One of the oldest antique stores in downtown Olympia has closed
For 37 years, Sherburne Antiques & Fine Art occupied space in the Chambers Block building at 100 Fourth Ave. E. in downtown Olympia.
But facing an increase in rent, owner Jerry Cook, who started the business with his father, Sherburne F. Cook, Jr., in 1984, decided it was time to close. The business had until the end of the month to wrap things up, but Cook said Wednesday the space has mostly been cleaned out.
“I’m going to miss downtown,” said Cook, who was born Sherburne F. Cook III, but was later christened “Jerry” by his father’s friends. The name stuck.
“Oh, well,” Cook said. “I’m going to work on my house, my yard and play with my lighting.” The business was known for selling light fixtures.
He said his antiques operation had been a break-even business for quite some time, and an increase in rent wasn’t going to work.
Still, Cook is not getting out of the antiques business entirely.
He is moving some of his collection to Antiques Olympia at 203 Fourth Ave. W. and some will go to Courtyard Antique Mall at 705 Fourth Ave. E, he said.
If you’re at either store and are unable to discern which collection is his, just ask for “Jerry Cook,” he suggested.
Cook’s father taught at The Evergreen State College. But after he retired, he was a regular presence at the store up until about three, four years ago. His father passed away on Jan. 20 at 94, Cook said.
Other business happenings
It appears that Washington State Employees Credit Union is bringing a branch to Martin Way East and Ranger Drive, according to a “coming soon” sign posted at that location. It also appears that construction is imminent.
Gallery Boom, an art gallery, has moved again, the business announced in an email to customers.The gallery got its start in Tumwater, then moved to downtown Olympia, and then relocated to 201 Wilson St. NE. Now, the gallery has moved to 3959 Martin Way E., which is next to Dirty Dave’s Pizza and across from Goodwill Outlets.
Ding Tea, a bubble tea shop, has opened a new location in Lacey next to Fred Meyer. It is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, according to its Facebook page.
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
