For the collector who loves primitive furniture and collectibles, Blue Oval Antiques Store may be a new local favorite.Kelly and Mike Meyer, both natives of Marthasville, recently built and opened the store at 104 S. One St.Kelly came by her interest in antiques naturally. Her parents, Billie and Art Logan, owned an antique shop in Dutzow for many years. Her mother, a paramedic, and her dad, an EMT and firefighter, both volunteered for the Marthasville Volunteer Ambulance District, were well known in the area.“My mom would sit me down with pattern glass books and tell me to find the pattern of glassware she had found at auctions,” she said. “That was after my homework!”Meyer laughed and explained that she never shared her mother’s love of glassware, but attributes her appreciation of antiques to her parents.“It’s a love and a hobby,” said Kelly Meyer, who also holds a full-time job. “The best part is the hunt.”Some of her favorite finds are Meyer Brothers Old Judge coffee and spice cans, Griesedieck Brothers St. Louis beer items, turn-of-the-century furniture, granite ware and crockery. She also displays a white wicker baby carriage used in a St. Louis production of “My Fair Lady,” and a Missouri Valley Creamery cooler from Washington.Meyer has tastefully crammed her new building full of early 1900s furniture.“Burl walnut is my favorite wood,” she said. “Finding a marble top is the icing on the cake.”Meyer said she is amazed by the good condition she finds 100-year-old household items. She feels that farm families took very good care of the tools they used on a daily basis.The back portion of the store is used for furniture refinishing and storing Mike’s 1966 Ford Fairlane, which explains the name of the shop, the “Blue Oval,” is a tribute to Ford products.Santa borrowed her antique sleigh Dec. 9 to visit area children in Marthasville neighborhoods. Her parents found the Canadian-made treasure at an auction and used it many times in the past as a backdrop for Santa. Marthasville firefighters escorted Santa through town.Meyer said Blue Oval Antiques is open most weekends, but more by “chance” or appointment. She can be reached at 636-433-2386.“It’s always been in the back of my mind to open a store,” she said. “I’m glad I can do it in my hometown.”

Kelly Meyer poses with Santa in front of her newly constructed antique store. The vintage Canadian-made sleigh was a rare find by her parents and has been featured in many Marthasville celebrations over the years. The store is located at 104 S. One St. in Marthasville.

Record photo/Cindy Gladden

Kelly Meyer recently opened Blue Oval Antiques at 104 S. One St. in Marthasville. She highlights turn-of-the-century furniture, primitives and household goods. She is open most weekends or by appointment.

Record photo/Cindy Gladden