The Rocking Horse is a dream becoming a reality! I would not have been able to achieve this dream without the love and support from a great network of family and friends.
As a kid and well into my early womanhood I thought that all of Grandma Murphy’s things were old and “icky”. I learned through the years that yes, indeed, her things were old but they certainly weren’t “icky”. Oh how I wish I had that old pump organ that she wanted to give me years ago! Over the years I developed a greater sense of history. I became interested in how our ancestors managed their lives. The things they overcame just to survive were fascinating to me. So quite naturally I became interested in antiques.
I ventured into the antique business several years ago. I had a booth in a couple of malls. That was fun, but not the adventure I was looking for. As I faded from that scene my husband, Speed, continued with his love of horses. We had several and he thoroughly enjoyed each and every one! He went on trail rides in many of our Great States, venturing to Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, the Dakota’s, Colorado and Montana to name a few. One of his dreams became reality when he built a 90 foot long Horse Barn completes with stables and a paddock! That was a great way for him to spend his retirement years. He spent many happy hours making sure everything was exactly like he wanted it to be. Many times he encouraged me to put some antiques in the portion of the barn that was deemed to be the bunk house. I never got around to seriously considering that.
Speed passed away a couple of years ago. Suddenly all of the activity that I had known for almost my entire life stopped. The barn seemed very large and off limits to me. I could not imagine ever using that barn for anything again.
Early this year I began thinking of a booth in a mall. When I shared my plan with my family they replied (almost in unison) “Mom, you’ve got the barn”! So, The Rocking Horse Antiques and Collectibles was born.
My children, Jeff, Jay, Scott and Kristy continue to play an important role in the development of this venture. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to frequent visits from them and my 6 grandchildren and 3 great grand children. Special thanks go to my friends for having the faith to get involved.
I would love it if you would stop in for one of our sales. We can reminisce, have a cup of coffee and enjoy our great Wisconsin weather.
Great story. I can’t wait to meet you. My story is similar.
I’m sure your upcoming sale will be a big success!!
Mary I can`t wait to stop there and see the place. You will do great, I know it!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome variety of antiques and collectibles. A little bit of everything and something for everyone! The atmosphere is unique and so inviting too. Great job Mary and friends!
Congratulations on your shop. I hope to stop in next time I return to Dodgeville.
As owners of First Street Antiques in Mount Horeb,Wi. this very nice lady asked if she could leave a sale bulletin and we are more then happy to post. Looked at your web site and it is very nicely done. We will be visiting soon.
Good luck on your sale Oct. 15,16 & 17
Fred And Mary Smith
Hi Mary and Friends,
Looking forward to stopping by. I am sure the sale will be great success.
Happy Holidays to you and your friends!
Thanks Mary for sharing your web sight address with me. I came home and immediately looked it up and have enjoyed looking and reading for the past 30 minutes. I can see why you have such a good time with the “crew” you have helping you. I can’t wait to stop down and get a look at the barn and all that you have displayed. See you soon.
Mary Jo Clerkin
Hi,
I was at your shop today & gave you my name & email address (Sandee Beaman), and I send out the bi-weekly calendar of events. I got your card but cannot find your email address. Could you please send it so I can email you the calendar. I got so busy I was unable to send out my calendar so today I am sending out several emails about events going on in our area, but I don’t send Junk. I look forward to hearing from you at sandeeb@charter.net. I am putting out a reminder to my list about your sale this Friday & Sat. (My list has 325 people on it–and I know most will not show up, but hopefully many will!)
Sandee
Our Address is 626 E. Division St, Dodgeville. I am looking forward to meeting you!
Great pictures!! Look forward to this weeks sale. So much to see each time.
Thanks for your inquiry. The street address is 626 E. Division St, Dodgeville, WI 53533
We will be in your area on a buying trip October 6th. We’re looking for high-end amercian and victorian art glass, cranberry and vaseline glass, 1950′s art glass, rs prussia etc. Can we stop by?
Thank you for your interest in Rocking Horse Antiques. Unfortunately, we will not be open when you are in the area. And we do not have the items that you are interested in seeing. There are several antique stores in Mineral Point, about 7 miles from here. Mount Horeb, about 20 miles from here also has some interesting antiques shops as well. Good luck finding what you are interested in getting.