Jim Meckley is pictured next to a rack of old sci-fi magazines inside the Early Owego Antique Center. Meckley also runs a store in Endicott called Books I Should Have Read at 105 S. Duane Ave. (Photos by Rick Stilson)

The Early Owego Antique Center at the corner of Main and Lake Street in Owego, N.Y. has gotten off to a great start, according to vendors interviewed by the Owego Pennysaver. All report frequent sales, some more than others, but nearly everyone at the unique co-op antique and collectable forum have had to bring in more stuff to replace treasures taken home by shoppers.

“It’s going better than I expected, it’s a great venue,” Jim Meckley said. Meckley has a large booth packed with hard to find books, including several Popular Mechanics magazines from the 1930′s and ’40s. Having been a member of quite a few co-ops himself, Meckley was impressed with Jim Mead’s Early Owego Antique Center. “Jim’s done a great job, dealers are excited. It’s a great thing,” Meckley said.

Pat Blasdel, owner of Blaze Service dealing in gold, coins, and supplies for collectors agreed that the Center is off to a good start. Blasdel’s wife Kim said traffic has been steady, with vendors very busy. The mezzanine is starting to fill up, according to Blasdel, although there are a number of spots open still for entrepreneurs looking to open a small shop.

Mike Dempsey was busy setting up new antiques he had brought in to fill his booth back up. “It’s the perfect outlet for first timers if you want to try your hand at something,” Dempsey said. He added that the Center’s coordinator Jim Mead has things well organized. “He’s got it set up right,” Dempsey said.

For more information, the Early Owego Antique Center’s website can be found on Facebook and at www.earlyowegoantiquecenter.com. Vendors interested in renting a vendor booth can contact Fran Antalek at (607) 239-8353, or email to lantelek@stny.rr.com.