Downtown

businesses

dosey do

By Linda Lemmon

Town Crier Editor

PUTNAM --- Like economic musical chairs, downtown Putnam will see big changes coming. The Complex for Performing Arts will move its classes and performance space across the street to the Art Deco Cargill Bank building. That was most recently home to Noma.

In addition Artique will also move across the street, joining the Complex in the Cargill Bank building.  Taking Artique's old space will be A&L Marketplace. It is currently in the Montgomery Ward building at the end of the Main Street block.

Lynthia Designs, also currently in the Montgomery Ward building, will move into the spot vacated by the Complex's first-floor theater space.

And last week Rick and Laurie Dwonczyk announced they had purchased the Antiques Marketplace on Main Street. Rick Dwonczyk said they bought both the business and the real estate.

Dwonczyk said they had purchased Jeremiah's Antiques business in 2014 and were looking for a permanent home for the antiques business.  Jerry Cohen, who recently celebrated 25 years at Antiques Marketplace, will stay on as a coin, jewelry and furniture dealer.

Dwonczyk said they will be keeping both shops running, making it the largest antiques business in New England. Antiques Marketplace and Jeremiah's combined total more than 25,000 square feet of merchandise.

The Moosup native said they are pleased with the prospects. "We've already added 10 new dealers."

Three challenges make the antiques business a "nimble" business. The recession in 2008 hit the business hard. "People spent money on fuel oil, electricity, groceries, not antiques," he said. 

The internet is another challenge. He said he used to sell Rumford (Maine) cookbooks on eBay and did quite well. "With the internet, antiques aren't as rare," he said.

The third challenge is the younger set. "Younger people collect different things," he said. 

"We're a little more progressive here. Always looking for new ideas."

In a press release Dwonczyk said downtown Putnam offers visitors a unique experience no one else offers.  There's more than 25,000 square feet of antiques, 10 restaurants, a playhouse and many small shops, all within a block of Antiques Marketplace.

Cohen started Antiques Marketplace in 1991 and sparked a revival of downtown Putnam. Empty storefronts soon became homes to other antiques businesses and more.