I started selling vintage and antique treasures through twice yearly occasional sales, called Hob Nobbers, with a couple of friends about 20 years ago. My husband joined in later to help collect these treasures. The show "American Pickers" helped him see that this is not just a "female interest". Hah! We've enjoyed spending time together going to auctions and estate sales in our retirement.

We've gained an increasing interest over the years in history and historical items through these sales and in the fact that we live in a historical home. My hope is to share this interest of saving bits of the past with our customers.

We are Resident Directors in the historical home mentioned above, a 49 room English Tudor mansion. The main part of the house can be rented and the favorite use is for weddings. The house is surrounded by 11 acres of gardens and woods, truly a magical place. We feel blessed to live here.

The house was built from 1917-1924, taking 7 years to build. It was built and owned by a local doctor who worked alongside the Mayo brothers, two world famous doctors who started the Mayo Clinic.

Just recently I decided to begin selling our items online through Etsy. I've named our online shoppe Gwen And Alma's, after my two grandmothers. This is a partnership with my husband and I and we're having a great time looking for treasures to share! Though sometimes i have to keep some for myself!

My daughter, Elissa, recently joined the team and now my Etsy store is fast becoming the family business I've always dreamed about.

My granddaughters come with me on "buying trips" and we've shared many adventures and fun memories! I share these adventures on my blog, Hob Nobbers, which you can see by clicking on the "blog" link.