North Platte antique market uses old grain bins to help sell
Pat and Lori Clinch used an old grain bin from the 1930s as sort of an extra room. They used the wooden structure to sit and take in the panoramic view of the valley and trees near their home.
Friends seemed to enjoy the time they spent in the bin, Lori said.
Unbeknownst to her, Pat had a plan. The Clinches learned that a farmer had 14 of the bins on his property, and they were for sale.
They bought all 14. Lori thought they might sell them for others to use them like they did. The government provided farmers with the wooden bins during the Depression to help store crops.
Pat suggested keeping them and using them to store antiques, as in selling antiques. Thus, was born the Grain Bin Antique Town, southeast of North Platte.
The antique market opened August 2013 with 16 Depression-era grain bins. The market had its grand opening in May once all the bins had antiques stocked for selling. Several of the bins are stocked by other vendors.
Grain Bin Antique Town is more than an antique marketplace; it’s become a tourist attraction in Lincoln County.
The grain bin market has a boardwalk, with some of the wood coming from an old grade school building. I felt like I was in an old west town walking on the boardwalk.
The market offers some unique items – from old military uniforms to a copy of “16” magazine.
The view of the area is beautiful. The antique town is adjacent to the Clinch home. The views of the valleys on either side of the property are breathtaking in my view.
Pat is working on building an observation deck in the market’s main building. That will be a great view of the area.
The Grain Bin Antique Town is located on Old Highway 83. Part of the drive is on gravel roads. It’s a short drive from town, and worth the trip.
For more information on the Grain Bin Antique Town, please visit its website at http://www.grainbinantiquetown.com/#.