Stories, Themed Events, and Unique Finds Around Every Corner
Established in 1982, State Street Market Shops houses everything from vintage/retro wares and wears to tea to “sophisticated bling” and everything in between. If you’ve never visited 701 N. State Street (Route 31), Elgin, IL, you are in for an adventure. This vintage building, originally a woodwork business (Kienzle Brothers Co., which opened in 1923), is home to 35 small businesses.
I enjoyed touring State Street Market Shops (SSMS) with Susan McMenamin (“Auntie Sisters” shop owner & Marketing Coordinator for SSMS) and superfan/crafter/Elginite Mary Kirkman. Mary has been shopping at State Street Markets for over three decades. Over the years, State Street Market Shops has become more than a unique shopping experience for Mary; it has become a place of connection and belonging. As Mary put it, “It feels like home.” Click here for a video tour of SSMS.
What to Expect: Losing track of time. Each of the 35 shops is set up as a permanent independent booth cared for by its owner. Many believe that State Street Market Shops is for antiques only, but that is indeed a myth. While you will undoubtedly find antiques, each shop is unique and filled with well-displayed, one-of-a-kind items.
My tour began with the Explore Elgin Area Visitor Center booth, which includes all things Elgin. Nestled among the Elgin history is a photo of staff celebrating their 10th anniversary–March 2023 marked an incredible 41 years! I could have easily spent an hour in this first booth perusing prints and Elgin History, but I didn’t; there was so much left to see and learn about. I love Elgin’s history and had yet to understand what I was in store for.
My next stop included a child’s dress-up booth–there’s more than shopping at State Street Market Shops; there are also themed events and classes. So if you have a child who would fancy a fancy dress-up tea party, you are in the right place. But, of course, no tea party is complete without tea; at “Hospitalitea,” you will find an array of tea and tea-related accessories.
Mary Kirman’s (Mary K.) favorite event is “Witches, Wine, and Wander” in October. The facility is open later than usual for this “spooktacular” evening and includes tastings, photo ops, and even a fortuneteller (if you dare). Another of Mary’s favorites is the monthly Saturday afternoon arts and crafts drop-in (BYOC, if you will–Bring Your Own Crafts). This monthly event lets you work on your crafts while networking with other crafters—a terrific way to delve deeper into crafting and make new friends. One of their recent classes is “Junk Journal,” where you learn to make a scrapbook for journaling.
On with the tour…
- Fancy That – Is “sophisticated bling” your thing? Then do not miss Mari’s shop, “Fancy That.” This lovely shop has jewelry, handbags, and home decor fit for a queen–sparkling and feminine with a hint of Paris.
- Fantastic Photos – Love nature photography? Then “Fantastic Photos” is the place for you. “Fantastic Photos” is home to Marilyn House’s photography. Elginite Marilyn is a freelance photographer and actress with, among many companies, the Elgin Theater Company.
- Richard’s Emporium – A set of vintage shops curated by Dick & Sandy Browning. Dick Browning is a retired art teacher from Elgin Academy. If you have never toured the Elgin Academy campus, “Open Elgin” is your chance. “Open Elgin” is a free, self-guided tour of Elgin buildings, and the beautiful and historic Elgin Academy is one of the tour stops.
- Lake Michigan Rock Art – Janet Sandell’s shop includes Lake Michigan Rock Art created by her daughter, a high-functioning autistic person. I was immediately drawn to these items in Janet’s shop; I collected rocks as a kid and still have a small collection of rocks and crystals. It was heart-warming to learn about the artist behind the art.
- Out of Hand – Karen Pullman, a lifelong Elginite and educator in U-46 (Eastview Middle School, Elgin High School, Abbott, and Kenyon Woods). Karen’s parents started the shop, and Karen continued the family tradition – you can even find Karen’s Mom’s artwork in the shop.
- Let’s Fiesta Ware – This fiesta of wares is curated by BJ Holk, who also grew up in Elgin. When you first walk up, you are struck by the colors. It’s like a well-arranged rainbow of various pottery and other wares that makes you instantly happy!
- Phyllis Olsen’s Shop – My next stop was a shop by one of the original shop owners, whose husband is a retired Elgin police officer. This shop of antiques includes depression-era glassware – I found a set of green glassware I adored.
- Country Decorator – This shop is by Sally Farmer, another original shop owner. This shop is filled with lovely country decor.
- Zoe’s Attic – Shop owner, Darlene Adams, describes her shop as “eclectic whimsy with an edgy vibe” – accurate. Among the cool retro items, I even found a Slipknot flannel. I am definitely revisiting this shop!
- Uncle Lee’s Closet – This shop of “Mid Century at affordable prices. Furniture, artwork, and kitsch” is curated by Sarese Hranicka. Anyone interested in mid-century modern must stop here – I guarantee you’ll find something unique to complement your decor.
- Auntie Sisters – Last but certainly not least is my tour guide’s shop, Susan McMenamin. What struck me the most about her shop is the collection of oil-burning lamps – even if you do not want to use them for their intended purpose, I think of the unique things you could do with such an object for decor.
These are just a few of the 35 shops. I had no idea what I would encounter for this interview, but it was a wonderful experience. In addition to the unique items, I encountered incredible stories from shop owners–many of whom are lifelong Elginites. So, when you shop at State Street Market Shops, you support generations of Elginites who care about this community. And remember, even if shopping isn’t your thing, maybe crafting is. How about taking a needle felting class hosted by local Artist Mary Krebsbach (Autumn Rose Designs)? Whatever you do, make it a point to stop in; there is something for everyone at State Street Market Shops.
