Blooming Where They're Planted
by Lauren Hammack | photos by K.O. Rinearson
Southwestern Publishing July 2009
As seen in Norman Living, Nichols Hills News, and Edmond Monthly
As managers of the May Antique Mall 20 years ago, Bill and Denny McConnell began to think long-term about fostering their love of collecting antiques. The husband and wife team had been antique collectors for years, but the prospect of making a career of collecting and selling antiques sounded more like play than work.
The couple approached the owner of the antique mall about buying the business. A simple handshake sealed the deal that day, two decades ago.
The McConnells' growing business soon distingusihed itself from many others by thriving, despite the ups and downs of the economy over the past 20 years. In fact, their antique mall is a 14-year winner of The Oklahoman's "Readers' Choice Award" for Best Antique Shop in Oklahoma City, presenting 70 antique dealers under one roof.
Eight years in, when their lease expired on May Avenue, the McConnells decided to relocate the mall. It might have been the perfect opportunity to migrate to a more economically stable retail area, but the McConnells held to their belief in the adage "bloom where you're planted." Just a half mile away, the McConnells found an ideal location on N.W. 23rd Street, where the 23rd Street Antique Mall remains today.
To say Denny McConnell was familiar with the neighborhood is putting it mildly. She grew up just a few blocks south of the building. Today, she and Bill live just six blocks from the mall. In fact, Denny has lived her entire life within the same square mile.
Along with the many antique dealers who have accompanied them in their venture over the past 20 years, the McConnells will be celebrating the mall's milestone anniversary this 4th of July, from 10am to 5:30pm, with special sales, hourly door prizes, refreshments and the opportunity to thank Oklahoma City for helping the McConnells to bloom where they're planted.
The 23rd Street Antique Mall is located at 3023 N.W. 23rd Street. Visit www.antiques23.com or call 947-3800.