Curiosities abound at the Miser’s Horde

by Ashlea Turner
Sun contributor

Why move an already established and successful antique shop to Empire? According to Paul and Heidi Skinner there are countless reasons to establish new roots for their business, Miser’s Horde. After ten years of business in Interlochen, Paul and Heide decided to move to the “picturesque village” of Empire. According to Paul, the move signifies a “perfect marriage” of home and work.
Paul and Heidi love the Empire area because of its natural beauty, the sociability of village life, the great library, and the Big Lake. The Skinner’s move to Empire’s Front Street allows them to take advantage of village life while running a friendly and unique business. Although Miser’s Horde is usually not open when Paul and Heidi are down on the beach enjoying the sunset with the rest of the village, don’t hesitate to stop by before or after the sunset to chat and peruse the curiosities. Miser’s Horde is open for business whenever Paul and Heidi are around because they conveniently work in the same thoughtfully remodeled building they now call home.
A stroll around Miser’s Horde will surely leave the curious shopper with a feeling that the Skinners are interesting people with eclectic, thoughtful, and witty sensibilities. Because the retail space is small yet spacious, Paul and Heidi will be swapping antiques throughout the year from their encyclopedic collection of items. Although the collection is both rich in depth and breadth, there are some themes that are sure to resonate with the Up North antiquer. One will find fishing lures and reels named the “Killer Dillon” and the “Paw Paw River Go Getter,” a ship’s course corrector, quirky 1970’s Traverse City Snowmobile Racing pins, maps and postcards, and other items from local businesses long ago come and gone that tell the story of the area and its people.
According to Paul and Heidi, the antique business is one of natural storytelling. They look forward to meeting new pedestrians and dealers, not only because they are always looking to buy from individuals, but because the people and the items usually have good stories to tell. And with any antique comes an interesting story. When asked how they became involved in the antique business, Heidi responded, of course, with a story about an old vase. When Heidi was moving from Texas to Michigan, she needed to have a garage sale to get rid of a lot of her accumulated treasures. Before the garage sale she decided to peruse a few local antique shops to check on some prices. Much to her surprise, she had to revise her prices because her prized vase was priced at $95. And so the business began. Paul’s arrival a few years later contributed a rich sense of history to the business. And so the business grew.
Although Paul’s parents still respond to his vocational choice with “that’s all well and good, but when are you going to get a proper job?,” Empire has welcomed the Skinners and Miser’s Horde with open arms. If you just want a good chat or you want to expand your collection of egg cups or Billiards Tables, stop by and give Miser’s Horde a bit of your time. If the weather is nice, it’s best to call ahead: 326-6081.