Our Story
Where we've been, and where we're going!
Humble Beginnings
April, 2012
Founded by Evelyn Carter in the small town of Willow Creek, Century Finds opened its doors in 2012. Evelyn, a passionate collector of antiques, transformed an old, creaky building into a charming store filled with curated treasures from different eras. With a dream to revive history in her community, she started out with a modest collection of furniture, vintage jewelry, and oddities sourced from estate sales and auctions. Her goal was simple: to give these timeless pieces a new home and inspire others with stories from the past.
Growing Popularity and Expansion
2014
By 2014, Century Finds had developed a loyal following. Word of mouth spread, attracting antique enthusiasts from neighboring towns and even cities farther away. With the increase in demand, Evelyn expanded the store’s space by renting an adjacent building, doubling the floor area. The expanded store offered unique themed sections, such as “Vintage Kitchen,” “Mid-Century Modern,” and “Victorian Décor,” giving customers a curated experience and allowing them to explore antiques by era and style.
The Renovation and Modernization Project
2018
In 2018, Century Finds underwent a major renovation, with the goal of preserving the historic charm of the store while modernizing the shopping experience. The building’s original architecture was restored, and new lighting, signage, and a small café were added to enhance the ambiance. The café became a gathering place for local artists and antique collectors, fostering a community atmosphere. With the renovations complete, Century Finds hosted its first-ever “Antique Appreciation Day,” an annual event with workshops, guest speakers, and guided tours, drawing crowds from all over.
Overcoming Pandemic-Era Challenges
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges for Century Finds. Forced to close its physical doors temporarily, Evelyn pivoted by expanding the store’s online presence and increasing social media engagement. She started virtual tours of the store and introduced a “find of the week” series, where she highlighted rare pieces with video storytelling. Despite the challenges, Century Finds managed to stay afloat, with loyal customers supporting the business through online sales and engaging in the virtual events.
A Community Landmark and New Horizons
2023
In 2023, Century Finds celebrated its 11th anniversary, marking over a decade of bringing history to the Willow Creek community. Now widely recognized as a local landmark, the store launched a new initiative: a “Century Restoration Program,” where people could bring in their family heirlooms for professional restoration and appraisal. Evelyn also began planning for a new chapter in Century Finds’ legacy, exploring the idea of a second location in a nearby city. The future looks bright for the beloved antique store, with a community eager to see it thrive for years to come.
