The Puckett family of Waldo loved looking for antiques and other treasurers in attics, barns, and homes.
“They always went picking as a side hustle,” said Paula Getter, daughter of Paul and Nada Puckett. “They set up at the Marion flea market for years. They had the whole back room.”
The couple was married for 56 years. A week after Nada died in 2013, Paula took her father out picking to keep him busy. They traveled across the United States in search of antiques, collectibles, and other memorabilia to sell.
Daddy’s Barn Pickins Was Born
Eleven years ago, Paul and Paula started Daddy’s Barn Pickins, now at 393 West Center Street.
“Daddy always said, ‘We will sell just about anything. We have proven that,” Paula said.
Variety of Antiques, Clothing and Collectibles
A long-time customer, Jerrie Fondren of Richwood, joined the team. The two neat freaks love to keep the store very clean and organized, with items for kids, Ohio State merchandise, a man cave section, holiday décor, quilts, and even a 1960s-themed Hippy Hut with classic records, vintage clothes and lava lamps.
“Everyone loves the classic items,” Paula said. “You don’t have to buy anything. I just want you to come in and look. I love hearing the comments.”
Local Merchandise
A local section contains memorabilia from President Warren G. Harding, Fahey Bank, and even wooden cutouts of local buildings called Cat’s Meow Villages. The reaction from customers motivates Paula and Jerrie to keep picking.
“When you’re digging in a box, it just takes that one person who is excited to find that piece of local history,” Paula said.
Paula and Jerrie appreciate the regulars who pop into the shop and catch up and see the latest find. Eventually, they moved from a 1,200-foot storefront to a 3,000-square foot space where Jack’s Pawn Shop used to be located.
“We still don’t have enough room!” Jerrie declared.
Affordable Antiques
Paul’s goal was to make his finds affordable.
“We’re the cheapest antique store in Ohio! We hear that from our customers and in our reviews,” Paula said.
Customers looking to add to specific collections can talk to the staff.
“When people tell us what they are looking for, Paula will try to find it. If we don’t have it, we send them to other local shops or call them,” Jerrie said. “We appreciate our local support. We want to support them.”
Supporting Local Businesses
When customers new to the area pop by, they hand out lists of local stores. They also direct them to local places such as their favorite lunch place, the Steak-N-It food truck.
Paula’s son, Andrew, sells local honey at the store. Her 16-year-old grandson, Jaxson, sells handmade fishing lures.
Daddy Remembered
Paul died in 2023, but his photo, his memory and his legacy live on at Daddy’s Barn Pickins. Customer Mary Shepard of Urbana stopped by to look at the photos and remember Paul as she shopped with her daughter and granddaughter.
“They are the best family. We will be back,” Shepard said.
Downtown Businesses Thriving
For the owner, now is an exciting time to be a part of the downtown Marion business community.
“Marion is growing. It’s doing a lot better since Allen Wilson [manager of Downtown Marion, Inc.] came into the picture. He dedicates his life to Marion. He does an amazing job,” Paula said.
For more info:
393 West Center Street, Marion, OH, United States, Ohio
(740) 692-9644
paulawaldo@aol.com
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