The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
-by Bonnie Johnson - The Quill Staff
THE ANTIQUITY
Owner-Sue Lyon
Stronghurst: Glenda Rodeffer, owner of The Antiquity, asked Sue Lyon if she would be interested in buying the beauty salon. Sue was taken a little aback.
"I was looking for something part time, but I wasn't sure I wanted to handle anything full time," Sue said.
But Sue purchased the beauty shop in 1983 and kept the name of the shop "The Antiquity" which had originated from Glenda's many antique items in her shop, Sue said.
The shop was orginally housed in the Bell building (formerly where the Quill newspaper had been on Broadway Street), and Sue continued renting the space from Belva Bell.
In 1991, Sue bought the building south of the shop where her business is located today. Sue has done much remodeling to the building that once housed a paint shop and earlier a doctor's office. Sue has had the shop for 21 years.
"There have been times when I thought about selling it for one reason or another, but I didn't. I really would miss the people and the girls I have working for me. They are a great group of hairdressers who are truly interested in their customers... and a lot of fun to work with", said Sue.
Stacie Arnold, from R.R., Media, has been working there for 14 years. She is married to Brad and they have 2 children, Jonathan and Samantha.
Stacy Knapp, Raritan, has been working for me for over 2 years. She is married to Michael, an Industrial Arts teacher and they have one son, Colton.
Jeanie Kane, RR, Smithshire, did her job shadowing for 6 months at The Antiquity and upon graduating from Bill Hill School of Cosmetology, she became one of the "girls".
The most recent arrival to The Antiquity is Debbie Clem, Smithshire, who works nights and Saturdays. She is married to Mike, who is a chef at the Drake. They have two children, Abbey and John.
The ladies are hard working people, Sue said, and become very attached to their customers and take a genuine interest in them.
The most challenging concern for Sue is keeping businesses in Stronghurst.
Jo Stull, Jim Blender, Diane Taylor and Sue have met to discuss possible ideas in keeping business and businesses in Stronghurst. She feels there is a need for people to support their local businesses.
The Antiquity is very community minded, sponsoring the Mud Volleyball games and the Fair Queen Contest at the Henderson County Fair.
The Antiquity also operates the beauty salon at Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab Center. Sue hires Roberta Hasten, Monmouth, to come to the center 2 days each week. This gives the residents a chance to have their hair fixed and helps them feel better about themselves.
The Antiquity offers many services besides quality hair care. Tanning, manicures, high-lighting and hair coloring seem to be hot items right now.
They also close on Saturdays if there is a wedding party where the bride and her attendants need to have their hair fixed. Sue serves a brunch for the ladies as they are pampered. They are also very busy during the prom season.
One of the annual highlights of the girls at the Antiquity, is the annual Christmas party that Sue throws for them.
Generally there is a scavenger hunt with many challenges. This could be anything to buying fancy lingerie at a store to running up to someone and asking for a kiss and an autograph, but they do have fun.
Sue is married to John Lyon and they live in RR, Raritan. They are the parents of 4 children, Dawn, Misty, Wendy, and JD, and they have 3 grandchildren.
In talking with Ida Mae Roe and reading in The "Stronghurst Centennial Heritage 1887-1987", Some history was revealed concerning the building that The Antiquity is housed in. Ida Mae said that Dr. Murray had his doctor's office in that building, around 1920. Ida Mae said Orva Anders, grandmother of Susan Hoffeditz Towns, would go with Dr. Murray to visit homes and deliver babies. Sue still has the sign on one of the doors that read "private". Ida Mae said she went to Dr. Murray when she was a child. Dr. Murray tlater moved to Burlington, IA where he practiced medicine.
The building housed a paint store for many years. Owners were A.E. Moore, W.C. Regan, Albert and Ethel Moore, Perry L. and Alma Stamp, Alma Stamp and Charles and Sue Beard.
Sue Lyon, owner of The Antiquity keeps busy taking appointments, keeping the home-town feel in her beauty shop and involving herself throughout the community.
Her lovely business of 21 years painted in a deep blue with white trim for a patriotic feel. She proudly displays our American flag in her window and often has the door open. Her business is handicapped accessible.