Story & Photos by DONNA NEELY
With over seventy combined years of experience in the antique business, these three local ladies have the experience to share and provide one of a kind unique pieces to decorate your home or office. This quaint little antique shop resides on the Watertown square and is currently located in the Pioneer Building. Town Square Antiques specializes in many eras, from vintage clothing, quilts, primitives, victorian items, old cookie jars and a very rare miniature Secretary, just to name a few of the many collectables so carefully decorated and displayed in this unique town square shop.
Co-owner, Joyce Robertson grew up in Alexandria, Tennessee. She married Jimbo Robertson, a Watertown boy. In December they will be celebrating there 50th wedding anniversary. They have one son and one grandson. Joyce’s love for antiques & collectibles led her to open a shop on Pearl Street located along the railroad track. It was there she saw the first Excursion Train roll into Watertown in October of 1989. Joyce explains, “It was exciting and twenty-one years later I still get excited and enjoy the visitors that the Excursion Train brings into our home town.”
You will not want to miss the next two train events; Murder Mystery Train November 13th and North Pole Express & Santa Excursion Train November 27th in Watertown.
Co-owner, Loretta Haley was raised on a 1834 century family farm outside of Watertown. Loretta married Bob Haley and has three sons and three granddaughters. Loretta always considers her prize antique as being the cabin that she has on her family farm. It was built around 1825 and was restored in the 1980’s. Family and friends in and around the Watertown community enjoy the cabin. The cabin is used for Leadership Wilson tours, special dinner events, family gatherings and many Christmas open houses. The cabin is furnished with primitives and it will definitely take you back in time.
Co-owner, Kathy Hunter, a retired school teacher from Watertown was born and raised in Lebanon. She married Mike Hunter, they have two sons and one grandson. They own and operate, Hunter Funeral Home in Watertown.
Watertown’s historic town square is architecturally preserved and bustling with quaint shops, service businesses and restaurants. Locals say Watertown is the best kept secret in Middle Tennessee.
During Watertown events, shops and restaurants fill up with hundreds of shoppers. Joyce explains, “The visitors will stroll, eat and shop for a few hours and then suddenly, at the end of the day we are back to our quit and quaint little home town. We feel our shop is special with each of our unique combined personalities, our goal is to continually please our customers.”
The three ladies also have two dealers that contribute to the growth of Town Square Antiques, Elaine Mingle of Auburntown and Randy Satterfield of Hartsville. “They are a true asset to this shop.”
Kathy, Loretta and Joyce have been in many locations over the past several years, but Joyce stated, “The love of Watertown and antiques has bonded the three of us for life. When will our journey together end? We believe one day at a time is a good plan!”
There’s always something happening in Watertown – even if it’s just some good, old fashioned relaxation!
Come visit them at their Christmas Open House December 11-12.
