For Bertha Baker, the best part was always the people

Editor’s note: Bertha May Baker, a longtime Lynchburg businesswoman and beloved presence on the Square, passed away Sunday, Sept. 20. In her memory, the Moore County Observer is republishing this feature, originally published in our March 12, 2025, print edition as part of Women’s History Month. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Lynchburg Funeral Home, with funeral services at 10 a.m. Saturday.

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Along Main Street in the heart of Lynchburg, Baker’s Antiques and Collectibles has quietly stood the test of time. For more than three decades, Bertha May Baker and her late husband, Clarence, have welcomed locals and tourists into their store – a trove of memories, rare finds, and Southern charm.

The Bakers’ journey began humbly in 1992. Clarence started selling old bottles and tools from a small front room, once a storage area.

“It was just a little space up front,” Bertha recalled. “Clarence sold bottles and tools, just enough to get started.”

Over time, the small shop expanded as the Bakers rented booths to other vendors. When those vendors moved on, Bertha and Clarence gradually took over the space, transforming the store into the unique antique haven it is today.

The building itself has a rich history. Originally constructed by Frank Hise, a local builder who used it to store supplies such as paneling, doors, and windows, the structure features steel beams underneath to support heavy loads.

“You can still see those beams in the basement,” Bertha said. “People always ask about them.”

Clarence decided to open the store because of his experience as a vegetable vendor on the Square.

“He noticed all these people coming in,” Bertha explained. “He figured if he couldn’t sell enough produce, he could sell bottles and tools.”

The decision paid off, and Baker’s Antiques became a staple in town.

Bertha joined Clarence in the business after a year, adding antiques and collectibles to the store’s inventory.

“I went to flea markets every weekend,” she said. “I’d visit Monteagle on Saturdays, Triune on Sundays, and Dog Days on Mondays. I found some great pieces, and back then, people were crazy about antiques.”

As word spread, locals began bringing their treasures to the shop, trusting the Bakers to find their items a new home.

One memorable sale left a lasting impression on Bertha.

“A young woman came in, found an old drink bottle, and started crying,” she recalled. “She had worked at her brother’s drink shop, and when it closed, she’d been searching for a bottle like that ever since. Seeing her so happy just made my day.”

While the Bakers curated their collection for customers, Bertha couldn’t resist keeping some items for herself.

“I love lamps,” she admitted. “I also collected angels, miniature houses, birds, and flowers. Clarence never complained; he just smiled and let me enjoy it.”

The store’s inventory reflects Bertha’s dedication to nostalgia. Vintage Tennessee license plates attract collectors seeking to complete their 50-state sets. International visitors often purchase plates as mementos of their travels.

“Some people want a plate from every state they’ve visited,” Bertha explained. “They love taking a piece of Tennessee home with them.”

John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia also line the shelves, drawing fans of Hollywood’s golden era.

“Some folks still come in just for those,” Bertha laughed. “I get it – I love John Wayne, too.”

Over the years, Baker’s Antiques has weathered Clarence’s passing in 2008, economic shifts, and changing trends. However, the COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented challenge.

“We lost a lot of our older customers,” Bertha said. “The tour buses that used to bring crowds in practically stopped. And sadly, some of our longtime customers passed away. Younger people just don’t seem to have the same interest in antiques.”

Despite these hardships, Baker’s Antiques remains a cornerstone of Lynchburg’s Square. With more than 30 years of history, it is one of the town’s oldest storefronts, second only to the Hardware Store.

Baker’s longevity reflects Bertha’s hard work, Clarence’s warm personality, and the community’s appreciation for their unique offerings.

The family has always played a vital role in the store’s success. Their daughter, Joyce, worked with the Bakers in the ’90s before moving to Florida and California. When she returned in 2012, she quickly stepped back into the business.

“Dad always wanted me to stay,” Joyce recalled. “Even when business slowed, he just loved having me there.”

Today, Baker’s Antiques continues to welcome visitors from near and far. Whether browsing vintage tools, rare collectibles, or nostalgic memorabilia, customers often leave with more than just an item – they go with a story.

“The best part,” Bertha said, “is when someone walks in and finds something they’ve been looking for forever. Seeing their face light up – that’s what makes this all worthwhile.”