With Christmas right around the corner and that hard to buy for person on your list, there may be something really cool at Riverbank Vintage. The store carries antiques, collectibles, and really neat retro styles. Owner, collector and treasure hunter Earl Nixon opened shop on Nov. 2 at 3300 Santa Fe St., in downtown Riverbank.
“I noticed that local is huge here in town,” said Nixon. “When you talk to people from Riverbank they are proud of their town. That is one of the things that attracted me to moving out here. I have always been a treasure hunter but I stopped in the last few years because I have been doing tattoos.”
The building where Nixon has set up shop is somewhat of a landmark in downtown Riverbank; it used to be a bank at one time. The old bank building has some unique characteristics, including some of the original equipment such as an old safe behind bars. According to Historical Society archives, the building was built in 1911 as First National Bank and later was Delta Bank.
“I have always liked this building,” added Nixon. “It is an inspiring building. We thought let’s just take what’s here and use it.”
Working down the street at Soulpatch Tattoos, Nixon would pass by the old bank building that was empty thinking about what he could do to open it back up. Although it was a slow process and the goal of opening during the Cheese and Wine festival didn’t happen, he is delighted to have the shop open now for collectors and shoppers in the area.
Nixon has a love for collectibles in the ‘80s and ‘90s but also enjoys the ‘50s and roaring ‘20s and all things nostalgic.
“It is ever changing,” he said. “We are always looking out for stuff that appeals to people’s nostalgic side. We have online and use Instagram to sell stuff as well.”
Some of the items at Riverbank Vintage are comic books, antique sewing machines, retro kitchen appliances, dishes, paintings, vinyl, furniture, and much more.
Recently he purchased two old fishing poles that were in good condition. The Victorian couch needs a little work, Nixon said, but is beautiful and catches the eye of many people. There are plenty of Christmas decorations like a variety of Santa figurines and Nixon’s very own custom ornaments.
He has been a tattoo artist for 13 years and has worked at Soulpatch since March of 2018 where he has grown fond of the downtown area and Riverbank as a whole.
Nixon buys, sells, trades and will do some items on consignment and he keeps a list of names for those that are seeking something special. They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays, open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
“It (the store) is all results from treasure hunting,” expressed Nixon. “I have been fortunate enough to get good deals. If it is done well then it has a place here. I am still learning. I have had so many people stop by and tell me about the building and the area. So if people want to come by and just talk, I am here.”
