Catherine Blythe purchased a small building on the corner of Canal St. and Mildred Ave and opened Blythe Bookstore in April of 1940. With the intention of creating a haven for those who needed an escape, Catherine set out to collect every book she could get her hands on so she could share her passion with the world. She quickly ran out of room for them all and started purchasing the surrounding properties to expand her bookstore and expand the knowledge and wonder of her community.

When Catherine passed in 1963, her family was left with a lot on their hands. On top of the massive bookstore, Catherine also kept an extensive personal collection of books and other knick-knacks. Today her sons might’ve called her a hoarder, but then they saw a way to make the best of the situation. Along with her personal collection, they sold a lot of her personal items and furniture in the back on the shop, eventually spilling over to outside the store. When her son Robert married an antique appraiser Elaine, she soon realized that her new family had struck gold in Catherine’s old items.

Over the next decade, Blythe Bookstore quickly expanded and became Blythe Antiques. Still holding a vast collection of old books, the market now encompasses the entire 200 block of Mildred Ave. and sells everything imaginable from furniture to other small household items and décor.

Nancy Blythe currently owns and operates Blythe Antiques, and has truly managed to breathe new life into this old establishment. Her belief is that every antique has its’ own personality and story, and that while they might be seen as old or weird the right antique piece can transform a space to give it an entirely new feel.