Waldon Woods Antiques celebrating 50 years

Lee and Marian Waldon have lived in and served the Buffalo area for decades. Their antique shop at 2612 State Highway 55 SE features a 10,000-square-foot showroom. The shop holds the largest offering of nautical antiques in Minnesota. Over the years, Lee has refurbished and designed over 60 custom bars. The 50th anniversary is on March 27.

The store, offering unique antiques, has expanded since the Waldons opened 50 years ago. What started out as a small workshop, has since expanded multiple times over the years to fit the needs of their business and growing customer base. “We have expanded six times over the years,” Lee shared.

One expansion included the structure of a local 1900s elementary school, now at the left end of the antique shop. “I bid $50 on the school, people laughed at me, and my face turned red, but they gave it to me. They would have rather seen it restored than burned down,” Lee shared. He also shared that a woman who came into Waldon Woods remembered that building, as she was a student at that school as a child.

Prior to their current location, they sold antiques from their home before realizing they needed a commercial property to keep up with demand.

Marian would have a play area set up for the children at the current shop when their children were young. “Sometimes people will come in and say, ‘My parents used to drop me off at the play area here when I was a kid,’ so I would watch lots of kids sometimes,” Marian shared with a smile.

The Waldons have built relationships and memories with long-lasting and loyal customers over the past 50 years. Waldon Woods is full of charm and cherished memories for those who have visited the antique shop from around the state, and beyond.

Some people come in to sell their antiques, but Lee shared they are picky about what they buy for their shop. “We make sure it’s quality stuff; we don’t want garage sale stuff here,” he said. At least twice a year, the Waldons travel to the east coast to replenish their inventory. Their goal is to have quality antiques that are not sourced from other shops, or garage/ junk sales.

Along with quality antiques, the Waldons have handled fine art for clients. At their shop, they have handled paintings from internationally-known artists. They also have a large collection of antique stained-glass windows.

The Waldons also take the time for charitable work as well. They support a local veteran’s organization in Sauk Centre called the Eagle’s Healing Nest. The Eagle’s Healing Nest does work to help veterans “heal from the wounds of war.” Lee and Marian have donated meals over Thanksgiving and for other occasions, as well as volunteered their time to support the cause over the years. Lee is a United States veteran himself. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War.

Lee and Marian both expressed their joy of doing this over the last 50 years. They have made many great memories and met some cool and interesting people along the way. “I’ve enjoyed it,” Marian shared. Their passion for their work shows in the Waldon Wood Antique Shop.

The shop is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 10:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are closed on major holidays. The official open house date to celebrate the 50th anniversary sale is to be announced.

For more information, visit their website at waldonwoods.net, visit their Facebook at facebook.com/waldonwoodsantiques, or call the shop at 763-682-5667.