‘Pickers Alley’ is Madison’s time portal

The exterior of Madison Station Antiques located in historic downtown Madison. (RECORD PHOTO/ALDO AMATO)

By Aldo Amato

Staff Reporter

MADISON — There is a place along Main St. in Madison that will take residents back decades, even centuries and allows them to take a piece of history home.

Madison Station Antiques, also known as “Pickers Alley,”  opened its doors in August of 2010. The converted saloon offers glasses, silverware and other trinkets dating back to the Victorian era.

Madison Station Antiques employee Kristy Stewart said she has many items in the store that attract her.

“I’d have to say the large antique Wulitzer floor harp that we have upstairs because it cannot be found anywhere else,” she said. “Also, the black primitive rocking chair from the late 1700’s, towards the back of the first floor.”

The rise of the History Channel show “American Pickers” brought new life to the world of antiques. Stewart said the nostalgic feeling customers get when picking up an item decades or centuries old is why she thinks the antiques business is so popular.

“I think people are passionate about antiques because of the possible history connected with an item,” she said. “People like to have a connection to significant events and items, you make that connection when you purchase an antique.”

The location of the business is a part of history itself. According to their biographical history, store was built in 1859 and was first owned by George Washington Martin. It was one of two saloons in Madison at the time and years later, a gentleman named Robert Cain bought the building and opened a grocery store. Cain turned out to be the maternal great uncle of Madison Station Antiques owner Ronnie Williams.

Madison Station Antiques is located at 110 Main St in historic downtown Madison.