L.I. Antiques Center: Merrick's Own Treasure Trove

When you step into the L.I. Antiques Center it's like taking a charming walk through time.

The cozy Merrick store is filled to the brim with antiques and collectibles.  Art and photographs, furniture, chandeliers, and sculptures immediately stand out.  Look a little closer and you'll notice a treasure trove of glassware, china, frames, books, pins, jewelry, clothing, toys, posters and more. 

L.I. Antiques Center has been based in Merrick for about eight years after moving from Baldwin and is run by antiques experts John D'Amico and Ronald Roggoff. 

For D'Amico, antiques became his passion about 25 years ago.  It was while living in upstate New York that he met an antiques dealer who taught him what she knew.  It was just around that time that she was winding down her business and D'Amico took over. 

"I never knew anything like this existed before then," D'Amico said.  "But I caught the collector's bug quickly and haven't stopped living and breathing antiques since."

D'Amico gave Patch a personal tour of the store.

"This is not your typical antiques shop.  We really have a bit of everything big and small," D'Amico explained.  "At first people are amazed that the store is actually large and deep.  Many think it's just the front gallery but soon see that it goes way back."

At the entrance of the L.I. Antiques Center we were greeted by the sight of cabinets, chairs, lamps and sculptures.  In the main gallery D'Amico put a coin into a nickelodeon and music soon filled the store.

We walked down the aisle past displays full of shiny crystals, pins, jewelry flanked by artwork along the wall.  Past the vintage cash register we arrived at the 40s and 50s section.  Collectibles from that era from Coca Cola advertising and posters to cookie jars, figurines and more are waiting to be discovered. Next D'Amico pointed to a closet full of World's Fair memorabilia

Next stop was the toy section, stocked with a bevy of collectible comic books, Mattel cars, dolls and even an antique adult tricycle. Beyond toys, on the other side of the store was a display area filled with eclectic items for men including hats, pipes, lighters, and nautical items. 

In the "boutique" section was an abundance of women's vintage clothing, handbags, shoes, perfume bottles, jewelry, and more.  

The back of the store was devoted to country antiques and collectibles including furnishings, lamps, pillows, decorative items and pottery. And, that wasn't the end. When the weather is warmer, outdoor themed merchandise like antique iron furniture and garden decorations are set outside at the rear of the store.

Some of the store's most interesting items?  There have been many.

D'Amico recalls pieces of wood scaffolding used to hang President Lincoln's assassination conspirators.  The wood was accompanied by a letter and diary of a Civil War officer who witnessed the hangings in 1865. 

D'Amico says he found this unique collectible while visiting an elderly woman he knew in Freeport.  "She pulled out a bag filled with old wood and said, 'You'll like this.'" 

Another unique item, which is currently in the shop, is a family photo album dating from the 1890s which belonged to the historic Gardiner family of Long Island.  He says it's a wonderful collectible that hasn't yet found its perfect collector.

D'Amico says the store has helped to furnish a number of homes in Merrick.  Many of his customers are themselves antiques dealers that come from near and far.

Steven Tarantola, a dealer from New Jersey, told Patch:  "I'm here almost weekly.  In addition to buying for my business I often buy items for my personal collection.  I always find some of the best antiques here and the prices are decent."

The L.I. Antiques Center constantly adds new items so D'Amico suggests visiting the shop frequently.  You never know what new treasures you may find.