Who are Minnie & Bea?
Minnie Myrtle Smith Martin
1904 - 1986
Minnie Martin, known to us as Ma Martin, was Christy's great-grandmother. She was married to Samuel Abner Martin, a mill worker and Primitive Baptist preacher. They lived in Spray, North Carolina and had five children. Going to Ma Martin's house was always fun! She had a little store in front of her house and a wonderful garden. Eating strawberries and cherries right out of her yard was something we all enjoyed! Every Christmas was fun, too. Ma had a large gathering welcoming her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Each one found a special envelope with their name on Ma's Christmas tree. Guests would even find that they had their own envelope, too! Ma Martin always made everyone feel very special and right at home.
Beatrice Durst Cromer
1898 - 1985
Beatrice Cromer, known to all the "chaps" as Grandma, was Wesley's grandmother. She was married to Willie Frederick Cromer, a veteran of World War I. They lived on a farm in Kinards, South Carolina and raised six children. Visits at Grandma's were always special because they were a true time of reuniting with aunts, uncles, and lots of cousins. Lots of hard work, followed by even more hard play, defined time at Grandma's. Both the ornate balusters on Grandma's front porch, and the beautiful wardrobe in her bedroom, are special "things remembered" that have helped to develop our love for the people and things of the past.
Our ancestors are so important to us! They have shaped and developed who we are today. Their commitment to God and biblical principles, along with their hard work and many sacrifices, have given us the freedoms we enjoy. It is important that we preserve this history for our children, and our children's children. So Minnie and Bea, whom we loved so dearly, remind us to give thanks to the Lord for our heritage ... and to teach our children diligently.
And ... Who are We?
Wesley and Christy Cromer
est. 1988
We're an "old" married couple (getting ready to celebrate 32 years!) rediscovering the joys of simpler times. We love all that is old ... people and things! Our passion for all things vintage has given us a tremendous collection and we're excited to be sharing these amazing treasures with you!
True to simplicity, Wesley is thrilled when he is working from home! He stays busy in his workshop: sawing boards, nailing them together, sanding, staining, painting, and more! He takes great pride in restoring an old, worn-out piece to its original beauty. From replacing missing veneer to stripping and re-staining a "treasure" that should have never been painted (like the amazing crotch mahogany buffet that someone had painted LIME green!), Wesley brings new life to beautiful antiques that others have long given up on. Wesley's favorite "real job" was as a self-employed trim carpenter. His attention to detail is superb and he would love to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece for your home or special event. Just let us know what you're looking for and Wesley can make it happen!
In order to put more energy into being a wife and mother, Christy "retired" from full-time employment in 2014. Now that she’s finished raising "Baby #2" -- who's now 21! -- she's eager to share Minnie and Bea's with the world ... or at least with our local community! Thursdays - Saturdays you'll find Christy working in the vintage market (in the Inlet Square Mall in Murrells Inlet) and other days she's probably rummaging around thrift stores and antique malls searching for more pieces to "complete" our collection.
We've spent years collecting and refinishing pieces for our home, plus we've been blessed with many treasures that belonged to our ancestors. Many of these items are a part of the rentals inventory we have today ... items that have been used, loved and cherished in days gone by ... items that we know will add that perfect charm, elegance and significance to your special event. If you're looking for just the right piece for your home, be sure to let us know! It would be a great blessing to help you! Give us a call today.