This February 11 we look forward to having the Underwood’s come and sing.”
The Big Mill is a great place to take out-of-town guests no matter what the weather conditions are. Shopping locally doesn’t just support the owner of the business or the merchants who display their goods, it also supports the town in which the business is located.
“I like that this building is a destination place, where people like to come and hang out. There is just something about this old brick-and-mortar the building that just feels comfortable,” said Lynn.
Big Mill Antiques Mall, Vintage 1889, and venue rental are located at 151 8th St. NW, Fort Payne. Phone: 256-845-3380. For information on events or room, rental ask for Mallory.
