The Millstone Workshop: An ‘Eclectic’ Mix of Antiques, Vintage and Home Décor

There has been a business of some type at 1393 Millstone River Road since the building was constructed in 1795.

In addition to living quarters, the historic building and its storefront have housed the Millstone Post Office and a yarn shop—in fact, the cubicles that held skeins of yarns are still in what is now used as an office.

Linda de Velder purchased the property in 2007 and a children’s book store tenant occupied the main floor from 2008-2009. When the tenant moved out, de Velder decided it was time to take the historic location back to its roots and establish The Millstone Workshop as a source of antiques, vintage items and home décor.

A full-time teacher of English and writing at the University of Cincinnati, where she teaches three days a week, and the author of several children’s books—several under the name of Linda Walvoord—de Velder always had an interest in antiques. When she and her husband married and merged households about five years ago, The Millstone Workshop was a perfect fit for their mutual interest in collecting antiques.

The interior of The Millstone Workshop features many items that date back nearly to the original 1795 building, including a wooden board that serves as the desktop in the main room, wooden beams and an old refurbished fireplace in a back room. Behind the main counter are prints depicting regional sites.  

De Velder feels the store is ideal for smart shoppers in today’s economy.

“When times are hard, more antiques are becoming available because people are clearing out what they don’t need,” she notes.

While many antique shops emphasize knickknacks, The Millstone Workshop features antiques and items that are “ready for people to use in their homes in a price range that’s affordable. I try to price fairly from the beginning. I want the price not to be a problem,” she says.

Among the diverse items available at The Millstone Workshop are chandeliers, artwork, quilts, including antique and new washable ones for under $60, china, knobs and tiles, a wood stove, furniture, such as a usable desk for $20, and an expanding book collection.

She calls the often-changing collection “eclectic” rather than country. When browsing estate sales and other locales for merchandise, she looks for things that are “interesting, where I like the finish and like the wood. I only pick things I like.”

With an emphasis on being customer-friendly, de Velder points out that free parking is available across the street or in the driveway at the end of the white fence near the building. She will gladly make appointments to meet with customers during non-regular store hours, put an item on layaway—“It’s an old-fashioned idea but it’s a wonderful idea to help people out," she says— and keep wish lists for those seeking something “special.”

She will also direct customers to area experts who can help with refinishing projects such as caning and repairing rush seats.

“I enjoy both the selling and the finding of antiques. I really enjoy seeing somebody find something they really like and can use. I like having customers stop in and want people to have a cozy feeling about the store,” de Velder adds.